Autism & Behavioural Science

High-functioning autistic children are classic "little professors." They are often highly intelligent but not hardwired to understand other people’s feelings. In this video clip, hear from Dr. Tony Atwood and other experts as they try to find out if they can use the scientific mindset of these children to actually teach them love and affection.

Researchers at University of Notre Dame and University of Southern California have found that robots can be less intimidating than humans to some patients. PBS NewsHour correspondent Ray Suarez reports on how researchers are using machines as nontraditional therapists to treat conditions such as autism in children and strokes for seniors.

For public school systems, the demand for special educational and treatment resources for children with autism often outpaces what is available. In the fourth report in his 6-part "Autism Now" series, Robert MacNeil looks at how two schools in the New York City area handle teaching children and teens with autism.

The internet can be an ugly place, but you won't find bullies or trolls on Stuart Duncan's Minecraft server, AutCraft. Designed for children with autism and their families, AutCraft creates a safe online environment for play and self-expression for kids who sometimes behave a bit differently than their peers (and who might be singled out elsewhere).