Kanner and Asperger’s Autism Research: The 4 Major Differences

Two boxing mitts with names on them that read Kanner and Asperger

What were the differences between Kanner and Asperger’s autism research? Whose research came out on top? In the post World War I era, there were two famous doctors studying autism: Leo Kanner in the US and Hans Asperger in Austria. In his book NeuroTribes, Steve Silberman compares the two men’s approaches and points out the differences. Here’s a look at the differences in the autism research.

The Top 4 Benefits of Time in Nature for Mental & Physical Health

A man enjoying the benefits of time in nature by roasting marshmallows on a campfire

In what ways can nature heal you? What are the benefits of listening to songbirds? Why does smelling eucalyptus make you feel relaxed? If you’re feeling stressed, depressed, or in a funk, consider the last time you went outside. In The Nature Fix, Florence Williams contends that humans have an innate affinity for nature, and thus the antidote to many of our physical and mental ailments is a good dose of the outdoors. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of time in nature, according to Williams.

Jaws: The Story of a Hidden Epidemic (Book Overview)

A woman with braces reading a book while sitting on a dentist chair in a dental office

Did you know that ancient humans had better oral health than we do today? Why are jaw problems so common around the world? What can you do to prevent jaw deformities? Jaws discusses how our modern lifestyle has created an epidemic of jaw deformities, leading to widespread health problems. Orthodontist Sandra Kahn and ecologist Paul R. Ehrlich say that a decrease in average jaw size is contributing to health issues. Keep reading for an overview of Jaws: The Story of a Hidden Epidemic.

The Consequences of Mouth Breathing: Decay, Halitosis, & More

A colorful, artistic depiction of air coming from a person's open mouth

How can mouth breathing jeopardize your oral health? How common is mouth breathing? The consequences of mouth breathing can go way beyond bad breath, according to the book Jaws by  Orthodontist Sandra Kahn and ecologist Paul R. Ehrlich. They explain that mouth breathing can contribute to deformed jaws, gum disease, tooth decay, and more. Keep reading to learn why you should breathe through your nose, if you can.

Bernard Rimland’s Autism Research: A New Perspective

A vintage image of a vaccine needle and bottle on a wooden table in a doctor's office

Who was Bernard Rimland? How did his autism research change how some saw the disorder? What were some of the problems with his theories? Bernard Rimland was an American psychologist in the mid-1900s. It was thanks to Rimland that parents were no longer blamed for causing autism, however, Rimland also promoted the idea that vaccines caused autism. Continue reading to learn about Bernard Rimland’s research and its impacts.

Why You Need to Spend More Time Outside (The Nature Fix)

A person taking a walk in a city park, trying to spend more time outside

Why should you go outside more often? What can you do if you live in a city? Why are green spaces so important? In her book The Nature Fix, Florence Williams stresses the importance of spending time outdoors. Whether that means taking a walk in a city park or camping in solitude, you need to get out for your mental health. Here’s why you need to spend more time outside, according to Williams.

How Jaw Problems Can Lead to Other Health Issues

A man with jaw problems who is touching his jaw with a look of pain on his face

How can jaw problems lead to chronic diseases? What are the social consequences of having a deformed jaw? In their book Jaws, Kahn and Ehrlich say that a deformed jaw doesn’t only cause dental problems, but can lead to broader health issues as well. In addition to physical health issues, people with deformed jaws often experience mental health problems due to social stigmas. Here are some of the ways poor jaw structure can lead to chronic diseases.

Lovaas’ Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Therapy for Autism

A hand holding a cookie out to a sad toddler, who is sitting on the floor

What is applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy for autism? Does it work and is it ethical? Although there is no cure for autism, there were still many who believed they could cure the disorder with behavioral therapy—one of these people was Dr. Ole Ivar Lovaas. This therapy came with a slew of ethical issues, including touching without consent, a lack of autonomy, and more. Continue reading for an overview of this controversial practice, as told in NeuroTribes.