Math reveals eye-gaze patterns associated with autism

When autism spectrum disorder is diagnosed earlier in life, kids are more likely to receive early interventions and see improvements in daily living skills and social behaviour. But testing toddlers can be tough. Today in The Conversation Canada, Anita Layton and Mehrshad Sadria from the University of Waterloo describe a new technique and mathematical approach that could help doctors deliver a faster and more accurate diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder in young children.

We also look at the structural issues in Canada’s political system that make fighting floods so challenging.

Another researcher looks at how Sidewalk Toronto’s plan to address concerns about privacy and data falls short.

And finally, Susan Nance from the University of Guelph offers a deep dive into the history of rodeos, and the violence and danger associated with them.

Hannah Hoag

Environment + Energy Editor

Today's featured stories

A child with autism spectrum disorder scans faces differently. (Shutterstock)

New autism early detection technique analyzes how children scan faces

Anita Layton, University of Waterloo; Mehrshad Sadria, University of Waterloo

Mathematics researchers have developed a technique for detecting autism that could eventually make a diagnostic process faster and less stressful for children and families.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources fire rangers wade through floodwaters as they deploy pumps in Pembroke, Ont., in May 2019. Too many authorities involved in fighting flood risks can often paralyze flood management efforts. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Why Canada’s political system makes it difficult to fight floods

Korey Pasch, Queen's University, Ontario; Glenn McGillivray, Western University

Canadian history and international relations theory gives us perspective on why co-ordinating flood management has proven so difficult in Canada and what can be done about it.

The proposed Quayside neighbourhood in Toronto will collect data from individuals in public spaces, but getting consent is a tricky issue. Picture Plane for Heatherwick Studio for Sidewalk Labs

Sidewalk Toronto’s master plan raises urgent concerns about data and privacy

Natasha Tusikov, York University, Canada

A report based on public consultations conducted by Sidewalk Labs has still not answered many pressing concerns about privacy and consent in Toronto's Quayside development.

Why do rodeo events like the Calgary Stampede continue to host deadly events? Jack Dagley/Shutterstock

Rodeo is a theatre of violence and danger — and it’s not going anywhere

Susan Nance, University of Guelph

Rodeo's loyalty to the dangerous sport of chuckwagon racing has a lot to do with its history.

La Conversation Canada

L'adoption d'une finance durable aidera le Canada à bâtir une économie verte - et fera en sorte que tous les Canadiens puissent prospérer. Gustavo Quepo/Unsplash

Le Canada devra intégrer le concept de finance durable pour assurer sa croissance

Diane-Laure Arjaliès, Western University; Tima Bansal, Western University

L'adoption d'une finance durable aidera le Canada à bâtir une économie verte - et fera en sorte que tous les Canadiens puissent prospérer.

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