Autism Spectrum Scientistmel.com Patreon.com/scientistmel Twitter.com/scientistmel

Autism Spectrum Wide Range – Spectrum Skills Symptoms Levels of disability

Autism Spectrum Characteristics Social Problems and Communication Difficulties Repetitive behaviors Limited interests/activities Recognized in 1st 2 years of life Symptoms hurt individual’s ability to function socially

Autism Spectrum AS vs Asperger’s Once considered separate (Pervasive Development Disorder) Now categorized as part of the AS

Restrictive Repetitive Behaviors Repeating Unusual Focused Interests Lasting Intense Interest Repeating certain behaviors or having unusual behaviors Having overly focused interests, such as with moving objects or parts of objects Having a lasting, intense interest in certain topics, such as numbers, details, or facts.

Less engaging with others (eye contact/listening) Upset by change Less engaging with others (eye contact/listening) Rarely share enjoyment of activities and objects Unusual response to those who are angry/affectionate Slow response to attempts to gain their attention Back and forth conversing is difficult Talk at length about a subject of interest w/o realizing it Repeating words/phrases Unusual use of words except to those who know them Facial expressions and gestures don’t match phrasing Sing-song or robot like tone Struggles to understand other’s point of view People with ASD may have other difficulties, such as being very sensitive to light, noise, clothing, or temperature. They may also experience sleep problems, digestion problems, and irritability.

Autism Spectrum Important Points Symptoms and behaviors can vary It IS a spectrum – combination of various traits There is no ONE FITS ALL box of characteristics People can experience a few or all of these symptoms

Autism Spectrum STRENGTHS Above Avg. Intelligence Learn in Detail GREAT Memory Strong Auditory and Visual Learning Excel in math, science, music or art ASD is unique in that it is common for people with ASD to have many strengths and abilities in addition to challenges.

Autism Spectrum Brain Scans of AS people Symmetrical brains Both right and left hemispheres equally interact This likely is linked to memory and attention to detail

Autism Spectrum Diagnosis Testing at 18-24 months (earlier if family history) Developmental pediatrician Child psychologist and psychiatrist Speech language pathologist Earlier screening might be needed if a child is at high risk for ASD or developmental problems. Those at high risk include children who: Have a sister, brother, or other family member with ASD Have some ASD behaviors Were born premature, or early, and at a low birth weight.

Autism Spectrum Evaluation Cognitive level (thinking skills) Language abilities Age-appropriate skills (eating, dressing, etc.) Blood and hearing tests

Autism Spectrum Later Diagnosis Special Ed Team Subtle Communication School Age Children Social Issues Figures of Speech, Humor Adolescents ASD Evaluation History and Concerns Adults Autism Spectrum Later Diagnosis

Risk Factors Boys more likely Sibling with AS Genetics Older Parents Gender—boys are more likely to be diagnosed with ASD than girls Having a sibling with ASD Having older parents  (a mother who was 35 or older, and/or a father who was 40 or older when the baby was born) Genetics—about 20% of children with ASD also have certain genetic conditions. Those conditions include Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis among others.

Autism Spectrum AS Increase? Disagreement on if it is a TRUE increase Guidelines for AS diagnosis have changed More awareness means parents spot symptoms Doctors can diagnosis in adulthood now

Autism Spectrum VACCINES DO NOT CAUSE AUTISM Bad Science is responsible for that myth A study involving 1.2 million children shows NO LINK Not vaccinating your children hurts not just your kids, but immunosuppressed people.

Autism Spectrum Treatments/Therapies AS support group Develop intervention plan Doctor AS specialist Educators Contact local groups Advocacy School Notebook of Info Record doc evals and information

Autism Spectrum Medications Irritability Aggression Repetitive Behavior Hyperactivity Attention issues Anxiety Depression

Autism Spectrum Join a Study! NIMH/NIH actively research Prevention Detection Treatments Psychotherapies Devices Medications

Autism Spectrum AS Stigma Have to stop stigmatizing AS people They are wired differently, not broken Inherently valuable EVERYONE is a spectrum of things

Autism Spectrum How to respond? Educate yourself Understand they are hyper aware and sensitive to of a lot of things Give space when they need it. Be clear in communication. Be direct but kind. BE PATIENT.

Autism Spectrum Wide Range – Spectrum Skills - AWESOME Symptoms – Most can be treated Levels of disability Vaccines do not cause it Not broken, just wired differently

Autism Spectrum Sources! https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/index.shtml https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/hcp-screening.html https://www.sciencealert.com/people-with-autism-have-more-symmetrical-brains-new-scans-reveal https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/trials/index.shtml https://www.autismspeaks.org/science/science-news/new-meta-analysis-confirms-no-association-between-vaccines-and-autism http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264410X14006367 Images via Google Search

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