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

2. Autism Spectrum Wide Range – Spectrum Skills Symptoms
Levels of disability

3. 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

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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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

10. Autism Spectrum Diagnosis
Testing at 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.

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

12. 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

13. 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.

14. 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

15. 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.

16. 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

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

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

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

20. 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.

21. 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

22. Autism Spectrum Sources!
Images via Google Search

23. Thank you to my Patrons Toni Anon Mark Jenn Carl Antony Paola Zachary
Patrick
Tony
Tristan
Jennifer

24. You can find me…
ScientistMel.com
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