One in every 68 children in the U.S. is diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum. It’s long been known that genetics plays a role in the neurodevelopmental disorder.

Now scientists believe they have the tools to identify which gene variants trigger autism and with that information diagnose and treat it much earlier. A project called MSSNG has brought together an unusual partnership and is giving hope to affected families. Read more.

CLAREMONT >> The issue of autism has popped up repeatedly during the 2016 presidential campaign: Donald Trump has blamed it on vaccines, Rand Paul has arguably suggested the same and Carly Fiorina has suggested making vaccines optional as a result. “Autism politics is like faculty politics on crystal meth,” said Jack Pitney, a professor of politics at Claremont McKenna College.

That the disorder has somehow become part of the political conversation isn’t a surprise to Pitney, whose new book, “The Politics of Autism: Navigating The Contested Spectrum,” was published in August. “The idea that vaccines cause autism has been thoroughly discredited, but nevertheless, it has a large and loyal following,” he said. Read more.

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POWAY — In July, Max Morpeth had a hard time looking anyone in the eye or carrying on a conversation with customers and employees at the newly opened coffee cart next to Players Sports Bar in Poway.

But two months into his five-day-a-week job as head brewer and cashier, the 22-year-old developmentally disabled man talks proudly, if haltingly, about the tasks he most enjoys and the friends he has made. Morpeth is one of six young adults with disabilities who staff the outdoor cart, which sits between the bar and the Poway office of the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Launched this summer by Players Sports Bar owner Michael Pasulka and now run by the disabled services group The Arc of San Diego, it’s one of several local businesses providing job training and socialization skills to young adults who have aged out of the federal and state safety net programs. Pasulka, a past donor and volunteer for Arc, said he realizes the modest kiosk may never turn a profit, but the psychic pay he earns is more than worth the expense. Read more.

SCOTTS VALLEY — Monterey Coast Preparatory’s newest faculty member walks around on four legs and enjoys getting belly rubs from students. Lexi, a 2-year-old yellow Labrador, started working at the school in August and is a therapy dog in training. Administrators at the school, which serves middle and high school students with learning differences, toyed with the idea of having a therapy dog for years. Read more.

Ikaika Miller is at the receiving end of a bit of affection from therapy dog in training Lexi at MCP Middle and High School in Scotts Valley Friday. (Shmuel Thaler — Santa Cruz Sentinel)

Sherrill, New York (CNN)Alexander Brown swings back and forth on a makeshift hammock bolted to a wooden beam in his living room. The swaying seems to soothe the otherwise uneasy 14-year-old. His mother gazes at him from the couch and their eyes briefly connect.

“I would love to be in Alexander’s head just for a few hours,” said Diane Brown, her head slumped against her hand. “He’s having a hard time going through puberty right now.”

Alexander is confused, moody and frustrated — all very typical for a teen during adolescence. Read more.