June 27, 2024, Watauga Democrat: Column: Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder and the importance of early detection
NC
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects people in different ways. Some have mild symptoms, while others have more severe ones. People with ASD might find it hard to talk to others or understand social cues like facial expressions.
They might also do repetitive actions or stick to the same routines all the time. ASD encompasses a wide array of strengths and challenges. Many people on the spectrum can live full, happy, and successful lives integrated into our communities. In this three-part series, we will cover: an overview of ASD, strengths and challenges faced by those with ASD, and lived experiences of autistic individuals.
According to estimates from the CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network, about 1 in 36 children is identified with ASD, which is reported across all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, and is nearly four times more common among boys than girls.1
The CDC’s prevalence tracking focuses on children who are eight years old. Some individuals may be showing signs of autism at this time but remain unidentified because they do not fully meet the diagnostic criteria. These individuals can be (and are increasingly being) identified as having autism as teens or adults. Thus, we have seen increases in the number of individuals, including girls and nonbinary people, diagnosed as teens or adults and therefore an increase in the total prevalence of people with autism.
There is no link between autism and vaccines. Research into the causes of ASD suggests a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is common for more than one member of the same family to be autistic, as shared by Jennifer Cook of Charlotte, NC. Cook, a bestselling author and consultant to “Love on the Spectrum” TV series, was diagnosed on the autism spectrum at age 35 after her three kids and husband were diagnosed with ASD. . . . .
Early intervention programs after diagnosis focus on addressing the unique needs of individuals with ASD, providing tailored therapies and supports to enhance communication skills, social interaction, and adaptive behaviors. . . .
In our next two articles in this series, we will address the strengths of autistic individuals and will continue to explore resources for families who may have questions about autism. As awareness and understanding of ASD continue to grow, efforts to make our community more inclusive become increasingly important.
コメント