Since the beginning of 2023, 55 children have died from drowning in Florida, 9 had been diagnosed with autism.

A teacher who helps preside over a program for students with autism, Carrie Jones knows full well some aspects the general public might not understand.

Legoland Florida Resort is officially designated as a certified autism center, making it the first theme park resort to receive this certification.

Considering this month is an important time to learn more about autism, we thought we’d ask you, our readers and viewers: If any of you have a close connection to autism spectrum disorder (perhaps you’ve been diagnosed, or you have a friend or child with autism), is there anything you wish more people understood?

5 things to know about neurodiversity and why it's becoming a hot topic.

Considering this month is an important time to learn more about autism, we thought we’d ask you, our readers and viewers: If any of you have a close connection to autism spectrum disorder (perhaps you’ve been diagnosed, or you have a friend or child with autism), is there anything you wish more people understood?

One way to cope with any extra stress or anxiety is to have the kids engage in play time to help develop motor skills, social skills and language development, according to Dr. Jen Harstein, a children’s developmental psychologist who works with autistic children daily.

Autism can be explained medically as a bio-neurological development disability, but to get into the nuanced details is quite a bit more complicated.

A young boy’s parents are grateful to a police officer who showed up at their home after an unusual 911 call from their 12-year-old son with autism.

The creators of the show, “Farm! A Musical Experience,” designed the play specifically for children with autism, and for other kids who are neurodiverse.

The all-new Peppa Pig Theme Park will open as a certified autism center, leaders announced Tuesday at the IAAPA Expo at the Orange County Convention Center.

South Florida Autism Charter Schools for children and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in West Miami-Dade has officially held its ribbon-cutting ceremony with school staff, students, Miami-Dade County government officials, and dignitaries.

For Anthony and Sammy Taormina, there are two dates that define their lives as people with Asperger’s syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder.

Track and field and swimming are among the team sports that might be best for children with autism.

Viktor Bevanda doesn’t speak, but his use of color shouts with excitement. His work with oil pastels has turned him into a master of nonverbal communication.

Finding love can be hard for anyone.

April has widely been known as Autism Awareness Month in the U.S., as a way to empower people living with autism and their families.

These instruments provide good and simple ways for children with autism or other sensory disorders to develop motor skills and have fun.

Researchers in Florida are expanding the understanding of some of the mechanisms involved in autism by zeroing in on genes that influence early brain growth.

April is World Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month. Check out these events to embrace and support the autism community.

There’s a new friend in the neighborhood!“ Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” that is.

Autism may bring challenges for those who live with it, but celebrities with autism have shown they can achieve tremendous things and fulfill their dreams.

Disney offers a special card for those who have trouble waiting in long lines because of a disability.

For fans of Julia, the 4-year-old Muppet with autism on “Sesame Street,” you are in luck.

After dealing with exclusion by his peers over the years, Timothy Rohrer, a now-young adult who was diagnosed with autism as a second-grader, penned and published a pamphlet in which he basically guides people on how to treat those with disabilities.

Nationally and internationally, April is a big month for autism awareness.

WESTON, Fla. – Among the many challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic are those faced by the families and caregivers of people on the autism spectrum. “Children, adults and teens with autism, they have challenges with things like masks because they have some sensory issues and they may not tolerate the mask, and because of that, they have difficulty following the rules that the CDC asks us to follow,” said Dr. Adrien Eshraghi, with UHealth-Miller School of Medicine. Eshraghi said caregivers themselves are suffering from a form of burn-out because support resources are not available. “You have to imagine there’s a team to help these patients with autism," Eshraghi said. "They have ADA therapies, speech therapies, occupational therapy and special needs school.

I struggled to fit in with my neurotypical peers at school, my job, on social media, and even at a teen youth group. Posted by Tim Rohrer - Tips4Inclusion on Saturday, April 13, 2019Rohrer’s mother, Amy, said her son has gotten a remarkable response. This guide will help you get a better understanding of people with disabilities and what they really need in their lives. The signs of a disability as listed above are involuntary and it does not make up who they really are. Invite them to parties such as birthday parties, pool parties, BBQ parties, graduation parties, Halloween parties, Christmas parties, and Sweet 16’s.

As April draws closer to its close, perhaps it's the right time to stop and reflect on all the autism outreach and autism awareness campaigns that the month has brought. For example, by now, some people are aware that a good handful of iconic buildings "go blue" in honor of World Autism Awareness Day. Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Autism SpeaksAnd check out this international soccer match, held in Mexico on April 7. Hector Vivas/Getty ImagesFinally, did you know people in the baseball community are working toward creating a universally accessible Dodgers Dreamfield at Jack Bulik Park? Photo by Rachel Luna/Getty ImagesDid you catch any local events that took place in your community?

Could there be a connection between a mother’s exposure to pesticides during her pregnancy, and an increased risk for autism in her child? Scientists have been researching the potential effects of pesticide exposure on infants and developing fetuses, and they recently determined that exposure to the most commonly used pesticides was in fact linked to a higher risk of autism spectrum disorder. When they looked at diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder that also came with intellectual disabilities, they found on average 30% higher rates among children who were exposed to the pesticides while in utero. Perhaps that’s why Ondine S. von Ehrenstein, an associate professor at UCLA who led the study, chose to examine these pesticides in humans. Some women might not even know if they’re exposed to pesticides, or about the areas in which they live.

For fans of Julia, the 4-year-old Muppet with autism on “Sesame Street,” you are in luck. Autism Speaks, a national advocacy organization that sponsors research and conducts awareness activities, has launched a new campaign in conjunction with "Sesame Street" that features Julia and aims to promote early autism screening. The campaign consists of digital, print and resources available in English at ScreenForAutism.org and in Spanish at DeteccionDeAutismo.org. The content highlights the importance of early screening. “There is considerable work to be done in overcoming obstacles that may delay a diagnosis -- the first step toward improved future outcomes,” said Angela Geiger, CEO of Autism Speaks.

Parents of children with autism likely have a lot of questions before, during and after a diagnosis. Frazier took time out of his busy travel schedule during Autism Awareness Month to answer some questions on autism and provide tips for parents. Family and caregiver quality of life are key to successful development for all children, but especially children with autism." Frazier: "In general, parents of children with autism know their child and learn what they can and cannot do. Parents of children with autism who understand how to prompt and reinforce appropriate functional behavior are the most effective parents.

Autism may bring challenges for those who live with it, but celebrities with autism have shown they can overcome those challenges to achieve tremendous things and fulfill their dreams. Here are some notable celebrities who have autism. Dan AykroydThe famous "Saturday Night Live" alum and star of several movies in the '80s was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome and Tourettes syndrome when he was 12. He has toured the world and performed on "The Today Show," the "Late Show with David Letterman" and "Late Night with Conan O'Brien." Courtney LoveLove was diagnosed with a mild form of autism at age 9, and has become an accomplished singer/songwriter and actress.

Whether it’s to provide relaxation or to develop coordination or motor skills, playing music instruments is a great activity for kids who have autism. UkuleleStrumming strings on this instrument helps develop motor control, and it has four strings compared to a full-size guitar with six strings. Xylophone/glockenspielAnother small and inexpensive instrument (ranging from $50 to $100), this helps kids with autism develop impulse control and hand-eye coordination. BongosSimply hitting bongos can be a good way to enjoy sound and work off some energy. But if there's a desire to get more in-depth, learning to play them along to music develops hand-eye coordination and motor skills.

For parents of children with autism, some might be understandably hesitant to put them in sports or other leisure activities. While team sports that rely a lot on communication and cooperation might be tougher for some children with autism, there are sports and activities that are great for universal participation, according to an article on verywellhealth.com. Those activities are better suited for kids with autism. Bowling: This is a sport that doesn’t require much communication with other team members to succeed, because it’s so individualized. Individual sports/activitiesHere are some notable non-team sports and activities that can be good for children with autism or other sensory disorders.

MIAMI – Chuck E. Cheese's, the location of paradise for children all over the U.S., has announced it will offer an autism-friendly day each month for kids with autism and other special needs. The entertainment venues will open two hours early on the first Sunday of each month for "Sensory Sensitive Sundays" at select locations, including three in South Florida. During the monthly event, Chuck E. Cheese's will have less crowding, and the restaurant will reduce lighting and noise, reducing features that may be overwhelming to children with autism. Food and games will also be available, tailored to the children in attendance by trained staff. CLICK HERE to check locations in your area that will offer "Sensory Sensitive Sundays."