Brain changes in autism are comprehensive throughout the cerebral cortex rather than just particular areas thought to affect social behavior and language, according to a new UCLA-led study that significantly refines scientists’ understanding of how autism spectrum disorder The new study finds brain-wide changes in virtually all of the 11 cortical regions analyzed, regardless of… Continue reading Brain changes in autism are far more sweeping than previously known
Category: Autism
Brain changes in autism are far more sweeping than previously known
Brain changes in autism are comprehensive throughout the cerebral cortex rather than just particular areas thought to affect social behavior and language, according to a new UCLA-led study that significantly refines scientists’ understanding of how autism spectrum disorder (ASD) progresses at the molecular level. The study, published today in Nature, represents a comprehensive effort to… Continue reading Brain changes in autism are far more sweeping than previously known
Advice for Those Facing a Late Autism Spectrum Diagnosis
Better late than never! That is the best outlook one can possibly have upon learning of an autism spectrum diagnosis long after the fact. This wisdom comes from experience. At first, I felt blindsided, frustrated, confused and let down that it took as long as it did (40 years), considering that I had already worked with a good number of clinicians… Continue reading Advice for Those Facing a Late Autism Spectrum Diagnosis
Girls’ Social Camouflage Skills May Delay or Prevent Autism Diagnosis
On parent-reporting measures, girls with autism seem to struggle more than boys with performing routine tasks like getting up and dressed or making small talk, even when the study group is normalized to meet similar basic clinical diagnostic criteria across sexes. The findings add to the growing evidence that girls with autism may show symptoms… Continue reading Girls’ Social Camouflage Skills May Delay or Prevent Autism Diagnosis
Therapies for Autism
Parents who receive a medical diagnosis of autism should be encouraged to also seek an educational determination to see whether the child qualifies for special education and related services under the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). From the Mayo Clinic website, “The goal of treatment is to maximize your child’s ability to function by… Continue reading Therapies for Autism
What’s Ahead: New Autism Research and Living with Autism
In the 1940s, a group of psychiatrists announced they had identified the cause of autism: Cold, aloof parents – particularly mothers – who just didn’t love their children enough. Even Dr. Leo Kanner, an early autism researcher who had conducted an acclaimed study of children who had autism, threw his support behind the idea. Instead… Continue reading What’s Ahead: New Autism Research and Living with Autism
Is Autism an Epidemic? What’s Behind the Numbers
The numbers are sobering: More than 3.5 million Americans are living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and its prevalence increased by a staggering 119 percent from 2000 to 2010, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC says one in 68 children is now identified as being on the spectrum. For… Continue reading Is Autism an Epidemic? What’s Behind the Numbers
Pediatricians and Primary Care Doctors: How to Screen for Autism
Most children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or autism for short are now identified and diagnosed by age three. Yet, some researchers believe the first signs of the disorder could be detectable as early as 12 months. Everyone agrees early intervention will lead to the best outcomes for the child and his or her family.… Continue reading Pediatricians and Primary Care Doctors: How to Screen for Autism
Autism: Its History and What We Know Now
Scientists now believe autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or autism for short, has likely always been a part of human development, but it wasn’t well understood, diagnosed, or documented until recent years. In the U.S., autism was first recorded in a remarkable 1846 medical survey conducted by Dr. Samuel Gridley Howe, who was known for the… Continue reading Autism: Its History and What We Know Now
The Autism Debate: What Causes It?
Earlier this year, Sesame Street added a new character to its popular and enduring television program. Julia, an adorable four-year-old, with a shy smile and red hair, looks like a typical Muppet. She’s upbeat, loves to pick flowers, paint, and sing. However, sometimes Julia will repeat certain words or phrases and she may not answer… Continue reading The Autism Debate: What Causes It?