Nearly 1 in 10 kids diagnosed with a developmental disability, CDC reports
More than 10% of boys have been diagnosed with an intellectual disability, autism or another developmental delay.
Autism
California library uses robots to help kids with autism learn and connect
The robots in the Santa Ana Public Library have been specially programmed to help communicate with kids with autism.
Robots at library teach kids with autism
The Santa Ana Public Library is one of the first libraries in the nation to introduce robots to help teach children with autism. Librarian Cheryl Eberly launched the program with hopes that it could fill the gaps for children of color, who are usually diagnosed with autism later in life. Elise Preston has more.
California library using robots to help teach children with autism
At the Santa Ana Public Library in Southern California, robots are specially programmed to teach children with autism.
Library using robots to teach kids with autism
At the Santa Ana Public Library, robots are specially programmed to teach children with autism. Elise Preston has more.
Donald Triplett's legacy in autism research
Donald Triplett — the first person to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder — died last week at the age of 89. Triplett had an enormous influence on the treatment and study of autism. Journalists Caren Zucker and John Donvan produced a documentary about Triplett's life and joined CBS News to discuss his legacy.
Couple celebrates milestone on date
Gigi, who has Down syndrome, and her boyfriend, Lucas, who has autism, are celebrating six months together. They also hit another milestone on their date — driving alone in a car together.
Book excerpt: "Story of a Poem" by Michael Zapruder
In his memoir, the celebrated writer asks questions about the writing of a poem, and the meaning of communication, after his son is diagnosed with autism.
Young man with autism thrives as dad joins him in college art classes
Ken Blahetka decided to give his son, Kevin, some one-on-one help by enrolling in classes with his son at Joliet Junior College.
TikTok account raises awareness about autism
Michigan brothers give viewers a window into the challenges and joys of life with autism through their @mybrothermax TikTok account. Jake and Max Tilk join "CBS Mornings" to talk about TikTok, their bond and Max's "superpower."
Rise in diagnosed autism cases in children
Recent CDC data shows the number of 8-year-olds diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) increased by a little over 22% from 2018 to 2020. Clinical psychologist Cynthia Martin from the Child Mind Institute joins "CBS Mornings" with a look at the CDC stats and shares advice for parents.
Cambridge's youngest-ever Black professor didn't speak until he was 11
Jason Arday couldn't read or write until he was 18 years old. Now he's reached the top of the academic world. Here's how, and what he's determined to do next.
Meet Cambridge's youngest Black professor
The University of Cambridge has hired the youngest Black professor in the institution's 800-year history. Professor Jason Arday discusses his career studying race, inequality and education, and reflects on growing up being diagnosed with a form of autism spectrum disorder as a child.
The Uplift: Piano prodigy
An 11-year-old piano prodigy with autism gets a huge surprise. A heroic woman rescues a stranger in a blizzard. Host Tony Dokoupil faces his fear of dancing and takes dance lessons for the first time.
21-year-old with autism helps family business
Jordyn Moore, a 21-year-old who was born with autism and verbal apraxia, works full time at her family business — a T-shirt company her mom created for her. They sell shirts with a simple message: "Be Kind to Everyone."
The Uplift: Butterflies and blended families
Get a close-up look at the winter monarch butterfly count in California. Meet a blended family who, despite facing many challenges, shares a story about resilience and love. And the story of a woman who uses her hobby to honor her late son and help cancer patients.
6-year-old Florida boy reunited with his mom 2 months after he went missing
A private investigator believes 6-year-old Jorge "Jojo" Morales' father had been planning to take him to Canada for a year to live "off the grid."
Scientists transplant human brain cells into the brains of baby rats
One researcher called the study "extremely impressive" — but such experiments in animals raise ethical concerns.
Teen with autism gets Broadway surprise
Rialla DeAbreu loves musical theater, but one Broadway show stands out: "Wicked." Rialla has autism, and she says the message of "Wicked" inspired her and her mom. After entering a contest to win Broadway tickets, Rialla received a big surprise that had to do with her favorite musical – and it involved the show's star, Brittney Johnson.
Holly Robinson Peete pens new children's book
Holly Robinson Peete joins “CBS Mornings” to talk about her new children's book, "Charlie Makes a Splash." She co-wrote this book with her son RJ Peete. It's a story inspired by RJ's life and his lived experience with autism. Peete discusses the importance of telling this story through her son's perspective.
Student on autism spectrum thrives in marching band
A student at a Texas high school has has found success in his school’s marching band, and has even been offered two full scholarships thanks to his skill. Brandon Fisher, who is on the autism spectrum, hopes other will find inspiration in his story. KTVT-TV’s Keith Russell shares more.
Man with autism runs cafe with a mission of inclusion
During the pandemic, Jake McFarland decided to open a coffee cart in Norristown, Pennsylvania. As someone with autism and ADHD, he likes to keep on a schedule and the small family business helped him do that. Now, the cart has evolved into a cafe – and McFarland is employing other people with disabilities.
"My Voice" program help kids speak
Pittsburgh children's charity Variety is trying to help kids nationwide who are non-verbal or have difficulty talking by giving the iPad-based communication devices. CBS News anchors Debra Alfarone and David Begnaud spoke with Charlie LaVallee, CEO of Variety the Children's Charity Pennsylvania and West Virginia chapters, and Sue Conroy, whose son is non-verbal and uses communication devices to talk, about the program.
Pittsburgh charity helps kids communicate
Pittsburgh children's charity Variety is trying to take their My Voice initiative national. The charity created communication devices to help kids who are non-verbal or have difficulty talking. CBS News anchors Debra Alfarone and David Begnaud spoke with Kristine Sorensen from CBS Pittsburgh about the program.
Brandon Pettit case: What is autism?
While in high school, Brandon Pettit was diagnosed with Asperger’s, a developmental disorder affecting one's ability to communicate. It now falls under autism spectrum disorder.
Biden signs government funding bill, averting a shutdown
The stopgap measure will fund the government and provide tens of billions in disaster relief.
Death toll in attack at German Christmas market rises to 5; 200 injured
Police say the driver is under arrest after plowing into the crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killing at least five people - including a 9-year-old - and injuring 200 others.
House Ethics Committee expected to release Matt Gaetz report on Monday
The House Ethics Committee voted to release its report on the investigation into former Rep. Matt Gaetz on Dec. 5, according to multiple sources.
Rickey Henderson, MLB Hall of Famer, dies at 65
Rickey Henderson is widely considered to be one of the best leadoff hitters and base stealers in baseball.
Mark Burnett, "The Apprentice" creator, tapped as special envoy to the U.K.
Mark Burnett helped produce hits like "Survivor" and "The Voice," but is perhaps best known for teaming up with President-elect Donald Trump for "The Apprentice," which first aired in 2004.
Blake Lively accuses "It Ends with Us" co-star of sexual harassment
The lawsuit lays out Blake Lively's allegations against Justin Baldoni during their time working on "It Ends with Us."
NYPD chief resigns amid sexual misconduct claims
NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey has resigned following allegations of sexual misconduct, the department says.
Several hurt after driver plows through Texas mall; suspect killed by police
The suspect drove through the doors of a JC Penny in Killeen, Texas, and continued inside for "several hundred yards," an official said.
Party City files for bankruptcy, a day after announcing mass layoffs
Party City informed employees in an email on Friday that it was conducting an immediate "mass layoff" at its headquarters.
U.S.
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Several hurt after driver plows through Texas mall; suspect killed by police
The suspect drove through the doors of a JCPenny in Killeen, Texas, and continued inside for "several hundred yards," an official said.
Lara Trump won't pursue Rubio's Florida Senate seat, she says
Lara Trump, the daughter-in-law of President-elect Donald Trump, says she's removing herself from consideration for Marco Rubio's Senate seat.
Party City files for bankruptcy, a day after announcing mass layoffs
Party City informed employees in an email on Friday that it was conducting an immediate "mass layoff" at its headquarters.
Rickey Henderson, MLB Hall of Famer, dies at 65
Rickey Henderson is widely considered to be one of the best leadoff hitters and base stealers in baseball.
Mark Burnett, "The Apprentice" creator, tapped as special envoy to the U.K.
Mark Burnett helped produce hits like "Survivor" and "The Voice," but is perhaps best known for teaming up with President-elect Donald Trump for "The Apprentice," which first aired in 2004.
MoneyWatch
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Party City files for bankruptcy, a day after announcing mass layoffs
Party City informed employees in an email on Friday that it was conducting an immediate "mass layoff" at its headquarters.
Senate approves bill to expand Social Security to millions of Americans
Senators approve a bill to expand Social Security benefits to millions of Americans, with President Biden expected to sign it into law.
How much more will it cost to heat your home this winter?
Here's what's driving up home heating costs, and how much families are expected to spend this winter.
IRS sending up to $1,400 to 1 million people. Here's who qualifies.
The IRS said it's sending out checks worth up to $1,400 to 1 million people. Here's what to know about the "special payments."
Feds sue Zelle, alleging nation's biggest banks failed to stop fraud
Government watchdog claims Americans lost hundreds of millions to fraud related to the bank-operated mobile payments network.
Politics
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Lara Trump won't pursue Rubio's Florida Senate seat, she says
Lara Trump, the daughter-in-law of President-elect Donald Trump, says she's removing herself from consideration for Marco Rubio's Senate seat.
Mark Burnett, "The Apprentice" creator, tapped as special envoy to the U.K.
Mark Burnett helped produce hits like "Survivor" and "The Voice," but is perhaps best known for teaming up with President-elect Donald Trump for "The Apprentice," which first aired in 2004.
Biden surpasses Trump with 235th federal judge confirmed
The Senate confirmed two more judges to the federal bench on Friday, giving President Biden a total of 235 since he took office.
Here's a fact check on Trump's recent comments about the history of U.S. tariffs
Historians say Trump falsely said he was the only president to collect revenue from tariffs on Chinese goods, among other claims.
Feds sue Zelle, alleging nation's biggest banks failed to stop fraud
Government watchdog claims Americans lost hundreds of millions to fraud related to the bank-operated mobile payments network.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
CDC releases concerning new flu numbers
Thirteen states reported "high" or "very high" levels of flu-like illness last week, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That's double the number of states from the week before. Ali Bauman reports.
A teen's misdiagnosis led to medication, but surgery led to a cure
Isaac Klapper was 10 years old when he started having episodes of what doctors initially thought was a movement disorder.
Why fish, birds and other animals yawn too, according to an expert
Humans aren't alone when it comes to yawning — all vertebrates do it. But why? An expert explains the likely reason behind this "evolutionarily ancient" act.
Stuffing stockings with skincare? Here's what kids should and shouldn't be using
Skin care is all the rage for teens and tweens these days, but be careful not to give products that could cause more harm than good.
He went in for a colonoscopy. The hospital charged $19,000 for two.
A Chicago man was stuck with a big medical bill after undergoing a colonoscopy that found no evidence of cancer. Here's why.
World
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Pope Francis tells Vatican staff to stop gossiping in Christmas speech
Pope Francis has told Vatican bureaucrats to stop speaking ill of one another, calling gossip "an evil that destroys social life."
At least 38 dead after crash between a passenger bus and a truck in Brazil
In 2024, more than 10,000 people died in traffic accidents in Brazil, according to the Ministry of Transportation.
Rocket from Yemen strikes Tel Aviv, injuring 16 people
Inside Gaza, mourners held funerals for 19 people, 12 of them children, killed in Israeli strikes.
What we know about suspect in Christmas market attack in Germany
The suspect, identified by local media as 50-year-old Taleb A., was arrested after plowing a black BMW into a Christmas market crowded with holiday shoppers in Magdeburg, Germany, killing at least five people and wounding more than 200 others.
10 dead after stampede at a Christmas charity event in Nigeria
The stampede occurred in the early morning at a church in Nigeria, prompting evacuations at the church.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Blake Lively accuses co-star of sexual harassment
Hollywood star Blake Lively is accusing her "It Ends With Us" co-star Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment in a new lawsuit. His attorney has denied the allegations.
Blake Lively accuses "It Ends with Us" co-star of sexual harassment
The lawsuit lays out Blake Lively's allegations against Justin Baldoni during their time working on "It Ends with Us."
Young dancers take on lead roles in Christmas classic "The Nutcracker"
The New York City Ballet has been performing "The Nutcracker" for decades. Each year, young dancers make their mark on the ballet.
How Robert Eggers revives "Nosferatu"
Director Robert Eggers' highly-anticipated horror film "Nosferatu" will hit theaters on Christmas Day. The acclaimed director sat down with CBS Saturday Morning to talk about bringing the classic vampire tale to a new audience.
The man behind method acting
50 years ago, "The Godfather Part II" was playing in theaters nationwide. The film catapulted Lee Strasberg, whose namesake form of acting preparation was used by some of the film's leads, to stardom. Dozens of the entertainment industry's biggest stars have trained at his institute, learning the techniques of method acting. Michelle Miller went behind the scenes to learn more about "The Method Man."
Technology
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Technology
Supreme Court agrees to hear case about TikTok ban
The Supreme Court said Wednesday it will hear an appeal from TikTok over a federal law that would ban the social media giant if it is not sold by its Chinese parent company. Jan Crawford has more.
Teen victim of deepfake porn urges Congress to pass "Take It Down Act"
Elliston Berry's life was turned upside down after a photo she posted on Instagram was digitally altered online to be pornographic.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Supreme Court to decide on future of TikTok
The Supreme Court plans to hear arguments in January on a challenge to a new law that could lead to the popular social media app TikTok being banned in the U.S. The Biden administration and lawmakers say the Chinese government's ability to collect data from TikTok poses a significant national security risk, while the app and its Chinese parent company ByteDance argue that the law is unconstitutional. CBS News Supreme Court producer Catherine Cole has more.
FAA: Lithium battery fires on flights now occur nearly twice a week
FAA data shows that lithium battery fires on U.S. flights have risen 388% since 2015, now occurring nearly twice a week.
Science
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What to know about the winter solstice, 2024's shortest day
The 2024 winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, happens on Saturday, Dec. 21, and is marked with traditions and celebrations around the world.
Class-action lawsuit over plastic recycling
This week a group of plaintiffs in Missouri, Kansas, California and Florida filed a class-action lawsuit against dozens of companies and organizations, claiming they've falsely promoted how easy it is to recycle plastics. CBS News Los Angeles climatologist Marina Jurica has the details.
Why fish, birds and other animals yawn too, according to an expert
Humans aren't alone when it comes to yawning — all vertebrates do it. But why? An expert explains the likely reason behind this "evolutionarily ancient" act.
Americans coexisted with 4-ton sloths for millennia, research shows
Early Americans may have spent millennia sharing prehistoric savannas and wetlands with enormous beasts, research shows.
EPA tackling pollution in at-risk communities
The Environmental Protection Agency under President Biden created a new Office of Environmental Justice that seeks to address pollution levels in disadvantaged and marginalized communities. However, there is concern that the incoming Trump administration could do away with the new department. David Schechter reports.
Crime
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Several hurt after driver plows through Texas mall; suspect killed by police
The suspect drove through the doors of a JCPenny in Killeen, Texas, and continued inside for "several hundred yards," an official said.
CEO killing sparks concerns about extremism
Luigi Mangione, now held in a New York City lock-up, could face the death penalty if convicted of the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The killing is sparking new concerns about violent extremism bubbling across the country.
Dozens injured in Germany Christmas market attack
At least two people are dead and dozens more injured after a vehicle plowed into a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. Authorities say the driver of the car was arrested and that it appears to be a deliberate attack. Elaine Cobbe has details.
German Christmas market attack update
At least two people were killed and over 60 were injured after a car crashed into a Christmas market in eastern Germany. Authorities arrested a suspect, saying they believe he acted alone in the deliberate act. CBS News national security contributor Sam Vinograd has more details.
Toddler killed in German market attack, police say
At least two people, including a toddler, were killed, and at least 60 more hurt, after a car crashed into a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, in what authorities said appeared to be a deliberate attack. German police said a Saudi man has been arrested, but a motive has not yet been determined. CBS News reporter Anna Noryskiewicz has more.
Space
More Space
Discovery of "tipped over" black hole surprises NASA scientists
New analysis techniques and decades-old research helped NASA scientists identify an unusual black hole in a distant galaxy.
Why are the Boeing Starliner astronauts stuck in space?
Here's why NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are stuck, but not stranded, at the International Space Station after launching into space in June.
NASA delayes return date for astronauts
NASA has delayed the return date for Boeing's Starliner astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. CBS News' Manuel Bojorquez reports on the decision to keep the two in space.
NASA leader weighs in on Elon Musk, SpaceX and plans for moon rocket
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson says he's optimistic the Trump administration will support the space agency's agenda.
Boeing Starliner crew's return delayed again
Two astronauts who have been stuck in space since June will have to wait until at least the end of March to come home after NASA on Wednesday again pushed back their return date. Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer for the Franklin Institute, joined CBS News to discuss what's causing the delays.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2024
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
The Scott Peterson case: New evidence?
Peterson's death sentence for the murder of his pregnant wife Laci has been overturned. Now his supporters are pushing for a complete retrial.
The troubled marriage of Ashley and Doug Benefield
The seesaw marriage between the former ballerina and her much older husband only lasted four years, until she shot him on Sept. 27, 2020.
Texas couple investigates teen daughter's unusual death
Cayley Mandadi's mother and stepfather go to extreme lengths to prove her death was no accident.
Summer music heats up 2024
Live performances are in full swing this summer. Scroll through our concert gallery, featuring pictures by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Chicago elf brings joy to children in hospitals
The Chicago group Holiday Heroes seeks to bring joy and light to brave children at 18 different hospitals. Noel Brennan has more.
Blake Lively accuses co-star of sexual harassment
Hollywood star Blake Lively is accusing her "It Ends With Us" co-star Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment in a new lawsuit. His attorney has denied the allegations.
Oakland Athletics legend Rickey Henderson dies at 65
Rickey Henderson, one of the greatest players to don an Oakland Athletics jersey, and a Major League Baseball Hall of Famer, has died at age 65. Nicknamed "The Man of Steal," Henderson played 25 seasons and is the league's all-time leader in stolen bases.
Trump takes aim at Canada, Trudeau
President-elect Donald Trump this week once again issued several taunts directed at America's largest trading partner, Canada, and Justin Trudeau, its prime minister. Christian Benavides has the latest.
Longtime CBS News soundman Phil Sparks dies at 61
Phil Sparks, a longtime CBS News soundman based in London, has died at the age of 61. He was known for his extraordinary work in countless war zones and assignments for "60 Minutes."