Autism awareness

Study hopes to find genetic links to autism

The largest genetic study of autism in the country is underway. The project's mission is to enroll 50,000 families, speeding up research and finding genetic links to autism. Mireya Villarreal reports.

Girl with autism forms a bond with "Cinderella"

Five-year-old Layla Lester, who has autism, loves princesses. When Layla spotted Olivia Spark in Akron Falls Park, posing for her wedding day photos, Layla was sure she was Cinderella. The two formed an immediate, special bond. Steve Hartman has their story "On The Road."

A house painting job for the starry-eyed

Lubek Jastrzebski and Nancy Nemhauser, of Mount Dora, Fla., noticed their autistic son, Chip, kept opening the same art book and turning to the same page: Van Gogh's "The Starry Night." They were inspired to paint a mural on their house based on the masterpiece. But could a city housing ordinance against graffiti defeat such ambitious artistic expression? Steve Hartman reports.

Companies open doors to talent with autism

More and more companies are recruiting workers on the autism spectrum, changing the face of workplace diversity and bringing valuable skills to bear

Welcoming autism into the workplace

Nearly three years ago, when tech giant Microsoft announced that it was starting a pilot program to hire autistic workers, they received more than 700 resumes within a few weeks. German software maker SAP has instituted a program to bring people with autism into its workforce worldwide, and other companies are following suit. By all accounts, giving those on the spectrum an opportunity to use their talents productively has been a tremendous success. Lee Cowan looks at the changing face of workplace diversity. (Originally broadcast on February 11, 2018.)

"Far From the Tree" follows families facing extraordinary challenges

"Far From the Tree," a best-selling book and now film, follows families as they deal with extraordinary challenges, including learning to embrace and understand the differences of children with autism, dwarfism and Down syndrome. Author Andrew Solomon joined CBSN to discuss his book and the new documentary.

Service dogs sit in autistic kids' laps to calm them at the dentist

These service dogs don't mind the dentist, and now they're helping autistic kids fear it less by sitting in their laps during teeth cleanings.

"Significant" increase in kids with autism

A new report from the CDC estimates that 1 in 59 children in the U.S. live with autism spectrum disorder. That's a 15 percent increase over a four-year period. CBS News' Laura Podesta reports on some of the possible reasons behind the rise.

Boy overcomes autism to build Titanic replica

Despite "titanic" challenges, the teen built a record-breaking replica; now, he's building a better world

Could new drug make a difference for kids with autism?

Researchers are studying whether a first-of-its-kind drug can help with symptoms of autism

Hiring autistic workers

Nearly three years ago, when tech giant Microsoft announced that it was starting a pilot program to hire autistic workers, they received more than 700 resumes within a few weeks. German software maker SAP has instituted a program to bring people with autism into its workforce worldwide, and other companies are following suit. By all accounts, giving those on the spectrum an opportunity to use their talents productively has been a tremendous success. Lee Cowan looks at the changing face of workplace diversity.

The growing acceptance of autism in the workplace

More and more companies are recruiting workers on the autism spectrum, changing the face of workplace diversity and bringing valuable skills to bear

Students with autism make music with iPads

For years Adam Goldberg, a classical pianist who teaches music at a school in Queens, New York, struggled to break through to his students who have serious learning disabilities, such as autism, until he started using instruments virtually anyone can play: an iPad. The P177Q iPad Band is more than just a musical collective; the experience has helped students speak and communicate who never had before. Tracy Smith reports.

Family of autistic teen tackled by cop calls for change

An autistic teenager in Arizona is speaking out about a confrontation with a police officer that left him with multiple cuts and bruises. The 21-minute encounter was caught on the officer's body camera. The cop tackled the boy after mistaking his mannerisms for signs of drug use. Jamie Yuccas reports.

New Kid on the Street

60 Minutes visits "Sesame Street" for the first time and films the debut of their new Muppet character, Julia, who has autism

How "Sesame Street" created Julia, the new Muppet with autism

This spring, "Sesame Street" introduced a Muppet on the spectrum. Go behind the scenes with 60 Minutes to see how the show's first character with autism was developed

Autistic man's family sues over Florida police shooting

The police interrogation of Arnaldo Soto was released Monday, nearly a year after he was transported in handcuffs to the North Miami Police Department.

Parents build mini Blockbuster for son with autism

When the 20-year-old's family found out his beloved store was closing, they gave him his very own movie section

Autism linked to many other health issues

“We now know, beyond doubt, that for many people, autism is a whole-body disorder"

Kids with autism face other health problems

An estimated 1 in 68 American children is on the autism spectrum, and experts say many of them have a range of other medical problems to deal with, too. CBS News' Weijia Jiang reports.

Student with autism handcuffed, escorted off campus

Luanne Haygood filmed a disturbing moment when two school resource officers arrested her 10-year-old son who has autism because of an outstanding warrant stemming from an assault on one of his teachers.

New "Sesame Street" Muppet Julia brings viewers to tears

Tears were flowing all around as "Sesame Street's" newest Muppet, the show's first character with autism, debuted on 60 Minutes

New Kid on the Street

60 Minutes visits the "Sesame Street" set for the first time and films the debut of their new Muppet character, Julia, who has autism. Lesley Stahl reports.