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Some of the main environmental factors of autism is

Maternal Antibiotic Use: Both older paternal and maternal age at the time of conception have been associated with an increased risk of autism.

Maternal Health Conditions: Maternal obesity, diabetes, and immune system disorders during pregnancy have been linked to an increased risk of autism.

Folate Deficiency: Folate's role in neurodevelopment has led to interest in its potential impact on autism risk.

Advanced Parental Age: Both older paternal and maternal age at the time of conception have been associated with an increased risk of autism.

Birth Complications: Premature birth, low birth weight, and birth difficulties leading to oxygen deprivation to the baby's brain can also increase the likelihood of autism.

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals: Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which can interfere with hormone balance, may also play a role.

(Written by Malik Holman)

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Autism has been widely misunderstood for generations. But while many that lack understanding of neurodivergent traits may consider it to be a disease/disorder/"something to be fixed," many others perceive that individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder/neurodivergent traits could be gifted in reimagining a more livable, compassionate society for all of us. This understanding has become much more prevalent in recent years with how accessible information has become on social media and with our society as a whole being pushed to grow in introspection, awareness, and acceptance. We now widely understand that Autism Spectrum Disorder is considered a spectrum for a reason, as some people who identify as being on the spectrum are highly verbal, using external processing/spoken and written language as a grounding technique to aid in navigating a world that can feel very overwhelming and confusing. And still many others exist on the nonverbal end of the spectrum, and still many more at various degrees in between. We have begun to understand only recently as a society that if an autistic individual presents as nonverbal and less outwardly expressive, it does not in any way automatically denote a lack of internal awareness/intelligence. Some autistic individuals are highly intelligent and struggle only to integrate into the outer world. Their struggle to participate in a society that they are not cut out for says far less about a lack of intelligence and more about a difference in processing and sensitivity to the world around them. In the same vein, it was for a long time believed that autistic individuals lack empathy, when in actuality most autistic individuals carry a deep capacity for empathy that can be so deep and impactful it is difficult to convey to others, and can be destabilizing for some. Many autistic individuals feel the pain of others within their own bodies as if its happening to them, but it can be at times so overwhelming that it leads to meltdown/shutdown which may be a cause of the misconception that autistic individuals lack empathy, as it manifests and presents very differently than it does in neurotypicals. Trying to keep up with a society not designed for them can cause an overwhelming degree of stress and often cPTSD in, especially undiagnosed and late-diagnosed autistics. The effort to keep up with a world that can feel so brutalizing to an autistic's nervous system and sense of self can lead to cycles of burnout that look much like depression. For this reason, many high-masking individuals or individuals that lacked resources and support and were forced into survival mode for much of their lives, may be misdiagnosed with disorders such as Major Depressive Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Bipolar Disorder before coming to understand their autistic identity as the root of their issues with mood and other mental health concerns. It is very common for many autistics to receive a misdiagnosis of Social Anxiety Disorder when seeking to initially understand their social struggles, especially if they are high-masking, or thought to be low-support needs (which, the existence of a truly low-support need autistic individual is highly debatable). It can be intensely relieving for an individual with a misdiagnosis of SAD that has made no progress with Exposure Therapy and typical techniques to correct mere social anxiety, to shift into the awareness of Autism Spectrum or other neurodivergent qualities as the underlying cause. Autistics often also have a strong sense of justice which can contribute to social/relationship issues and confusion especially in undiagnosed individuals. Autistics typically have high pattern recognition skills, which can sometimes manifest in OCD tendencies over time, especially when accompanied with the presence of cPTSD and other disordered thinking patterns/survival mechanisms. Pattern Recognition can be understood as a keen attunement to subtle details instead of merely seeing events at face value or as separate from one another.  Autistics with pattern recognition often can notice an underlying rhythm in music, the deeper meanings in movies, making connections others may miss, and can predict outcomes based on subtle trends.  This can be a superpower but can also present difficulties in relationships, especially with neurotypicals and especially if there’s a dual diagnosis of Autism Spectrum and cPTSD, which can lead to pattern recognition skills that have become too keen, leading to paranoia and unproductive, often detrimental, anxiety in relationships.

Autistic Individuals may also consider themselves as, or be considered as Highly Sensitive Persons, which can make them sensitive to light, sound, textures, certain foods, and certain factors in environments.  They may become easily drained and overwhelmed by the world around them for more reasons than just the emotionally-taxing experience of having to mask socially.  Without getting too deep into this topic, this can begin to offer some insight into why Autism and Auto-immune disorders or other chronic disorders are often co-occurring.  Autistic individuals across a wide spectrum may benefit from somatic practices, dim lighting and self-soothing techniques.  Some autistic individuals benefit greatly from touch/physical pressure and some can be highly uncomfortable with touch and experience exacerbated symptoms in response to it.  If you have an autistic individual you love in your life, is important to deeply listen to their specific needs and to look at them as the unique individual that they are.

To speak more on the “superpowers” associated with ASD, there is many times an overlap between Autism and the experience of synesthesia and other creative strengths.  Synesthesia can be described as a blending of/disassociation from the separate senses.  It causes an individual to exist in a space in which sensory information is less compartmentalized, where for some colors have a certain taste or texture, music is felt as colors, and on and on.  This can be overwhelming, but often in a very beautiful way.  Some with this experience can be very inclined to produce music or create art, which can help them to feel more connected to the pulse of a world they often feel disconnected from.

We are only beginning to understand autism but I hope we only continue to approach it with curiosity and empathy, and create a world that celebrates our differences and is supportive to us all.

(Posted by Meghan Darcy)

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Early Developmental Screening and Monitoring 

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Early Developmental Screening and Monitoring 

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Doctors check how a child is growing and learning during regular checkups. They look for early signs of autism, like not responding to their name or not pointing at things. These screenings usually happen at 18 and 24 months. One common tool used is called the M-CHAT. If anything seems off, the doctor may recommend more testing.

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Children with autism may take longer to start talking or may use fewer words than expected for their age. Some might not speak at all or have trouble using words to express what they want or need.

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Is It Autism or Just a Speech Delay? A Behavior Analyst Explains!

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Studies have shown that there is a strong genetic link to Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD). Autism is highly heritable, meaning that it is likely to run in families. Estimates suggest that genetics contributes 40-80% of the risk for developing ASD. Specific gene mutations have been identified as risk factors for ASD as well. These mutations can affect brain development and function. Another major factor is sibling recurrence meaning that if one sibling has ASD, the risk for another sibling to develop ASD is significantly higher than in the general population. While working in the field of Applied behavioral analysis(ABA), I've seen several pairs of siblings being diagnosed with autism and needing the services of ABA.

(Written by Malik Holman)

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During early childhood, the brains of autistic individuals tend to grow faster and larger than those of their peers. The Attached Link describes the Neurological causes for Autism.

https://jadeaba.org/neurological-causes-of-autism/

(Posted by Donald Kinton)

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Children

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To properly get diagnosed with Autism you have to go through a level of screenings and observations by a trained professional. There's a list of steps that you have to go through before being diagnosed with autism, but the process for adults and children are not the same. The steps diagnosing a kid are to receive a developmental screening to receive a referral to a specialist like a developmental pediatrician, psychologist, or neurologist to do a comprehensive evaluation which will include interviews, observations and standardized assessments and depending on the results from both assessments, those same professionals can diagnose someone with autism and then create a personal intervention plan for the patient. For adults it's a little different, but very similar because you still have to consult with a professional, get evaluated, but the evaluation portion differs because the specialist will review your developmental history, go through interviews and questionnaires and then perform cognitive and Activity-Based Tests.

(Edited by Malik Holman)

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We focused on autism because it's becoming increasingly visible in our society, especially on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Parents and professionals are sharing personal stories and discussing early signs, and autistic advocates are challenging stereotypes and increasing acceptance. At the same time, broader diagnostic criteria and expanded research have brought autism into the public eye more than ever before. This unique mix of real-world experience, scientific development, and social conversation makes autism an essential and timely topic for our study.

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Autism is linked to changes in how the brain grows and builds itself, starting before birth and continuing into early childhood. The following brain differences help explain the wide range of behaviors and experiences in autism such as speech and social interaction, balance and coordination, strong focus on details, and others.

1. Early Brain Overgrowth (Macrocephaly)

In the first year of life, some children with autism have faster brain growth than usual. This can cause a larger head size, known as macrocephaly. This fast growth mostly happens in the frontal and temporal lobes, which affect emotions, language, and social behavior. Even though the growth slows down later, the early overgrowth might change how these brain areas function.

2. Cortex Layer Difference

The outer layer of the brain is called the cortex, and it forms in layers during pregnancy. In some children with autism, small spots in the prefrontal and temporal cortex don’t form those layers correctly. These parts of the brain are important for things like speaking, understanding emotions, and connecting with others. If they don’t develop the right way, it can make social or communication skills harder.

3. Shape and Thickness of the Cortex

Brain scans have shown that in autism, some parts of the cortex can be thicker or thinner than usual. Also, the cortex often has more folds than typical, especially in areas that deal with sounds, body awareness, and feelings, like the temporal, parietal, and cingulate regions. These differences may help a person focus deeply on details, but they might also make it harder for the brain to connect bigger ideas across different areas.

4. Cerebellum and Purkinje Cells

The cerebellum is a part of the brain that helps with movement and coordination, thinking and handling emotions. In many people with autism, this area has fewer special brain cells called Purkinje cells, which help send signals to the rest of the brain. Having fewer of these cells might affect balance, focus, and how someone reacts in social situations.

5. White Matter and Brain Connections

White matter is like the brain’s wiring system, it connects different parts of the brain so they can work together. In autism, these connections are often different. Short-distance connections might be stronger, while long-distance connections can be weaker. The corpus callosum, which connects the left and right sides of the brain, may also be smaller. This might make it harder to process information all at once, like reading someone’s face while listening to what they say.

6. Amygdala and Hippocampus Changes

The amygdala helps us recognize emotions like fear or happiness, and the hippocampus is important for learning and memory. In some young children with autism, both of these parts of the brain are larger than usual. This could affect how a person understands emotions or remembers social experiences.

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The link between genes and autism is strong and well-supported by scientific research, although it's complex and not fully understood. Below will be a breakdown of what we know so far.

1. Genetic Factors Play a Major Role

Autism spectrum disorder(ASD) has a strong genetic component. Studies shows that:

Heritability is estimated to be 70-90%, meaning most of the risk for autism comes from genetics.

If one identical twin has autism, the other has a 60-90% chance of being diagnosed as well.

2. Types of Genetic Contributions

There are two main categories of genetic changes linked to autism:

Rare mutations (high impact)

De novo mutations: These are spontaneous genetic changes not found in parents.

Copy number variations(CNVs): Missing or duplicated sections of DNA.

3. Gene Networks and Brain Development

Many autism-linked genes are involved in:

Brain development(especially during prenatal stages)

1. Family history and inheritance

Having a family member with autism increases the likelihood of another family member being diagnosed.

Some autism-linked genes are inherited, while others arise spontaneously.

Written by: Malik Holman

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Study hopes to find genetic links to autism

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In autism, the core issue with brain communication lies in how different brain regions connect and exchange information, particularly those involved in social interaction, attention, and sensory processing.

Local Over-Connectivity: Autistic brains often show excessive short-range connections within specific regions. This can lead to intense focus on details but may hinder big-picture thinking or flexible behavior.

Long-Distance Under-Connectivity: There’s often weaker communication between distant brain areas, especially those involved in integrating complex information. This affects executive function, social cognition, and the ability to shift attention.

Excitation/Inhibition Imbalance: Neurochemical signaling is often disrupted, with an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters like glutamate and GABA. This can lead to overstimulated or under-responsive neural circuits, affecting behavior and sensory processing.

(Autistic Brain Connectivity | The Neurodivergent Brain)

(Written by Donald Kinton)

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Sensory Processing vs People Without Autism 

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Sensory Processing vs People Without Autism 

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Autistic individuals are often hypersensitive to stimuli in the environment and may not be able to process sensory input like certain lighting, textures, or smells the way neurotypical individuals would. Neurotypical individuals may be drawn to certain smells or other sensory information but it typically doesn't interfere with daily life/functioning. For autistic individuals, certain sensory information can be very overstimulating and so they may go out of their way to avoid entire environments, for example, to not have to experience the stimuli. Some autistics may on the other hand be hyposensitive to stimuli and not notice certain sensations or pain, and may even engage in sensory-seeking behaviors. Both sensory-seeking and sensory-avoidant behaviors can be disruptive to quality of life. Autistic individuals can also struggle to filter out certain sensory information to focus if there's a lot of it at one time. Neurotypicals do not typically struggle in this way to a detrimental degree. Autistic individuals may need accommodations like noise cancelling headphones in order to participate in certain learning environments or social situations.

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Many children with autism show limited or no eye contact during conversations or interactions. They may look away when someone speaks to them or avoid eye contact altogether. This can make it harder for them to connect emotionally with others or pick up on facial expressions and social signals.

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Children with autism may repeat certain actions or movements, such as hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning objects. These behaviors often help them feel calm or in control, especially in unfamiliar or overwhelming situations. Repetitive actions can also include repeating words or sticking to the same routine every day.

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What to know about repetitive behaviors in autism

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Many children with autism are very sensitive to things like touch, sound, and light. For example, a soft blanket might feel rough or uncomfortable to them, and bright lights can seem too intense or even painful. These strong sensory reactions can lead to discomfort, meltdowns, or avoiding certain places or activities altogether.

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Autistic kids often find it hard to make friends because they may not pick up on social clues like body language or tone of voice. This can make talking and playing with others confusing or overwhelming. Sometimes, even with their own parents, they might struggle to show their feelings or understand what others want from them, which can make close relationships feel challenging.

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What Is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)? | Child Mind Institute

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Occupational therapy helps children and people with autism by teaching them important daily skills, like how to dress themselves, use utensils, or play with others. It also helps them manage sensory challenges, like being bothered by loud noises or certain textures. by finding ways to feel more comfortable and less overwhelmed. This support helps them feel more confident, calm, and able to do things on their own.

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Occupational Therapy for Autism: Building Daily Skills and Confidence

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People with autism may experience social isolation at many stages in life. When they’re kids, making friends can be hard because social rules and joining in with others don’t always come easily. This might make them feel lonely or left out during school or playtime. As they become teens and adults, these social difficulties can still be there. Meeting new people or keeping friendships can feel challenging, and some might feel alone or like others don’t understand them. Without help, this loneliness can lead to feelings of sadness or low self-esteem.

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When autistic children become adults, life can become very challenging for the individual on the spectrum as well as their support system. Autistic adolescents can sometimes majorly benefit from structured school settings, but that all goes away with the transition to adulthood. This can lead to risks when it comes to employment, independent living, and social integration. Adult services for Autistic individuals are much more limited as well.

Loneliness can be debilitating for Autistic adults, as without structured social activities, it can be very difficult to make and maintain friendships and develop other forms of social support. Autistic individuals may need help integrating into the community and can benefit from social skills training and support groups for Autistic adults.

For all of the aforementioned reasons, Autistic adults tend to have much higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide. They can struggle intensely with feelings of isolation and alienation. Continuity of mental health support is crucial as they navigate the transition into adulthood.

Support networks and planning for adulthood are invaluable for Autistic individuals.

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What happens when autistic kids become adults? | Ohio State Medical Center

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People with autism are more likely to experience mental health problems like anxiety, depression, and stress. This can happen because social difficulties, sensory overload, and feeling misunderstood can be very overwhelming. Sometimes, challenges with daily life and changes in routine can also add to these feelings.

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Parents and caregivers usually notice early signs of autism during the first few years of a child’s life. They may see that their child isn’t speaking like other kids the same age, doesn’t respond when their name is called, avoids eye contact, or prefers to play alone. Some children may not smile, point at things, or show interest in what others are doing. Parents might also notice unusual behaviors, like repeating the same movements or becoming very upset when routines change. These observations are very important and often lead to the first discussions with doctors about autism.

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Speech therapy helps kids and people with autism who find it hard to talk or understand others. A speech therapist works with them to speak more clearly, put words together, and use the right tone and volume. If speaking is difficult, the therapist can teach other ways to communicate, like using pictures or gestures.

The main goal is to help them express their feelings and needs, and to better understand what others are saying. Speech therapy also teaches social skills like taking turns in conversation and understanding emotions or jokes. This support helps them connect with people and feel more confident every day.

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Some kids with autism deal with really big emotions—like getting upset fast, having strong mood swings, or feeling anxious in ways that are hard to explain. Medication doesn’t cure autism, but it can help with some of those overwhelming feelings. For example, risperidone is often used to calm severe irritability. Without insurance, the cost can be around $100–$200 a month. Many insurance plans help pay for it, but not all. We are looking at 4/5 on likelihood for insurance to cover medication for autistic people. If a child doesn’t get the right medication, it can lead to more meltdowns, more frustration, and make everyday life harder, for both the child and their family. It’s not just about cost, it’s about giving kids the chance to feel a little more in control.

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When a child is diagnosed with autism, it changes everything for the family. Family therapy helps parents, siblings, and caregivers learn how to support their child better. It gives families tools to connect, manage stress, and learn how to communicate in a way that works for everyone, especially the child. These sessions usually cost around $100–$250, and insurance might help, the likelihood for insurance to help would be around 3/5 possibility. When families don’t get this kind of support, it can lead to confusion, burnout, and even isolation. But when they do, it creates a more peaceful home where everyone can grow and feel heard.

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ABA therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis) is really popular among people with Autism. It helps children learn things like how to talk with others, follow directions, and build habits that help them succeed in everyday life. It's very hands-on and is often done one-on-one, using small steps and positive encouragement. It can cost up to $4,800 a month without insurance. Although many insurance plans now help cover it. the likelihood of coverage would be around 3/5. Without ABA or a similar program, some children may miss out on learning basic skills they’ll need for school, friendships, work, and lifelong activities.

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Many children with autism deeply want to connect, but things like making friends or knowing how to join a group can feel confusing or scary. A treatment that can really help is called social skills therapy. It gives them a safe space to learn how to pick up on social cues, like how to tell if someone is joking or serious, or how to respond in a group conversation. This support makes a huge difference, especially for kids who feel alone or different. These sessions are often led by trained counselors or psychologists, and they can be life-changing. Without this kind of help, children might continue feeling disconnected from others, which can lead to emotional pain and missed opportunities for friendship.

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 Therapy for Emotions and Thoughts (CBT)

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 Therapy for Emotions and Thoughts (CBT)

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Everyday challenges like changes in routine or misunderstandings with others can bring a lot of stress. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) gives them tools to understand their thoughts, manage overwhelming emotions, and respond in healthier ways. It can help them notice patterns, like getting upset when plans change, and gently guide them toward calmer responses. This therapy doesn’t just help with emotions, it also helps with confidence, which many kids with autism struggle with. CBT is usually provided by therapists or psychologists who understand autism, and it can offer real emotional relief. Without this kind of support, anxiety and frustration can build up and make daily life even harder to manage.

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Kids with autism often feel overwhelmed by things like loud sounds, bright lights, or certain fabrics. Sensory integration therapy is designed to help their brains handle these sensory experiences better. With the help of an occupational therapist, kids might use tools like therapy swings, soft lights, calming textures, or gentle movement exercises. These sessions help them slowly get used to the sensations that cause stress or meltdowns. This kind of therapy can make a big difference in helping a child feel more comfortable in noisy classrooms, busy parks, or even just getting dressed in the morning. If they don’t get this support, their daily routines and social life may become more difficult.

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Learning everyday skills like remembering to tie your shoes, turning off the lights when leaving the house, properly storing leftover food to prevent spoilage, putting dirty clothes in the washing machine, and knowing how to get on the bus and follow your route are all crucial for daily independence. These tasks might seem small, but they build the foundation for managing life safely and confidently. For children with autism, these skills don’t always come naturally and can be overwhelming to learn without guidance. Occupational therapists help break these activities down into simple, manageable steps using visual reminders, routines, and hands-on support. Mastering these tasks means a child can take care of themselves better, reducing their reliance on others and increasing their confidence. Without learning these essential skills, daily life can become confusing and stressful, limiting the ability to live independently and fully participate in the community.

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How I Practice Self-Care as an Autistic Person

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Many kids with autism get overwhelmed by things they can’t control, like bright lights, loud noises, rough textures, or certain foods. These triggers can cause anxiety and frustration. CBT helps them understand how their thoughts and feelings connect and teaches ways to stay calm when these things happen. Therapists also work with parents so they can help at home. Without this help, these strong feelings can make daily life very hard. With CBT, kids learn how to manage their emotions and feel more in control.

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A Life-Changing Therapy For Children With Autism At The Child Study Center

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Music therapy offers children with autism a unique way to communicate and express themselves when words are hard to find. By engaging in activities like playing instruments, singing, or listening to rhythms, they can improve their ability to connect with others and manage their feelings. Music creates a comforting environment where children feel safe and understood. Therapists use music to build skills like attention, social interaction, and emotional regulation. Without this kind of support, kids might find it harder to express their emotions or calm down during stressful moments. Music therapy helps them develop confidence and find joy in connecting with the world around them.

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Children Exposed to Alcohol or Drug Abuse

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Children Exposed to Alcohol or Drug Abuse

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Children who are exposed to drugs or alcohol during pregnancy are at higher risk for autism because these substances can interfere with normal brain development in the womb. These children and their families often face challenges such as stigma, difficulty accessing early diagnosis, and managing multiple developmental or health issues that can complicate treatment.

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Children born to older parents, especially fathers over the age of 40, have an increased risk of autism due to possible genetic changes linked to parental age. Older parents may also experience health challenges and fatigue that make it harder to consistently participate in therapies and care required for their child’s development.

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Avoiding Substance Abuse During Pregnancy

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Avoiding Substance Abuse During Pregnancy

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Avoiding drugs and alcohol during pregnancy is very important because it helps protect the baby’s developing brain from damage that could lead to autism. However, some mothers may struggle with addiction or not have enough support, which makes it hard to stay away from these substances.

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Getting regular prenatal care helps keep both mother and baby healthy by catching problems early and managing any risks during pregnancy. Sometimes, though, families have trouble getting to doctors because of cost, or transportation issues.

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Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT explained!)

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Doctors and scientists can use brain scans, like EEGs, to see how a child’s brain is working. These tests can show unusual brain activity linked to autism. Even though it’s helpful, these scans are expensive and not every hospital has them available.

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Brain scans may detect autism at 6 months old, research participants needed in Minnesota

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Some kids with autism don’t speak or have a hard time using words. AAC devices, like iPads with voice apps or boards with pictures, let them "talk" by pointing or pressing buttons. These tools help kids express their needs and feelings, but they can be pricey and take time to learn how to use.

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There are many apps made for kids with autism that teach social skills, calming techniques, or track their daily behaviors. These apps are great for learning at home or school, but some children may need an adult’s help to use them correctly, and not all families have access to the right devices.

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It’s really important for parents to stay in regular contact with their child’s pediatrician. Most pediatric offices now include autism screenings as part of routine checkups, especially when the child is between 18 and 24 months. These screenings often use simple checklists that help both the doctor and parents spot early signs of autism, so children can get help sooner if needed.

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Public health organizations and autism advocacy groups do a great job sharing information about autism. It also helps when parents connect with other families who have kids around the same age. Being part of a supportive community can help parents learn what signs to look for in their own child. When we raise awareness, we take away the fear and shame that some families feel when something seems “different.” Instead, we encourage early action, support, and understanding.

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Children with autism can be sensitive to things like loud sounds, bright lights, or how certain clothes feel on their skin. Changing the home to make it calmer and more peaceful by turning down lighting, using soft textures, and creating quiet areas, can help them feel safe and more relaxed. This change might be about a 6 out of 10 in difficulty because some changes are simple, but others might take time or cost money. An occupational therapist can work with families to make the home more comfortable and supportive for the child’s sensory needs.

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Some children with autism cannot talk or have a hard time expressing what they want or feel. Using communication tools like pictures, speech apps, or talking devices gives them a way to connect with others and ask for what they need, which can really reduce stress. This lifestyle change may be a 7 out of 10 in difficulty, since learning new tools takes time and practice for both the child and their family. A speech-language therapist helps guide the family through this process and teaches everyone how to use the communication tools in daily life.