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According to the American Psychological Association (APA), research has shown that people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at an increased risk of developing co-occurring mental health conditions, such as:

Anxiety Disorders: Studies indicate that up to 40% of individuals with ASD also experience clinically significant levels of anxiety.

Depressive Disorders: Rates of depression in the ASD population are estimated to be around 20-50%, which is significantly higher than the general population.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): OCD symptoms are more common in individuals with ASD compared to those without.

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Autism is a brain developmental condition that impairs one's abilities to interact and communicate.

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Who is impacted and what are the causes?

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Who is impacted and what are the causes?

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In the United States, around 4 out of every 100 boys and 1 out of every 100 girls have autism.

Autism is less prevalent in white children than in other racial and ethnic groups:
White - 2.4%.
Black - 2.9%.
Hispanics account up 3.2%, while Asian or Pacific Islanders make up 3.3%.

Symptoms may include aversion to certain tastes, smells, or sounds, repetitive movements (e.g. flapping, flicking, or rocking), decreased communication, less pretend play, and repetition of phrases.

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Boys are four times more likely to have autism than girls. Also, premature babies of up to 26 weeks old are more at risk of developing autism than other babies. Signs of autism are usually seen in children around the age of 2.

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Research shows that boys are nearly FOUR times as likely to develop autism than girls. Autism prevalence is lower among white children than other ethnic groups including Hispanic, Asian, and Black.

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Early Signs of Autism Video Tutorial | Kennedy Krieger Institute

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Although an expert may accurately identify autism before the age of two, the average age of autism diagnosis in the United States is five years old. In the United States, the average age of first intervention is 4.7 years. Compared to higher income homes, children in lower income households receive their diagnosis around 4.7 year younger.

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The primary anatomical structures involved in Autism are the Cerebellum, Amygdala, and Frontal Cortex. The neurological system is the most prominently involved with Autism. The Cerebellum is made of three grey layers in the brain and is responsible for movement, muscle tone, motor learning, and more. It is the most common abnormality in the brains of people with ASD. Cerebellum damage and Autism go hand in hand.

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What primary anatomical structure(s) is/are involved in the focus condition? / What processes either cause or are affected by Autism?

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What primary anatomical structure(s) is/are involved in the focus condition? / What processes either cause or are affected by Autism?

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1.) The primary anatomical structure involved in autism is the brain, specifically the prefrontal cortex. This is the part of the brain that is responsible for memory processing, attention, response inhibition and is also known as the personality center.

2.) The exact cause of autism is not known but many studies have shown it to connect genetics , specifically a fragile X chromosome, and autism. In many cases, patients who have autism have been associated with increased brain growth and macrocephaly.

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1) Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined by various brain areas involved in social communication and behavior. The primary anatomic structure involved in autism in the brain is the amygdala. The amygdala regulates emotions including fear and social interactions.

2) The exact cause of autism is not yet known, but genetics and the environment can play a role. An imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory neurons disrupts neural transmission, making it harder for the brain to absorb social and sensory data.

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1.The cerebellum, in particular the central cerebellar vermis and certain lobules like is the main anatomical structure implicated in the focal condition. Patients with ASD are often found to have abnormalities in Purkinje cells, the cerebellum's only output neurons. ASD has also been associated with reduced grey matter in cerebellar regions such as lobule VIIIB and Crus I. It is thought that social behaviors, motor control, and cognitive processing are impacted by these cerebellar impairments in people with ASD.

2.Cognitive processing, social interaction, and motor coordination are among the activities impacted by cerebellar impairments in ASD. Deficits in Purkinje cells, which are frequently seen in ASD, interfere with cerebellar output, which can affect proprioception and motor function. Reduced grey matter in particular cerebellar regions affects cognitive functions like language, working memory, and executive function. The behavioral traits associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), such as poor speech, social difficulties, and repetitive behaviors, are believed to be caused by these cerebellar abnormalities that influence cortical activity.

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Speech and language therapy helps to improve someone's understanding of speech and language. It improves one's ability to communicate effectively. Some activities that are done in speech and language therapy include tongue and mouth exercises, reading out loud, and playing word games.

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Autism appears different for everyone, and each individual with autism has unique strengths and problems. Some autistic people can speak, while others are nonverbal or have limited verbal skills and communicate in other ways.

Symptoms: Difficulty in social relations and communication. Repetitive behaviors or interests, difficulties with changes in routine or environment.

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Repetitive Behvavior and Social Communication

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Repetitive Behvavior and Social Communication

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The symptoms associated with autism are social communication and repetitive behavior. Signs of social communication are a lack of responding to social encounters, an aberrant social approach, and body language/eye contact. Signs of repetitive behavior are repetitive movement or speech, sticking to routines, or set ways of behaving, such as speech or actions.

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DSM-5 is esentially a checklist of yes or no questions used on toddlers. These questions focus on social communication and interaction, emotional reciprocity, and non verbal communication.

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DSM-5 is esentially a checklist of yes or no questions used to diagnose autism in toddlers. This evaluation focuses on non verbal communication, social communication and interactions, emotional reciprocity, and understanding relationships.

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This form of therapy looks to identify and help change potentially self-destructive or unhealthy behaviors. The focus of treatment is often on current problems and how to change them. There are many different subcategories of behavioral therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy. Techniques used in this therapy are systematic desensitization and aversion therapy. Systemic Desensitization is a process that helps people become less sensitive to certain triggers.

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The M-CHAT is intended to screen children from 16 months to 36 months old. This is a checklist similar to that of a DSM-5, the difference is that the parents are also questioned and put into the picture. The parents, in most cases, are asked questions about the development of their children and how they interact with their children.

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Autistic women may have a higher likelihood of:
Have learned to mask indicators of autism to 'fit in'—by emulating others who do not have autism.

Be unspoken and hide their emotions.

Demonstrate improved social skills and reduced repetitious behavior.

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The signs of autism in adult men are finding it hard to understand what others are thinking, hard to make friends, and the same routine every day. Women with autism frequently go untreated because they do not meet autistic stereotypes and may disguise symptoms more effectively than men.

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Language impairments relates to how autism affects the way kids with autism speak and communicate with society. In most cases, kids with autism often suffer from early signs of speech and language impediments. If a kid is not communication by the age of 5, it is a early sign of autism. This includes not just speaking with words, but also pointing, socializing, and showing emotions. In some cases, kids with ASD have limited language which is most likely used to protest and not in a day to day basis. This can be helped with speech therapy and behavioral therapy but in many cases, kids with ASD grow up and continue to have little to no communication.

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Scientists are not 100% sure why some people develop autism while others don't. Risk factors include low birth weight, older parents, and a sibling with autism. Certain people are born with genetic conditions, for example, Down syndrome and Fragile X.

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Kids with ASD grow up needing support for their whole lives. Living independently is very challenging regarding financial management, living in a community, and fending for oneself.

Independent Living:

Many adults with ASD require support or assistance with daily living tasks, such as managing finances, household chores, and personal care.

Difficulties with executive functioning, organization, and problem-solving can make it challenging for individuals with ASD to live independently without support.

Sensory sensitivities and the need for routine and predictability can also create barriers to independent living.

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This therapy is applying behavior to real-life situations. Depending on the Patient's needs and the level of severity of treatment, ABA therapy for autism is predicted to cost anywhere from $17,000 to $50,000 annually. The probability that this therapy will be fully covered by insurance is a 4. Depending on the person the effect of not taking the treatment is communication, social skills, and learning positive reinforcement will not improve.

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The typical cost of CBT for people with autism ranges between $100 and $200 for each session, according to the American Psychological Association.

Insurance Coverage: Many insurance plans, including those obtained through the ACA Marketplace, include little or no coverage for psychiatric therapy, which can be a substantial obstacle for people with autism.

Consequences of Not Receiving Treatment: Neglecting the mental health requirements of people with autism can lead to the development of co-occurring illnesses like anxiety and depression, which can have a negative influence on their general well-being and quality of life.

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Occupational therapy helps people do everyday living activities. Occupational therapy for kids with autism is about $75 per half hour which is $150 for a full hour. Under the ACA, it is prohibited for you to be denied insurance coverage when it comes to pre-existing conditions like autism. There may be small costs or only the first few sessions fully covered for occupational therapy but that all depends on the severity or how much help the patient needs. Not seeking out occupational treatment could impact the child severely when they grow up. It is more likely that they will not be able to live without daily support or ever be independent without occupational therapy.

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Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a positive reinforcement-based therapy that promotes desired behaviors while minimizing detrimental ones. It is very adjustable and personalized to each child's needs. Depending on the person a short-term effect improves a person's functioning, language development, and social functioning. Professionals include behavior therapists and Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA).

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Family Guidance and Mentoring:
Supports and teaches families of people with autism, assisting them in creating positive home environments, effective communication techniques, and behavior management techniques.

Treats: Difficulties in assisting the autistic person, stress in caregiver relationships, and family relationship issues.

It is provided by social workers, autism coaches, and family therapists.

Groups for Social Skills:
Description: These structured group sessions use interactive exercises and peer modeling to teach social skills, communication, and emotional management.

Treats: Social skill deficiencies, trouble interacting with others, and trouble interpreting social signs.

Provided by: Speech-language pathologists, psychologists, social workers.

The previously described strategies of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and social skills training are enhanced by these two additional psychosocial rehabilitation therapies.

Family coaching and counseling supports everyone in the family by addressing the difficulties that may arise when taking care of a member with autism. People with autism can hone their social skills in a controlled setting by participating in social skills groups.

The combination of these four therapies—social skills groups, ABA, family counseling/coaching, and social skills training—offers a thorough strategy for meeting the many needs of people with autism and their families.

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Anxiety is a big part of the lives of people with autism. In order to help, most kids with autism have cognitive behavior theraoy throughout their lives. When it comes to cognitive, there is a connection between thoughts feelings and behaviors. The parents are involved along with the patient as well. When it comes to cognitive therapy, kids on the autism spectrum have the ability to learn how to identify or change thoughts that can potentially lead to certain behaviors. An example would be, instead of screaming at the store when it is crowded, you learn to communicate your feelings with mom and can adjust to the situation like wearing noise cancelling headphones. Cognitive Behavioral therapy would be given by a psychotherapist whos main goal to to help their patient on the autism spectrum to avoid negative thoughts or feelings through beliefs and and behavior.

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Occupational therapy for Autism often focuses on helping people understand boundaries, learn play skills, and how to appropriately participate in social settings. This therapy uses role playing, social stories, and group activities.

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Occupational therapy helps with balance, posture, coordination, and motor skills used in everday day life. Occupational therapy helps with how to function and develop skills needed for everyday life. In a way, OT teaches people with autism self care to be able obtain some independence. An occupational therapist would help develop these skills in individuals with autism to in the long term help better their independent life.

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Depending on the patients's need the therapist will work along with you to help. Training in Motor Coordination is a physical therapy. The goal of this therapy is to assist the kid gain better control over their body movements by using structured exercises to improve their posture, coordination, and balance. Effects of the condition: it treats motor delays and poor coordination, which can interfere with activities of daily living like playing, running, and walking. Expert: this kind of treatment would be given by a pediatric physical therapist with a focus on motor control and development.

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Autism is in a way linked to inflammation as it can cause changes to brain activity. A diet with a reduction in inflammation is necessary in order to not further damage any brain activity in children with autism in order to help them. Foods with veggies, fruits, and some fish can help with this diet. On a scale of 1-10 I would give this change dificulty of 9. It can be difficult on the entire family to help out a child with autism change diets especially since people with autism tend to be very picky. A registered dietician or nutritionist can help with this diet.

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Obesity and other metabolic problems are exacerbated by the fact that children with ASD are frequently less likely to participate in physical activity. Frequent exercise can improve cognitive function, motor abilities, and appetite regulation. Sports and group play are examples of activities that foster social interaction and stress reduction, and they can also have a favorable effect on their general development. By employing organized interventions to promote healthy behaviors, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapists can assist in addressing behavioral issues pertaining to eating and exercise. On a scale a scale of 1-10, I scale it a 5 that the patient to make lifestyle change because the patients needs to be consistent to see results.

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Increased Social Engagement: Individuals with autism may benefit from increased social engagement, such as participating in social skills training programs or joining social clubs. This can help develop communication skills, emotional management, and overall social competence.

Difficulty Level: 8/10 Building social skills and overcoming social anxiety or discomfort can be very challenging for those with autism. Patients may struggle to initiate and maintain social interactions.

Professional Support: Psychologists or counselors would be best equipped to guide and support this lifestyle change. They can provide targeted social skills training, teach emotional regulation techniques, and help the patient practice social engagement in a supportive environment.

Who can teach social skills?

occupational therapists

behavioral therapists

school psychologists

general education teachers

health and PE teachers

many other direct care staff

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Young Children during well-child checkups, general developmental screens are frequently used to identify abnormal behaviors or developmental delays in young children. Since early intervention can greatly improve long-term outcomes, early diagnosis is essential.Children that exhibit particular characteristics diagnostic of ASD, have older parents, have specific genetic problems, had a very low birth weight, or have a family member with ASD are more likely to have ASD. Due to a lack of resources or understanding, caregivers may encounter difficulties getting timely screenings and referrals. Furthermore, developmental deficiencies may not be identified right once, delaying the need for necessary therapies.

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Little boys between the ages of 4-8 years old are most likely to be targeted when they are Asian/ Pacific Islanders, Hispanic, or Black. In general, children of foreign born children were more at risk of having autism than any other children. Being at risk is higher for these populations mainly because they do not have much access to help their child. These kids eat inflammatory food, are for the most part not receiving behavioral therapy to help, and generations before them simply do not believe anything is wrong. Many of the issues experienced are due to cultural ways of being. There are less health care resources for any foreign group compared to white people which can be a challenge in helping a child.

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Spotlight On A New Pattern in Racial and Ethnic Differences Emerges in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Identification among 8-year-old Children

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For the first time, the ADDM Network data found the percentage of 8-year-old children identified with ASD was higher among Black, Hispanic, and Asian or Pacific Islander (A/PI) children compared with White children.

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Avoid smoking/ second hand smoking during pregnancy

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Avoid smoking/ second hand smoking during pregnancy

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Autism is tied with neurological issues and therefore smoking or second hand smoke during pregnancy can highly affects the brain of the baby. It is very common for women to get second hand smoke since they can not always be in control of the people or environment around them. Second hand smoking is the hardest preventative measure to take because one cannot always control the environment in which could be caught up in. An example how second hand smoke is very easy to come in contact with is going to the grocery store and that the people who work at the grocery store are on their lunch break smoking a cigarette right at the front door.

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Prevent Contact with dangerous chemicals 

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Prevent Contact with dangerous chemicals 

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Being exposed to dangerous chemicals during pregnancy may affect the neurodevelopment of the fetus. Pregnant women are recommended to stay away from dangerous chemicals such as paint thinners, aerosols, and some cleaning products.

Difficulties: Common household items may contain harmful chemicals, and certain settings, such crowded cities, might make it difficult to prevent airborne contaminants.

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It is important to recognize that autism is a neurodevelopmental condition with various causes, and there is no definitive way to completely "prevent" autism. However, there are several ways to facilitate early detection, intervention, and developmental support.

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Preventative measures: Early Developmental Screening and Intervention 

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Preventative measures: Early Developmental Screening and Intervention 

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Conducting systematic and comprehensive developmental screenings from 12 to 36 months to identify early signs of potential neurodevelopmental issues and provide prompt, customized intervention.

Early Detection and Support:

Regular developmental screenings

Understanding individual developmental patterns

Early intervention services

Supportive learning environments

Special Challenges:

Variability in screening access and quality

Potential for over/under-diagnosis

Parental anxiety and potential resistance

Healthcare provider training limitations

Socioeconomic screening disparities

Getting evaluated for Autism Spectrum Disorder:

Parent interview

Discuss the child's medical and developmental history

Share any concerns or observations

Review family medical background

Provide comprehensive context

Medical Examination

Comprehensive Screening Includes:

Physical check-up

Neurological assessment

Laboratory tests

Genetic testing

Identifying potential underlying conditions

Hearing Assessment

Rule out hearing-related developmental delays

Check for sound sensitivities

Ensure accurate diagnosis

Behavioral Observation

Specialist Evaluation:

Observe the child in multiple settings

Watch social interactions

Assess play behaviors

Identify potential ASD indicators

Lead Screening

Safety Precaution:

Screen for lead poisoning

Rule out environmental causes of developmental symptoms

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A big public health measure communities can take in order to decrease the risk of autism is to limit air pollution and smoke. Smoking, chemicals, and bad air greatly affect pregnant mothers which puts their babies at higher risks of autism or worse complications. Putting signs to not smoke around pregnant women, or enforcing masks on pregnant women when they are out and about would be a good preventative measure to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby. Second hand smokes is just as bad as the pregnancy mother smoking which is why bad air affects women's babies so greatly. A possible challenge could be smokers who do not care or homeless people who have smoking addictions and have to do it outside. Another possible challenge could be women get a lot of breathing shortness so wearing a mask could make a simple task like walking a lot harder for pregnant women.

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Public awareness campaigns and training programs aim to educate parents, educators, and healthcare professionals about autism spectrum characteristics, early warning signs, and effective support techniques for improved understanding and early detection.

Community awareness programs focus on educating the public about autism, challenging stereotypes, and promoting inclusive environments in schools, businesses, and social settings.

Targets:

General public, including educators, employers, and community members

Institutions like schools, workplaces, and public spaces

Possible Implementation Challenges:

Overcoming deeply ingrained misconceptions about autism

Resistance to changing existing social and institutional practices

Limited resources for comprehensive training and education

Varying levels of understanding and empathy across different communities

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People with autism tend to have patterns when looking at things or avoiding things for example, most people with autism avoid looking at faces. Eye trackers track the movements and focus of the eyes which helps to diagnose people with autism. A negative to this technology is that someone could easily just feel uncomfortable looking at people or their eye patterns could be almost exactly like those of a person with autism and that person does not necessarily have to have autism.

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Proloquo2Go is a high-tech app that facilitates communication for people who are non-verbal or only partially spoken. Its language and vocabulary possibilities are adjustable, enabling users to communicate symbolically and express themselves. Through the improvement of communication skills, this software aids in treatment. Dependency on technology could be a drawback of using Proloquo2Go. The user can be left without a means of communication if the gadget breaks down, runs out of battery, or gets lost, which could cause annoyance or make things difficult in urgent situations.

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Smart wearable devices can assist individuals with autism in managing sensory overload by providing gentle vibrations or pressure that help to calm and regulate emotional responses.

Noise-Cancelling Sensory Regulation Headband: A comfortable headband with built-in noise-canceling technology and optional calming sound frequencies.

The purpose is to prevent and treat sensory overstimulation.

Potential negative aspects:

might create social isolation

potential discomfort from wearing