May 10, 2026

How One Mother’s Love and Running Helped Her Nonverbal Autistic Son Soar

Ten years ago, a powerful video captured a young man with nonverbal autism running with his mother cheering passionately beside him. That young man was John Almeida, and his story has since inspired hundreds of families across Sacramento. At...

May 04, 2026

UC Davis Professor David Amaral Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award for Autism Research

Prestigious INSAR Award Recognizes Decades of Groundbreaking Work on Autism Subtypes A respected researcher from UC Davis has been honored with one of the highest awards in autism science for his lifelong contributions to the field. David Amaral, distinguished...

Apr 26, 2026

Free Autism Community Festival Returns to Sacramento for 9th Year

For the ninth straight year, EMPACT is hosting its annual Autism Community Festival, a free event designed for neurodiverse individuals and their families. This year’s festival takes place Saturday, April 18, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Liberty...

Apr 20, 2026

UC Davis Pediatric Mobile Clinic Expands Access to Autism and Child Development Care Across Sacramento Region

UC Davis Children’s Hospital is bringing specialty pediatric services closer to home through its Pediatric Mobile Clinic, a community-based program launched to deliver care directly to schools and local organizations throughout the Sacramento region. The mobile clinic was established...

Apr 12, 2026

New Research Suggests Immune System May Play Key Role in Autism

In a major scientific development, new research is pointing to a surprising factor that may be influencing autism, one that goes beyond the brain and into the body’s immune system. Recent research has shown that T reg levels change...

Apr 04, 2026

FDA Declines to Endorse Leucovorin for Autism

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially stated it will not endorse leucovorin, a drug previously suggested as a potential treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). White House Briefing Raised Hopes Just last fall, in a White...

Mar 22, 2026

Understanding Environmental Factors and Autism

Recent studies by researchers at institutions including UC Davis Health and UCLA have examined how environmental conditions during pregnancy may be linked to autism. Part of that is wildfire smoke and its potential effects on early development. A massive...

Mar 15, 2026

Building Confidence Through Family and Small Business

A Southern California mother and her teenage son are showing that autism does not limit dreams. Instead, with support, patience, and opportunity, it can be part of a powerful story of growth and independence. Bree, Juan, and her 14-year-old...

Mar 09, 2026

Health System Pressures and What They Mean for Neurodevelopmental Care

Rapid population growth, an aging population, and a national physician shortage are putting increasing strain on the Sacramento region’s health systems. These difficulties impact all facets of medicine, but they also have significant ramifications for people with autism and...

Feb 27, 2026

Healing Through Horses: Supporting Individuals on the Autism Spectrum

A small program in Seal Rock is quietly changing the lives of people on the autism spectrum with calm, steady horses. Founded by Marla Bowman, Reach For The Stars provides therapeutic horsemanship for people with autism and other physical...