The heartbreaking story of 4-year-old Waylon Childs, who was found dead a body of water in Ormond Beach on Sunday, has brought renewed attention to a critical issue: The heightened risk of drowning among children with autism.

In retirement, Judi Erickson wanted to spend more time playing tennis, Now she’s helping others perfect their game.

In retirement, Judi Erickson wanted to spend more time playing tennis, Now she’s helping others perfect their game.

When Karina Rodriguez was looking for an activity she could share with her daughter, Samantha, who has autism, she turned to something she knew well - running.

Drowning is the fourth leading cause of death for children on the autism spectrum. That’s why Thursday’s "Breakfast with Bridgett" featured a discussion about water safety with Katie Pabst, Florida Autism Center's director of clinical operations for northwest Florida.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will speak from an autism foundation in Jupiter.

World Autism Awareness Day is April 2 and the whole month is dedicated to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex recognized as a certified autism center

A new ADA-compliant playground that recently opened at an Orange County elementary school is getting results to make sure all students feel included.

LEGOLAND Florida was the first LEGOLAND park in North America to become a Certified Autism Center and with four quiet spaces and sensory guides all over the park, they’re making it easy for families to plan a vacation and get the most out of it.

A two-day event in Orlando next month helps support thousands of people with autism who take part in a special program at the University of Central Florida.

Many kids got quite the surprise at a therapy center aimed at providing services and treatment for children diagnosed with autism.

A teacher who helps preside over a program for students with autism, Carrie Jones knows full well some aspects the general public might not understand.

Orange County Fire Rescue reminded the public about the dangers surrounding bodies of water and the importance of being vigilant.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office set out to remind residents Tuesday about its program that allows emergency responders to better assist people with autism.

Every parent has a different story when it comes to their kids’ growth and development.

Considering this month is an important time to learn more about autism, we thought we’d ask you, our readers and viewers: If any of you have a close connection to autism spectrum disorder (perhaps you’ve been diagnosed, or you have a friend or child with autism), is there anything you wish more people understood?

Considering this month is an important time to learn more about autism, we thought we’d ask you, our readers and viewers: If any of you have a close connection to autism spectrum disorder (perhaps you’ve been diagnosed, or you have a friend or child with autism), is there anything you wish more people understood?

April is Autism Awareness Month, and to support families with children on the spectrum, a state representative and an Orlando city commissioner are teaming up to connect the community with resources.

One way to cope with any extra stress or anxiety is to have the kids engage in play time to help develop motor skills, social skills and language development, according to Dr. Jen Harstein, a children’s developmental psychologist who works with autistic children daily.

The children play with a purpose with exercises that help with physical, emotional, and social development.

For Anthony and Sammy Taormina, there are two dates that define their lives as people with Asperger’s syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder.

Track and field and swimming are among the team sports that might be best for children with autism.

April has widely been known as Autism Awareness Month in the U.S., as a way to empower people living with autism and their families.

Autism Acceptance Month encourages opportunity to educate and understand autism spectrum disorders

They say practice makes perfect, but for Danny Steele, 22, golf is simply a game he enjoys on any given day.

Autism may bring challenges for those who live with it, but celebrities with autism have shown they can achieve tremendous things and fulfill their dreams.

According to the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention, the rise of autism in the United States has gone up by about 10%, steadily increasing since researchers first began tracking it in 2000.

CELEBRATION, Fla. – A family in Celebration hopes their young son’s talent will serve as a ray of hope for families with children who have special needs. He is the autistic tiger and he’s just proud of it,” David Villec said of his 8-year-old son, Tiger. “I got him a whiteboard and he just started drawing everything,” Villec said. “He started drawing on it but he was holding one of his toys like a reference model and he’s drawing with his hand. The family said they always knew Tiger would develop a remarkable skill because of his autism.