More independent work environments may lead to reductions in autism symptoms and improve daily living in adults with the disorder, according to a new study released in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.

More independent work environments may lead to reductions in autism symptoms and improve daily living in adults with the disorder, according to a Vanderbilt study released in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.

Inspired by William Spickard, Peabody alumna Andrea McDermott Sanders, M.Ed., founded “Team William” in 2005 to support scholarships for children with Down syndrome to the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Reading Clinic.

Despite studies that show that many adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorders are being prescribed medications, there is almost no evidence to show whether these medications are helpful in this population.

There is insufficient evidence to support findings, good or bad, for therapies currently used in adolescents and young adults with autism.

Although an evaluation of existing treatments for children with autism spectrum disorders found positive results in some studies, better information is needed to target the right treatments to specific children.