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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a "neurological/developmental disorder" that affects a persons ability to communicate socially, to behave, and learn as equally as other people. While autism is considered a lifelong condition and can be diagnosed at any age, there are services and supports that can help individuals diagnosed with this condition.

Early signs of this disorder can be noticed by close family members or pediatricians before a child reaches one year of age. However, the need for services and supports typically become more consistently visible by the time a child is 2 or 3 years old. In some cases, the problems related to autism may be mild and not apparent until the child starts school, after which their deficits may be pronounced when amongst their peers.

Main neurological and cognitive areas that are affected can be the need for social communication and repetitive behaviors.

Deficits in the social communication may include:

Decreased sharing of interests with others.

Difficulty appreciating their own & others' emotions.

Aversion to maintaining eye contact.

Lack of proficiency with use of non-verbal gestures.

Scripted speech.

Interpreting abstract ideas literally.

Difficulty making friends or keeping them.

Deficits in the lack of interests and repetitive behaviors may include:

Inflexibility of behavior, extreme difficulty coping with change.

Being overly focused on niche subjects to the exclusion of others.

Expecting others to be equally interested in those subjects.

Difficulty tolerating changes in routine and new experiences.

Sensory hypersensitivity, e.g., aversion to loud noises.

Stereotypical movements such as hand flapping, rocking, spinning.

Arranging things, often toys, in a very particular manner.

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The concept of ASD was first clearly defined in the 1940s, when a group of children exhibiting extreme self-isolation and lack of responsiveness to the environment was first described by American psychiatrist Leo Kanner. Almost simultaneously, Austrian child psychologist, Hans Asperger, described a similar but higher level of functioning in a condition that came to be known as Asperger’s syndrome.

These two independent studies laid the foundation for the modern understanding of ASD. For the first few decades, ASD was considered extremely rare and was often confused with schizophrenia. Due to a lack of in-depth understanding of ASD, early diagnostic criteria were unclear and treatment was largely limited to behavioral interventions and psychotherapy.

Over time, researchers began to pay more attention to the genetic and neurobiological findings of ASD, thus contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of this complex condition. Since the 1990s, the diagnosis of ASD has risen significantly, as diagnostic criteria have continued to be refined and public awareness has increased.

Here are some advancements and findings in research in the last few years that has helped open many eyes and has shown a more clear understanding of what is ASD:

Science and ASD

There is no single “autism gene”, but clusters of genes may interact with environmental factors.

There’s growing evidence of gut-brain axis dysfunction, which may contribute to anxiety and sensory challenges.

There is a development for a biomarker identification for earlier, blood-based autism diagnosis.

The ability to combine neurofeedback with mindfulness training for better self-regulation.

Technology and ASD

AI is helping detect autism in infants as young as 6 months by analyzing facial expressions and motor patterns.

Machine learning models can now differentiate between autism and ADHD with over 90% accuracy.

The possibility of an integration of wearable tech for real-time emotion tracking.

Medicine and ASD

MRI data can predict language delays and social challenges before symptoms emerge.

Education and ASD

Early intervention dramatically improves life outcomes for autistic children.

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Support services for kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder include therapies like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech, and occupational therapy, as well as educational support through school districts and specialized programs like the Maryland Pathways program for college students. Other services include community and parent support, and financial assistance options, often provided through organizations like the Autism Society and Autism Speaks.

These are some therapy services and/or interventions that are offered for children with autism:

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Helps with language, social, and behavioral skills.

Speech-Language Therapy: Focuses on communication and social/play skills.

Occupational Therapy: Assists with fine and gross motor skills.

Mental health therapies: Including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for managing emotions and social difficulties.

There is also educational and community support inside schools and certain districts for children with diagnosed with autism:

School District Support: Special education coordinators can provide information and support through an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Specialized Programs: Some states offer programs like the DORS Pathways program in Maryland, which helps students with autism prepare for college.

Community Outreach: Organizations provide training and support for parents, educators, and the community on topics like social-communication difficulties and intervention strategies.

One of the most common ones, is parent and family resources for those who have a child or a family member diagnosed with autism:

Parent Training: Many service centers offer parent consultation and training, both in-person and virtually.

Support Groups: Local and state chapters of organizations like the Autism Society can provide local parent support.

Parent Support Organizations: Groups like Family Voices can connect families with resources.

Lastly, financial assistance and practical aid can also be found for children diagnosed with autism:

Grants: Organizations like Autism Care Today (ACT) through Autism Speaks provide grants to help pay for services, technology, and safety equipment.

Government Benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) may be an option for adults with a disability that began before age 22, based on a parent's earnings record.

Waiver Programs: Some states, like Maryland, offer waiver programs that help cover the costs of services for eligible individuals who meet certain financial and care requirements.

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Key laws associated with autism spectrum disorder include the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination in areas like employment and public accommodations, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which guarantees the right to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) for students with disabilities.

Other laws address healthcare access through the Affordable Care Act and state mandates for insurance coverage, support for individuals with disabilities via the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, and Social Security benefits. There are also laws and regulations that impact other areas, such as legal proceedings and law enforcement interaction.

These are some laws related to the education field that help support the special education community:

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA):

Guarantees students with disabilities the right to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE).

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA):

Also plays a role in ensuring students with autism receive a proper education.

Individualized Education Programs (IEPs):

Mandated by IDEA, IEPs outline a student's learning goals and needs.

Parental Rights:

IDEA establishes parents as equal partners with school districts in the educational planning process.

These are some laws related to the work field that help support the special education community:

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Provides civil rights protections in employment, prohibiting discrimination and requiring reasonable accommodations.

Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act: Prohibits discrimination by federal contractors and subcontractors and was amended in 2008 to address employment issues for individuals with disabilities.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act: Supports individuals with disabilities in finding meaningful employment.

These are some laws related to the health and medicine field that help support the special education community:

Affordable Care Act (ACA): Ensures that individuals with autism can access necessary healthcare, as it mandates coverage for essential health benefits, including mental and behavioral health services.

Lastly, these are some extra laws that help support the special education community:

Social Security Administration: Autism can qualify an individual for Social Security Disability benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), if it is severe enough to meet the SSA's listing criteria.

Judicial System: Laws and regulations aim to ensure individuals with autism receive appropriate accommodations during legal proceedings, including in communication and testimony.

Law Enforcement: Some states have laws that require specialized training for police officers to improve their interactions with individuals who have autism.