Autism by

Why do children that have autism seek sensory input?

rhartin2323 — 2025-07-03 01:45:00 UTC

Sensory input for autistic children means more than a tight squeeze! Our focus question is why do children seek sensory input and why do others have a hard time recognizing sensory input?

Who suffers from Autism?

rhartin2323 — 2025-07-03 01:48:16 UTC

People of all ages suffer from Autism. There is not a common Age, Ethnicity, Gender, etc because Autism is a hereditary trait meaning if someone has autism, then its in there genetic code.

Primary Cause of Autism: Genetic Traits

rhartin2323 — 2025-07-03 01:53:39 UTC

Autism is a hereditary trait. Autism occurs during prenatal brain development. Autism is not caused by a single gene but by genetic and environmental factors. Several autism cases are linked to genetic mutations passed down from parents, however, some come from spontaneous gene variation even when parents do not have it.

Primary Cause of Autism: Environmental Factors

rhartin2323 — 2025-07-03 01:55:31 UTC

Several causes of autism or advanced cases come from environmental factors such as parental age, exposure to substances, prenatal mental and physical health conditions.

Autism as a whole

rhartin2323 — 2025-07-03 01:58:32 UTC

Autism (ASD) as a whole is not treatable. There are several different factors that diagnose autism and not everyone with autism is the same. For example some children with autism can be attracted to toys with unique shapes and feelings, however when met with another autistic child that child may not like the sensory input that unique toy gives off.

Want to know the Primary Anatomical Structures Affected by Autism?

sppadill — 2025-07-14 00:28:30 UTC

Well when researching ASD affects cerebellum, Hippocampus, Amygdala, and Frontal Cortex

What is the Cerebellum and how its affected by ASD?

sppadill — 2025-07-14 00:47:28 UTC

Watching this video explains the affects on the cerebellum and how Changes in the cerebellum cause diﬃculties on motor skills, social interaction and language processing.

Processing Emotions: The Amygdala

sppadill — 2025-07-14 05:54:39 UTC

In individuals with autism, the amygdala is often smaller and may exhibit altered connectivity with the brain’s cortex. These differences can contribute to challenges in processing fear and anxiety, as well as in interpreting emotions and social cues.

The Frontal Lobe

sppadill — 2025-07-14 06:00:36 UTC

The frontal lobe of the brain is involved in decision making and social behavior—may differ in size or volume compared to neurotypical individuals and often exhibits weaker connectivity with other brain regions. These differences can lead to variability in abilities such as impulse control, following step-by-step instructions, and navigating social interactions, with outcomes differing widely across the autism spectrum.

Changes in The Hippocampus and its Role

sppadill — 2025-07-14 06:10:59 UTC

The hippocampus is a region in the brain critical for learning and memory, often shows size differences in individuals with autism—sometimes appearing enlarged, which may be associated with enhanced short- and long-term memory, while in other cases, these structural variations are linked to impairments in learning and memory. Additionally, altered neurotransmitter connectivity within the hippocampus may contribute to these cognitive differences.

How Autism Affects The Brain Within

sppadill — 2025-07-14 06:15:23 UTC

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit disruptions in synaptic plasticity, which affect neuronal communication and information processing, contributing to challenges in social interaction, communication, and cognition. Additionally, structural variations in the size and shape of various brain regions are associated with altered emotional processing, cognitive function, and motor skills. Other physiological abnormalities commonly observed in ASD include dysfunction in the gut-brain axis, neuroinflammation, immune sensitivity, mitochondrial energy production deficits, and hormonal imbalances.

What are common signs of autism in early childhood?

sppadill — 2025-07-21 00:27:31 UTC

Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors
Delayed response to their names by 9 months
Lack of social engagement with others by 3 years of age
Delayed language skill

RRBs? Whats that?

sppadill — 2025-07-21 00:30:09 UTC

Individuals with autism demonstrate repetitive behaviors such as clapping hands, repeating words, playing with toys the same way every time, hitting the same body part and a strong desire for routines and structure.

My Baby Isn't Recognizing Their Name: Delayed response to their names by 9 months

sppadill — 2025-07-21 00:36:24 UTC

While not every child who experiences this symptom has autism, it is known as an early marker or observation in those that have been diagnosed as a young child.

Lack of Engagment?

sppadill — 2025-07-21 00:40:24 UTC

An early sign is when children want to play alone and aren’t interacting with their peers. As we learned before, the parts of the brain that affect the social cues therefore lack social engagement or awareness.

Autism vs Sppech Delay

sppadill — 2025-07-21 00:44:59 UTC

Individuals with autism won’t hit language milestones especially as children. The inability to develop language is one of the earliest signs of autism. But many parents don't know whether is is speech delay or autism. The chart above shows the differences, but as always parents or caregivers should also refer to their observations and contact their care providers.

Test for Autism?

sppadill — 2025-07-21 00:54:19 UTC

While there is not specific test for autism there are two main methods that contribute to a diagnosis.

Parents/ Caregivers Descriptions
Professional's Observations on the Child's Behavior

Why are Observations Improtant?

sppadill — 2025-07-21 00:56:23 UTC

Well, as a parent, you are the closest to the child. While there is no specific test there are descriptions or behavior observations that can be used to inform a doctor when seeing symptoms.

Professional’s Observation on the Child’s Behavior

sppadill — 2025-07-21 01:31:31 UTC

Doctors use their own observations and assess them and view what criteria has been met.

What's Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?

sppadill — 2025-07-21 04:58:37 UTC

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a way to understand and change behavior. It uses ideas from learning to help people improve important skills, like talking and getting along with others. ABA is often used to support people with autism. It works by watching behavior closely and using tools like rewards and changes in the environment to help people learn and grow.

Long Term Complications with Autism

sppadill — 2025-07-21 06:03:17 UTC

Here are a few complications involved when an individual is autistic.

Social interaction difficulties
Increased Risk of Other health Conditions
Difficulties with Independent Conditions

How to Improve Social Interaction Difficulties

sppadill — 2025-07-21 06:03:50 UTC

As we learned, individuals with autism have differentiated cerebellums which affect social interaction and cues.

Individuals that are autistic can help progress improvement on social skills with applied behavior analysis and through structured social skill training. Fostering community support and promoting social inclusion can play a vital role in enhancing outcomes for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Long-term management of social interaction is necessary to be able to live a smoother life and build community.

Increased Risk to Other Health Conditions

sppadill — 2025-07-21 06:10:43 UTC

People with autism have co-ocurring health issues such as gastrointestinal disorders, anxiety, epilepsy, and depression. These elevated risks likely result from a combination of factors, such as shared genetic or environmental influences, sensory sensitivities, social difficulties, and challenges in communication and self-expression.

Development: Some medications address symptoms that often occur with ASD and can help individuals with ASD function more effectively.

Long-term management of these co-occurring complications is necessary to be able to regulate their symptoms of autism.

Difficulties With Independent Living

sppadill — 2025-07-21 06:24:04 UTC

While daily tasks are difficult to many individuals on the spectrum, the concept of independent living can be different than a person without autism. Self-care tasks—such as maintaining personal hygiene and managing dressing routines—can be challenging. Similarly, home maintenance activities like cooking, cleaning, and handling household responsibilities may also present difficulties.

Development towards independence can be achieved by helping people with autism by breaking tasks into small steps, teach safety skills for the community, and create clear routines. Using pictures, showing how to do things, and giving praise can also build confidence and self-reliance.

Long-term management of these behaviors and tasks can assist people with autism live a better day to day life.

Approaches for Long-term Autism Treatments

ahakimi4 — 2025-07-27 20:26:18 UTC

The one's we will be focusing on are Applied behavioral analysis, Speech-Language Therapy and Occupational therapy. They all intended to help children with autism develop functional communication, reduce problem behaviors, and become more independent in daily life.

Treatment 2: Speech and Language Therapy (SLT)

ahakimi4 — 2025-07-27 20:31:46 UTC

SLT helps autistic individuals improve verbal and non-verbal communication. It addresses issues like delayed speech, difficulty with gestures, or using communication devices.

Estimated Cost:

Average: $100 – $250 per session
Yearly total: $3,000 – $15,000+

Treatment 3: Occupational Therapy (OT)

ahakimi4 — 2025-07-27 20:37:41 UTC

OT teaches children practical daily living skills — dressing, feeding, hygiene, and motor coordination. It often includes sensory integration strategies.

Estimated Cost:

Average: $100 – $200 per session
Yearly total: $4,000 – $6,000+

Relationship Development Intervention (RDI)

ahakimi4 — 2025-07-27 20:42:21 UTC

RDI is a child-centered, play-based therapeutic model that focuses on reaching functional emotional developmental milestones to create a foundation for learning and development.

Treatment 1: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

ahakimi4 — 2025-07-27 20:49:28 UTC

ABA focuses on improving specific behaviors (like communication, social skills, and academics) by reinforcing positive actions and reducing problematic ones. It is the most researched and widely used therapy for children with autism.

Estimated Cost:

Average: $120 – $150 per hour
Yearly total: $45,000 – $75,000 (for full-time therapy)

Insurance Coverage:

Often covered partially or fully by private insurance and Medicaid (depending on state).
Coverage more likely if a diagnosis and treatment plan are provided by a certified professional.

Consequences If Avoided:

Child may experience worsening behavioral challenges, limited independence, and poor social development.
Early intervention with ABA has proven long-term benefits; skipping it may reduce quality of life and educational outcomes.

ASD Treatment and Cost

rhartin2323 — 2025-07-28 03:39:08 UTC

ABA therapy is a common treatment for individuals who need help with behavior. Treatment will most likely be covered by insurance if individual has been diagnosed with ASD. If people avoid treatment long term affects can include negative hurtful behavior towards them self and others.

Psychosocial Rehabilitation Treatments: RDI and ERP. What are They?

sppadill — 2025-07-28 04:52:04 UTC

RDI stands for relationship development intervention and it is a therapy that helps people with autism and other developmental challenges build social and emotional skills through everyday interactions. It focuses on strengthening relationships, with parents being trained to guide their child’s growth step by step.

ERP stands for Exposure and Response Prevention and this helps a person slowly face their fears. This one helps individuals help their OCD.

Exposure and Response Prevention

sppadill — 2025-07-28 05:02:44 UTC

Exposure therapy can help people with autism by slowly helping them feel less anxious about things that bother them, like social situations or certain sounds or feelings. By facing these triggers step by step in a safe way, they can learn to handle their anxiety, build coping skills, and avoid these situations less over time. Exposure therapy can help people with autism by slowly helping them feel less anxious about things that bother them, like social situations or certain sounds or feelings. By facing these triggers step by step in a safe way, they can learn to handle their anxiety, build coping skills, and avoid these situations less over time

Physical and Occupational Rehabilitation Options

sppadill — 2025-07-28 05:14:45 UTC

Physical and occupational therapy are important for helping people with autism improve their movement, sensory processing, and everyday life skills. Some rehabilitation options are:

-Adaptive Equipment Training

-Balance and Coordination Training

-Gait Training

Adaption Equipment Training

sppadill — 2025-07-28 05:32:37 UTC

Adaptive Equipment Training: Adaptive equipment training helps individuals learn to use special tools and devices to manage physical challenges and become more independent in everyday activities. Professionals such as occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. While this short term will help them use tools it in the long term will support with daily tasks or progressive skill development, especially in cases of significant motor or sensory challenges.
1. Using specialized tools that assist
  1. Dressing
  2. Eating
  3. Grooming

Balance and Coordination Training

sppadill — 2025-07-28 05:34:17 UTC

Balance and Coordination Training: These trainings are types of exercises that improve balance and coordination. These include yoga exercise, core stability exercises, beam walking, one leg standing. In the short term, this training helps improve motor skills and encourages safer movement during physical tasks. Over the long term, it enhances body awareness and coordination, helping to prevent injuries related to poor balance in individuals with autism. Professionals such as occupational therapists, physical therapists, certified strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers, and chiropractic neurologists.

The Art of Walking

sppadill — 2025-07-28 05:35:22 UTC

Gait training is a series of exercises and training that focus on how to improve an individual walk. They also focus on strength, balance, and coordination. In the short term, gait training improves walking patterns and foundational motor skills using exercises and sensory cues. Over the long term, it enhances balance, prevents physical issues, and promotes greater independence in daily life. Professionals such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, and gait and clinical movement specialists can perform.

Speech, Hearing, or Cognitive Rehabilitation and how it can help individuals with Autism

sppadill — 2025-07-28 05:50:57 UTC

Speech-Language Therapy: This therapy supports hearing and communication indirectly in individuals with autism who have hearing differences or sound sensitivities. These sensitivities can make it harder to process spoken language, which may affect language development and social communication. This therapy is important for individuals that are nonverbal. Speech-language pathologists use evidence-based strategies to help improve communication skills. Speech-Language therapy is highly recommended when language comprehension is impacted by auditory processing issues. More professionals that can perform speech-language therapy include speech-language pathology assistants and audiologists.

Psychological /social issues caused by Autism

MkGillis — 2025-07-29 20:33:31 UTC

1) Anxiety: caused by social situations or being overstimulated

2) Depression: caused by feeling alone, socially isolating to avoid conflict

3) ADHD/ ADD: can lead to difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsion

4) Eating Disorders- use food as a way to cope with emotions or self-worth

5)S.U.D(substance use disorder): can lead to possible addiction, caused by a coping mechanism to overstimulation of emotions

6) O.C.D( obbessive compulsive disorder) :

excessive thoughts about actions or emotions

There are lots of resources and support groups to help those with A.S.D

https://behavioral-innovations.com/blog/autism-and-impact-on-mental-health/

Lifestyle changes for ASD

rhartin2323 — 2025-08-01 22:55:40 UTC

A specific lifestyle that individuals with ASD can engage in is specific routines. An example of a routine can be as simple as "On Monday, I get up, go downstairs and eat the breakfast mom puts on the blue table place for me, go upstairs and brush my teeth with my yellow brush, put on my pink shirt and blue shorts, go downstairs and put on my shoes, go to school, etc." Patients with ASD will be able to make this lifestyle change very easily with the help of the caregivers around them. Professionals that can also support this change are BCBA professionals (Behavior Analyst)

Lifestyle changes for ASD

rhartin2323 — 2025-08-01 23:01:27 UTC

Another specific lifestyle change for ASD includes diet. A nutritionist can come alongside an individual with ASD to further help their behavior, weight, and overall health via what they eat. The patient may have a hard time adapting to diet change especially if "routine" is already established but if the correct diet is mandated at a young age the adaptation may be easier.

Populations at a Higher Risk

sppadill — 2025-08-04 05:15:39 UTC

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can occur in individuals of any gender; however, it is diagnosed approximately three times more frequently in males than in females. Emerging research suggests that females often exhibit subtler or less stereotypical symptoms, contributing to delayed or missed diagnoses.

Populations At Risk

sppadill — 2025-08-04 05:16:03 UTC

Individuals from rural communities, lower socioeconomic status, and minority populations face a disproportionately higher risk of remaining undiagnosed due to limited access to healthcare services, resulting in delayed recognition and intervention in many cases. After getting diagnosed, this increases the need for health care as the individual needs more to support a life surrounding their new life with autism.

Daily Reinforcements and Teaching Alternative Behaviors

sppadill — 2025-08-04 05:17:03 UTC

One preventative measure that can be used in treating and preventing ASD is the use of daily reinforcements. These daily reinforcements can help change behaviors that we see in the video. People with ASD sometimes have trouble managing behavior due to sensory overload/issues. Daily reinforcements can aid an individual by giving them “something to look forward to” , something to distract the brain from a certain feeling or emotion or behavior. Challenges come in all shapes and sizes for reinforcing behavior however with the correct help from a BCBA or other professional, positive reinforcing can help the individual flourish more in the real day to day world especially when coming into contact with things that can be over stimulating like a busy environment, stressful situations, or even a different lunch.

We Do Not Know the Cause But Prenatal Care is Always Necessary!

sppadill — 2025-08-04 05:17:29 UTC

Another preventative measure for ASD is good prenatal care. There is no correct way to prevent ASD but by monitoring the pregnancy and taking the correct steps to stay healthy, there is a less likelihood of a child having ASD at birth. Challenges can of course arise including financial difficulties with getting prenatal care as well as normal pregnancy abnormalities and complications.

Technology in Treatment

sppadill — 2025-08-04 05:18:01 UTC

AAC Device: these devices can be used by a SLP or SLPA in order to provide communication skills (type of treatment) to individuals with ASD. AAC devices are designed so a user can tap or press on an icon in order to nonverbally communicate. Limitations may include funding for traditional iPad AAC’s, and user-teacher error with how to properly teach how to use an AAC.

Technology in Treatments that Aid Individuals With Autism

sppadill — 2025-08-04 05:18:49 UTC

VR headsets: these devices can be used by an individual with ASD to perform various skill building activities like cleaning up a room, counting objects or even math and measuring. This treatment device can aid the user by allowing them to literally see icons/apps/VR in order to complete or even add skill to a certain achievement. Limitations may include funding for VR glasses, and user/teacher error.

Robot-Assisted Therapy: These can aid ASD by creating a friend like assistant who can help with day to day routine and tasks. Limitations may include funding for a robot, user interaction error, etc. I have seen a real friend robot used in my old special education classroom and the particular ASD child was able to thrive on this treatment including completing day to day activities without being asked.

Auditory prompting devices: Similar to AAC devices, these can be used by an ASD individual particularly in need of auditory intervention and speech therapy. This technology can be a treatment to help ASD people communicate with friends, family, teaching staff and so on! Limitations can include funding, age group, and usage.

Early Screening:What is a M-CHAT?

sppadill — 2025-08-04 05:19:20 UTC

While there is no true prevention for individuals that get diagnosed with ASD there is early screening and diagnosis that will help with faster intervention. Early screening and diagnosis aim to identify signs of autism in children as early as possible, ideally before age 2. Tools like the M-CHAT are used during routine pediatric checkups to flag potential concerns. M-CHAT or modified checklist is a screening tool used by healthcare professionals to help identify a child early.

Public Health: Early Interventions

sppadill — 2025-08-04 05:19:41 UTC

Early detection enables quicker access to therapies and early interventions, which are most effective when started early and can significantly improve development outcomes. Many of these interventions such as seeing occupation therapists and speech-language therapists can help with development to a more “normal” life. In my county, San Mateo County, there is a San Mateo County Family Resource Center where they provide special education services from early childhood to age 22, parent training, support groups, and advocacy groups that can help with resources.

Some famous people who have/had autism

MkGillis — 2025-08-04 15:47:53 UTC

Anthony Hopkins (Welsh actor)
Andy Warhol (visual artist, film producer, and film director)
Bill Gates (co-founder of Microsoft Corporation)
Charles Darwin (naturalist, biologist, and geologist)
Elon Musk (owner of X (Twitter) and Tesla)
Jerry Seinfeld (Comedian, actor, & Producer)
Lionel Messi (famous soccer player)
Satoshi Tajiri (Pokémon creator)
Sir Issac Newton (known for astronomy and mathematics)
Susan Boyle (Scottish singer)
Tim Burton (well-known Producer)

Some beneficial activities for autism

MkGillis — 2025-08-04 20:57:37 UTC

Beneficial activities to help someone with

Arts: Painting, drawing, and tracing
Crafts: building blocks, Play-Doh, clay
Individual sports: Golf, Cycling, track, skiing, and hiking
Structured: Swimming, martial arts, and horseback riding
Music: singing and dancing
Gaming: board games and video games
Outdoor adventures: nature walks or walks at a beach during non-busy times
Storytelling
Some autistic individuals prefer having structured schedules and activities, in which structured sports can be beneficial.
Individual sports offer confidence-building while providing exercise.
Arts and crafts can improve fine motor skills, encourage self-expression, and address sensory issues.
Music and dancing can help with challenging behaviors, reduce anxiety, be beneficial in social interaction with others, and boost self-confidence.
Board games can help with problem-solving, understanding rules, narrative abilities, and communication skills.
Video games can teach rules, teach skill sets, multi-tasking skills, and time management.
Outdoor activities can include beach walks or nature hikes, which can be beneficial for sensory relaxation skills and encourage observation skills.
Story-telling can encourage creativity, encourage imagination, and help with communication skills.

Some non-profit organizations that support autistic individuals and their families

MkGillis — 2025-08-05 13:43:03 UTC

Autism Speaks- A Company that is dedicated to making a more inclusive world for people with autism. They focus on advocacy, services supporting, research, innovation, and advances in care for autistic individuals and their families. Founded in 2005, they merged with 3 top leading autism organizations. (website:https://www.autismspeaks.org)
Autism Society - started in 1965 to connect people to the resources they need through education, advocacy, resources, and community. Their mission is to create meaningful connections, empower everyone in the community with the resources they need to live to their full potential. Their vision is to create a world where everyone in the autistic community is connected to the support they need, when they need it. (website: https://autismsociety.org/who-we-are/)
National Autism Association : (website: https://nationalautismassociation.org) This organization offers a voice program that provides access to communication methods for autistic individuals who are both verbal and nonverbal. In 2011, NAA created the big red safety box, which includes a kit to prevent autistic individuals from wandering out, which can be dangerous. This organization also provides big red safety booklets for teachers.NAA also created autism Atrium, which is a training course and educational initiative to keep caregivers and others properly educated on how to help guide caring for or working with an individual with autism.

Surfing for Autism (website: https://surfingforautism.org/about-us/) is a non-profit event held to give autistic children free surfing lessons. I have volunteered at the event in outerbanks, NC. This event brings together families with autistic children while raising money to help families in need pay for services. Each child is paired with 2 surfing instructors, a skilled therapist or teacher who is educated in asd. I included a photo of a postcard from the event I attended in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.