https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog Updates, tips, and stories about our tools for neurodivergent children. en https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/autism-clothing-labels-communication https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/autism-clothing-labels-communication Why caps and T-shirts with short phrases can help autistic children in public — patience, safety, and when this approach is optional. Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/stay-dressed-home-autism https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/stay-dressed-home-autism Why children may undress at home, how to separate “home” and “outside,” home clothes, visual cues, and a calm routine—without pressure or shame. Sat, 16 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/what-to-do-with-autistic-child-at-home https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/what-to-do-with-autistic-child-at-home Simple home activities for a child with severe autism: sensory play, sorting, daily-life tasks, guided tablet use, and a short visual routine. Fri, 08 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/our-story https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/our-story Born in Cambodia, the path to diagnosis, therapies we tried, and how the idea for helper apps grew out of daily routines and notes. Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/when-youre-afraid-to-go-outside-with-an-older-child-with-autism https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/when-youre-afraid-to-go-outside-with-an-older-child-with-autism Why walks can turn into meltdowns with an older autistic child, how overload and fear build up, and practical steps to make going outside feel safer again. Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/infant-brain-theta-language-development https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/infant-brain-theta-language-development A study of infants with both elevated and typical likelihood of autism suggests that certain patterns of brain activity at 10 months may be linked to how language develops over the next few years. Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/how-to-calm-a-child-during-meltdown-and-prevent-it https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/how-to-calm-a-child-during-meltdown-and-prevent-it How to support a child through a meltdown safely, co-regulate without shaming, and reduce everyday triggers — written for parents of autistic and non-speaking children. Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/parent-sensory-outcomes-bumetanide https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/parent-sensory-outcomes-bumetanide A preliminary study suggests that some autistic and neurodivergent children may experience improvements in anxiety and sensory difficulties during bumetanide treatment, but the results are still early and uncertain. Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/late-identification-grief-relief-cycle https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/late-identification-grief-relief-cycle A study of social media posts suggests that discovering autism or ADHD later in life can bring a mix of relief, grief, self-understanding, and emotional exhaustion. Fri, 03 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/china-adult-siblings-autism-family-roles https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/china-adult-siblings-autism-family-roles A small study explored how adult siblings of autistic people in China described responsibility, closeness, loneliness, and balancing family needs with their own lives. Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/pediatric-screening-dashboard-study https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/pediatric-screening-dashboard-study In a large U.S. healthcare system, electronic tracking tools were linked to more completed screening forms and faster follow-through for families. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/mother-self-compassion-mindfulness-autism https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/mother-self-compassion-mindfulness-autism A small study suggests an online self-compassion course may help mothers feel less self-critical and emotionally stronger, even if parenting stress stays high. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/autism-language-social-media-study https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/autism-language-social-media-study A multilingual study on X/Twitter found growing neuroaffirmative language, with important differences across languages and cultures. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/atypical-antipsychotics-autism https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/atypical-antipsychotics-autism A Cochrane review suggests some short-term reduction in irritability with risperidone and aripiprazole in children, but evidence on benefits and harms remains uncertain. Wed, 21 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/medication-irritability-aggression-asd-review https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/medication-irritability-aggression-asd-review A large Cochrane review suggests that some medications may help reduce irritability in autistic people, but evidence for aggression, self-injury, and long-term safety is still limited. Mon, 09 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/acetylcholinesterase-inhibitors-autism-review https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/acetylcholinesterase-inhibitors-autism-review A small Cochrane review found no clear evidence that medications such as donepezil or galantamine improve core autism-related difficulties in children and teenagers. Thu, 01 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/preschool-autism-diagnosis-stability https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/preschool-autism-diagnosis-stability A large Cochrane review suggests that most children diagnosed with autism in early childhood still met diagnostic criteria years later. Wed, 28 Sep 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/memantine-autism-evidence-review https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/memantine-autism-evidence-review A small Cochrane review found no clear evidence that memantine improves core autism-related difficulties in children and adolescents. Thu, 25 Aug 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/music-therapy-autism-cochrane-review https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/music-therapy-autism-cochrane-review A large Cochrane review suggests that music therapy may help autistic children with overall development, emotional connection, and quality of life, although effects on specific communication skills are less certain. Mon, 09 May 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/parent-peer-support-complex-needs https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/parent-peer-support-complex-needs A large research review found that peer support groups often help parents feel less alone, but clear scientific evidence for reducing stress or improving wellbeing is still limited. Mon, 20 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/cbt-ocd-autism https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/cbt-ocd-autism A Cochrane review found very little research on CBT for obsessive-compulsive disorder in autistic people — and only one small trial to learn from. Fri, 03 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/d-cycloserine-autism-social-skills https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/d-cycloserine-autism-social-skills A small Cochrane review found no clear evidence that adding D-cycloserine to social skills training improves communication or social interaction in autistic children. Sun, 14 Feb 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/cbt-childhood-anxiety-autism https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/cbt-childhood-anxiety-autism A large Cochrane review suggests cognitive behavioural therapy often helps children with anxiety disorders, including autistic children. Mon, 16 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/gluten-casein-free-diet-autism https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/gluten-casein-free-diet-autism A Cochrane review of two small trials found weak evidence for gluten- or casein-free diets and called for larger, rigorous studies. Tue, 02 Apr 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/communication-interventions-minimally-verbal-autism https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/communication-interventions-minimally-verbal-autism A Cochrane review found only limited evidence that parent play training or PECS lead to lasting improvements in communication for autistic children who speak very little or not at all. Mon, 05 Nov 2018 00:00:00 GMT https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/preschool-autism-diagnostic-tools https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/preschool-autism-diagnostic-tools A large review found that tools like ADOS, CARS, and ADI-R can help identify autism in young children, but no single test is reliable enough to replace a full clinical evaluation. Tue, 24 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMT https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/early-intensive-behavioral-intervention-autism https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/early-intensive-behavioral-intervention-autism A Cochrane review suggests intensive early behavioral programs may help some autistic children improve language and everyday skills, though results vary from child to child. Wed, 09 May 2018 00:00:00 GMT https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/methylphenidate-autism-adhd-symptoms https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/methylphenidate-autism-adhd-symptoms A Cochrane review suggests methylphenidate may help some autistic children with hyperactivity and attention, but appetite loss was common and evidence is still limited. Tue, 21 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/family-therapy-autism-evidence https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/family-therapy-autism-evidence A Cochrane review found no randomised trials of family therapy for autism — only a call for better studies on communication and family stress. Tue, 16 May 2017 00:00:00 GMT https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/theory-of-mind-autism-interventions https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/theory-of-mind-autism-interventions A Cochrane review of 22 studies found that some Theory of Mind programs improved specific test skills, but there is still little evidence that those gains meaningfully change everyday social life. Fri, 21 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/ssri-autism-evidence-review https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/ssri-autism-evidence-review A Cochrane review of nine trials found no clear benefit of SSRIs for core autism symptoms in children, with limited and mixed evidence in adults. Tue, 20 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMT https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/parent-mediated-autism-early-intervention https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/parent-mediated-autism-early-intervention A Cochrane review suggests that programs teaching parents how to interact and communicate with autistic children may improve everyday parent-child interaction, although evidence for broader developmental changes is still limited. Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/social-skills-groups-autism https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/social-skills-groups-autism A Cochrane review of five studies suggests social-skills groups may modestly improve confidence and friendships for some autistic young people. Wed, 11 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/aripiprazole-autism-behavior-review https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/aripiprazole-autism-behavior-review A Cochrane review suggests aripiprazole may help reduce irritability and hyperactivity in some autistic children, but the medication can also cause important side effects such as weight gain and sleepiness. Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/auditory-integration-training-autism https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/auditory-integration-training-autism A Cochrane review of seven trials with 182 participants found no reliable evidence that auditory integration or similar sound therapies improve autism symptoms. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/omega-3-fatty-acids-autism-review https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/omega-3-fatty-acids-autism-review A Cochrane review of two small trials found no clear evidence that omega-3 fatty acid supplements improve core autism symptoms. Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/acupuncture-autism-evidence-review https://neurodifferent.org/en/blog/acupuncture-autism-evidence-review A Cochrane review found no strong evidence that acupuncture improves core autism features, and reported possible side effects in some children. Wed, 07 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT