MindSpec, the parent host of AutRR, has mentored several high school students as part of the AutRR Youth Program. Some of their work can be found in the "Autism Over the Decades" pages.

On a semi-annual basis, MindSpec holds an autism essay contest for high school students. The student participants are asked to write an essay in response to a specific prompt. Essays are judged by creativity, logic, eloquence, and grammar. All prize-winning essays are published online within the AutRR Youth Program pages.

Key Points

• MindSpec researchers mentor high school students for short internships.
• Student intern projects are featured within Autism Reading Room.
• Annual essay contest winners are featured in the Youth Program pages of Autism Reading Room.

Misconception

Autism is a rare disorder affecting very few individuals in the population.

Fact

Autism is the second most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder among children; in the United States, the estimated prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is 1 per 110 children.