AUTISM/ASPERGER'S. The New York Times published a lengthy article about high-functioning autistic girls, focusing on two teenagers at a week-long camp for similar kids held in Park City, Utah. Also covered: differences between female and male high-functioning autistics. 

SEE IT THEIR WAY. A press release notes that the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) has announced the launch of a new one-month intensive national public awareness campaign, "Children's Vision & Learning Month 2007." The release notes that "vision disorders are one of the leading impediments to successful learning in children."

ANTIDEPRESSANTS AND SUICIDE. On July 10, the New York Times reported on two studies indicating that treatment with drugs or psychotherapy reduces the risk of suicide in depressed patients. On July 31, ScienceDaily reported that the Harvard Mental Health Letter also concluded that "antidepressants can make a vital contribution to reducing suicide risk."

UTAH'S RICHEST MAN: DYSLEXIC. A USA Today article described James LeVoy Sorenson, inventor and unassuming billionaire whose current focus is DNA genealogy. Sorenson holds about 60 patents and is, for example, the inventor of the disposable surgical mask. According to the writer, "his thoughts wander so much that a few hours produce a reporter's notebook full of disconnected clutter."

KIDDIE COCKTAILS. The St. Petersburg Times published a long article on the use of antipsychotic drugs in children, especially new "atypical" drugs developed to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in adults, and none approved by the USDA specifically for use in children. While some of the families profiled in the article faced alarming behavior from their unmedicated children, the article is skeptical about whether the prevalent use of such drugs is justified.

Note: Some of these news items came to our attention through ScienceDaily and CEC SmartBriefs.