Latest news with #Autism
ITV News
17 hours ago
- ITV News
Friends and family gather for charity football match in memory of 20-year-old Mackenzie Ball
Video report by Amelia Beckett The family and friends of a man from Rotherham who was killed in a car crash last year have held a charity football match in his memory. Mackenzie Ball was 20 years old when he died in a car crash - police believe he was deliberately rammed off the road. Despite a number of arrests following the crash on June 2 no-one has been charged with Mackenzie's death - his family now hope that my honouring him with the charity football match, his legacy will live on. Dozens gathered as a tribute to him at today's match - the result didn't matter, it was about getting the community together and raising money for both ADHD and Autism charities. Mackenzie was diagnosed with both. His sister Ellie paid tribute to the brother she says had a 'heart of gold'. 'He was just absolutely amazing, so hard working so get up and go, life and soul of the party, heart of gold, do anything for anybody its just absolutely heartbreaking and such a shame that this has ended up happening." Friend Leo Welch said:" Mackannzie had ADHD and Autism and his mum came up with that idea - and Ive got ADHD myself so I thought it was a brilliant idea, put some more support in the community and obviously help a local charity." Drew Lindley added: "We want to keep it going this is only the first year of doing it we'll do it bigger and bigger every year." So the plan is expand next years event - MacFest - with music, bands and stalls to keep alive the memory of a young man with such a lot to live for.
CBS News
4 days ago
- General
- CBS News
Autism in adulthood is on the rise. A Maryland medical expert explains the symptoms.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has long been associated with childhood diagnoses, but as new research shows a shift, a Maryland medical expert is sharing insight into symptoms for adults. A recent study shows that a growing number of adults are learning they've been living with autism for their entire lives. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, recorded a 450% increase in autism diagnoses among adults ages 26 to 34 between 2011 and 2022. Signs of autism in adults Dr. Peter Crino is the Chair of the Department of Neurology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and Chief of Neurology at the University of Maryland Medical Center. He said the signs of adult autism can be subtle and long overlooked, especially for those who have spent years unsure of their symptoms. "I had one patient once tell me, 'I felt my whole life as though I didn't get the memo,'" Dr. Crino said. "I thought it was a beautiful way of explaining it. And I think for those individuals, yes, the first step is to reach out to your primary care physician and just talk about your concerns." Once that conversation starts, getting a diagnosis is often more straightforward than people expect. "Most primary care physicians can then place a referral to a behavioral health specialist who can just simply go through the questions that we ask," Dr. Crino said. "It's not by any stretch an opaque diagnosis or a challenging diagnosis. We have diagnostic criteria that we can use." What is ASD? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, behavior and sensory processing. Though it presents differently in everyone, common adult symptoms include social anxiety, a preference for routine, sensory sensitivities and difficulty with interpersonal communication. Many adults with ASD also experience co-occurring mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, sometimes as a result of years of feeling out of place. "Having the diagnosis for many people retrospectively gives them tremendous relief," Dr. Crino said. "They worry their whole life there's something wrong with them, and the truth is, there isn't. It's just a neurodivergent, neurotypical world in just a very different way. I think it may allow them a little bit of grace and sort of giving themselves some understanding, but also some new strategies." Therapy and resources for ASD Experts say a diagnosis can also unlock access to helpful therapies and resources, from cognitive behavioral therapy to occupational support and workplace accommodations. It may even lead to a stronger sense of identity and self-acceptance. Dr. Crino believes the broader culture is beginning to shift, but said much of the responsibility lies with the world around neurodivergent individuals. "With a world that's, let's face it, designed largely for neurotypical individuals, I think that's gone a long way to help the ASD community feel as though they have a very prevalent and very common way of looking at the world," he said. "And I think the responsibilities, frankly, are going to come on the rest of the world to sort of find ways to integrate better with the neurodivergent community." Adults seeking a diagnosis are encouraged to speak with their primary care provider or contact a local autism center. National organizations, like Autism Speaks, also offer directories to adult ASD assessment specialists.
CBS News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Philadelphia artist Kambel Smith, the "cardboard genius," brings city landmarks to life
Philadelphia artist Kambel Smith is quickly becoming known as the "Cardboard Genius." One step inside Historic Germantown, and it's easy to see why. It's there inside the building on Germantown Avenue where Smith's latest exhibit showcases about a dozen of his sculptures constructed mostly from humble cardboard. His recreations of Philly's Chinatown Friendship Gate, the former Philadelphia Police Roundhouse, the Ben Franklin Bridge and more take visitors' breath away. CBS News Philadelphia "Incredible," one visitor remarks to Kambel during a meet-the-artist event at the exhibit. "My best one, I choose the Sydney Opera House," Kambel says as he scans his exhibit. "It's a cool-looking shape." CBS News Philadelphia first brought you Kambel's story six years ago, when he was initially gaining attention for his incredible work. Kambel is a self-taught artist, but what makes his creations amazing is that he doesn't use any measuring tools. Kambel creates through sight alone. "You can see him running, like, programs in his head almost, on how to put stuff together," said Lonnie Smith, Kambel's father. "It's something to watch, because it kind of leaves you speechless." Lonnie calls it his son's superpower, derived from autism. Kambel was diagnosed as a child. CBS News Philadelphia His new exhibit, called "Cardboard Genius," has drawn praise from artists and architects alike. The details on these cardboard structures are remarkable, with the Ben Franklin Bridge including miniature PATCO Speedline train cars. "The trains amazed them," Lonnie says. "I saw him do the trains, and it took him maybe 20 minutes to do the trains." Beyond the exhibit, Kambel's art is also reaching new heights. His version of the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, is 27 feet tall. "People always ask about him being able to go from two-dimensional images to three-dimensional," Cardboard Genius Curator Chris Byrne says. "And that's kind of brilliant." "Sometimes he says he sees buildings in his dreams," Lonnie says. "And I like to hear that, [I say], 'tell me about your dreams.'" Smith's version of the Burj Khalifa Kambel Smith Lonnie says art has opened the lines of communication for Kambel — and not only with his father, but also with those interested in his work. "He communicates with people about his art better than he communicates about anything," Smith said. Lonnie said it's proof: there is a gift to be found inside every person with autism. "All you have to do is pay attention," Smith said. "There are clues. His work is something that you have to see to believe." Cardboard Genius at Historic Germantown is open through the end of June, on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
It was the first bill to pass the Senate and now it's the law; DeSantis signs autism package
Sen. Gayle Harrell (L) and Senate President Ben Alblritton. (Photo by Christine Sexton/Florida Phoenix) A bill that increases early detection opportunities and educational interventions for children with autism and their families (and a top priority for Senate President Ben Albritton) was signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Ron DeSantis. 'Thank you Governor DeSantis for signing this comprehensive legislation into law. With this bill, Florida is offering new support from all angles, coordinating research and training, expanding early detection, and increasing education opportunities and other treatment that will help families navigate a diagnosis of Autism,' Ben Albritton, a Republican from Wauchula, said in a prepared statement. 'As always, parents are in control and equipped to make the best decisions to help children reach their full potential.' The bill directs the Florida Department of Health to provide Florida families with early intervention therapies and services through the Early Steps program until the child turns four. That program provides intervention services to eligible infants and toddlers. Under existing law, children age out of the program when they turn three. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The bill creates two education-related grant programs: one for specialized summer programs for children with autism and the other to support charter schools exclusively serving them. The University of Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment is designated as the statewide hub for autism research, services, and best practices. The center also will be in charge of a grant program to establish charter schools for children with autism. Grants will be prioritized for schools serving rural and underserved areas, those with demonstrable success in establishing and operating a charter school exclusively for students with autism and related disorders, and programs that use existing facilities. SB 112 was the first bill to pass the Senate during the 2025 session. At the time, Albritton said the legislation was the state's response to an outcry from parents of children with autism he has met over his political career. Bill sponsor Sen. Gayle Harrell in a prepared statement called the new law a 'game changer.' 'Research is clear. Early detection and intervention services promote positive outcomes for infants, toddlers, and children with a disability or developmental delay,' Harrell said. 'This bill gives parents the opportunity to continue critical early intervention services provided through the Early Steps Program until their child turns four and begins receiving services at school. Additionally, by developing summer programs designed specifically for children with Autism, we can help parents find summer camps and other activities that can accommodate the specific needs of a child with autism, ensuring year-round continuity of care.' The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), defines autism spectrum disorder as a condition characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction and repetitive behaviors. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of 2020, one in 36 children aged 8 were estimated to have autism. The bill is policy-driven only. There is no appropriation in the legislation to help fund the new law. The money will have to be included in the state fiscal year 2025-26 budget, which the Legislature has yet to pass. The Legislature is at an impasse over state spending and tax relief. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
‘Can't be mute spectators': HC appoints daughters as guardians of father bedridden after brain injury
Mumbai: Observing that courts cannot be mute spectators to situations where a parent is bedridden and semi-conscious for a long time, unable to look after his affairs, Bombay High Court appointed two daughters of a 73-year-old man with a brain injury as his guardians. The man, 72 when the petition was filed in July 2024, suffered from Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy , a brain injury resulting from deprivation of oxygen and blood supply during a cardiac arrest. As a consequence, he was in a semi-conscious and incapacitated state, bedridden, and suffering from long-term neurological disability, Justice Abhay Ahuja of the HC observed. He was incapable of communication, could not take care of his basic personal needs, and was undergoing treatment, his daughters submitted in their guardianship plea. HC's May 8 judgment was made available on May 20, and it said the father, medically, was "incapable of taking care of himself or managing his property". "The higher courts of our country exercise the 'parens patriae' jurisdiction as they cannot be mute spectators to a real-life situation of the nature before this court," observed Justice Ahuja. The parens patriae jurisdiction is one where the HC can step in to take care of the interests of "infants and lunatics" who cannot look after themselves. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ative o software antivírus do seu computador Clique aqui Undo A Letters Patent is a special law for the high court, and the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, is the general law. When there is any conflict between the two laws, the special law would always prevail, said Justice Ahuja. HC noted that though the National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, and Multiple Disabilities Act, 1999, under Section 14, empowers the local level committee to appoint a parent or a relative as a legal guardian of a person with a disability, the said legislation has not curtailed the powers of this court to appoint a legal guardian for a mentally ill person exercising its special powers under Clause XVII of Letters Patent. HC held the father's condition was of a "mentally incapacitated person" who is incapable of taking care of himself or managing his property, over whom and his estate, this court can exercise its special power and authority to fill up the vacuum "in the absence of any statutory or legislative bar". Observing the powers the higher judiciary has in doing justice, Justice Ahuja said, "The higher courts of our country exercise the parens patriae jurisdiction as they cannot be mute spectators to real-life situations of the nature before this court."
