John Donvan

Washington, D.C.

Contributor at ABC News

Host at Open to Debate

Articles

‘Nine Minds’ Review: The Many Hues of the Autism Spectrum

2 weeks ago | wsj.com | John Donvan

Some of those diagnosed with autism display unusual gifts of memory or mathematics. Mental acuity and disability can be linked in ways that lead to misunderstanding. Daniel Tammet says he wrote “Nine Minds: Inner Lives on the Spectrum” to fill a gap: what he sees as a dearth of true-life narratives about people who, like him, identify as autistic.
Should We Legalize the Market for Human Organs?

Sep 20, 2024 | aei.org | Sally Satel |Jeremy Chapman |John Donvan

Over 103,000 people need organ donations in the U.S. Some economists and health experts wonder whether creating a free or regulated market would resolve this. Those in support argue that with proper regulations, it can be safe, ethical, and financially beneficial for both sellers and buyers. Those against this have ethical concerns and point out the risk of abuse and undermining of the medical system. Now we debate: Should We Legalize the Market for Human Organs?
People with autism navigate roadblocks to serving in the military

May 2, 2024 | abcnews.go.com | John Donvan |Marjorie McAfee |Marjorie Mcafee |Katy Sheward |Justin Green

Applicants and military members push for review of eligibility standards. ByJohn Donvan, Marjorie McAfee, Katy Sheward, Justin Green, and Aria YoungFor people on the autism spectrum, finding their place in the American military can be an arduous process. The U.S. Department of Defense considers having autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to be a “disqualifying condition” to join the military. Many candidates are turned away because of their diagnosis.
The forgotten waves of hope in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Jan 2, 2024 | abcnews.go.com | John Donvan

Former ABC News Correspondent John Donvan reflects on Israel's current war. January 2, 2024, 12:59 PMSome context around the “Forgotten Waves of Hope In The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict” video: I'm a former correspondent for ABC News, but still in touch with the current staff (as I am with a whole couple of generations of staff from the past). I worked for ABC a long time, a stretch of more than 30 years dating back to 1982, and even a few years before that behind the scenes.
The forgotten waves of hope in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Jan 2, 2024 | ca.news.yahoo.com | John Donvan

Some context around the “Forgotten Waves of Hope In The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict” video: I'm a former correspondent for ABC News, but still in touch with the current staff (as I am with a whole couple of generations of staff from the past). I worked for ABC a long time, a stretch of more than 30 years dating back to 1982, and even a few years before that behind the scenes. I will always be grateful for that long run.
What We Learned From Autism’s First Child

Jun 20, 2023 | msn.com | John Donvan

Donald Triplett was 89 when he died, and for most of his life he was anonymous outside the small town of Forest, Mississippi. But when he was laid to rest this week, the news of his death traveled around the world. In 1943, he was the boy identified only as “Case 1, Donald T” in the set of case histories that formed the foundation for the diagnosis of autism. He was, effectively, the first child diagnosed with autism.
What We Learned From Autism’s First Child

Jun 20, 2023 | theatlantic.com | John Donvan |Caren Zucker

Donald Triplett was 89 when he died, and for most of his life he was anonymous outside the small town of Forest, Mississippi. But when he was laid to rest this week, the news of his death traveled around the world. In 1943, he was the boy identified only as “Case 1, Donald T” in the set of case histories that formed the foundation for the diagnosis of autism. He was, effectively, the first child diagnosed with autism.