For parents and clinicians
Evidence-based summaries on autism, ABA therapy, speech, OT, and child development.
The research library
Echolalia means repeating words or phrases. Learn why autistic children echo, what research says about its purpose, whether to try to stop it, and when to ask for help.
From cooing to first words, see the communication milestones most babies reach by 2, 4, 6, 9 and 12 months, how much babies vary, and when to talk with your child's doctor.
ABA plans often call for 10 to 40 hours a week, but research does not show that more hours always help more. Learn what studies say about intensity and how to talk through hours.
Autism is diagnosed about 3 to 4 times more often in boys, but research suggests many autistic girls are missed. Learn what studies show about masking, later diagnosis, and raising concerns.
Stimming means repetitive movements or sounds, like hand flapping or rocking. Learn what research and autistic adults say about why it happens, whether to stop it, and when to get help.
There is no blood test for autism. Learn what happens in a child's autism evaluation, who can diagnose, which tests are used, how reliable early diagnosis is, and why waits happen.
Many families try weighted blankets, but a randomized trial found they did not improve sleep in autistic children. Learn what research shows, what it can't tell us, and key safety limits.
Sensory differences are common in autism, but 'sensory processing disorder' is not a standalone diagnosis. See what research says about OT, evidence limits, and questions to ask.
Explore by topic
Browse topics and see the questions we plan to cover.
Published and planned questions
Questions in this collection
Questions in this collection
Questions in this collection
Questions in this collection
Questions in this collection
Evidence in view
See the findings, source, and limits of an RSV prevention study.
The question
Researchers estimated 80% effectiveness against RSV-related ICU admission. Nirsevimab is a preventive monoclonal antibody. [1]
This observational study covered one RSV season. Unmeasured differences between groups could affect the estimate. It does not show an individual infant’s absolute risk. [1]
80%Estimated relative effectiveness
against RSV-related ICU admission
759 infants under age 1
27 U.S. hospitals · 2024–25 RSV season
An observational case-control study of infants admitted to intensive care with respiratory symptoms.
[1] Source: CDC MMWR, 2025
Example data · illustration only
This sample chart shows the planned format. It does not represent research findings.
Source: example data, not a study
Practical tools
A place to organize questions about development.
Understand the questions to ask about costs.
A future space for following the evidence.
Our approach
Start with the question and the takeaway readers came to find.
Explain what the research says in words families and clinicians can use.
We link factual claims to the research and guidance behind them.
We review articles as new research and guidance become available.
Clear information can help you ask better questions about your child’s care.
Continue exploring
More research for the questions families ask.
