While the exact causes of autism are still unknown, scientists have made significant progress in understanding how autistic brains work. Autism is part of a cluster of conditions called autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), or known by the broader term, pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs).

But again, it is unclear whether it is acetaminophen that is the problem, or the underlying reason for its use — pain or an infection, leading back to the maternal immune activation hypothesis. Manish Arora’s desk at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City is a chaotic jumble of half-empty coffee mugs, philosophy books and baby teeth.

They’re also more likely to choose these majors compared to other people without ASD or those with a different disability. The Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) is a screening tool that can help you find out if you have traits of autism. It was published in 2001 by Simon Baron-Cohen, PhD, a psychology professor and director of the Autism Research Centre at the University of Cambridge, England.

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The highest rate of recurrence, almost 19%, was found in a large, prospective study of younger siblings of children with an ASD who were recruited in infancy and monitored closely (Ozonoff et al., 2011). However, when families that already had two or more children with ASD were excluded, the recurrence rate was 13.5% in this study. Hartman points out that many of the challenges that autistic people face could be improved if more people actively listened to the autism and disability communities.

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Even if you haven’t received a formal diagnosis, if you suspect you have ASD, you can begin to take steps to improve your life. It’s also possible that women with ASD have repetitive behavior tendencies and narrow interests that aren’t seen as unusual. For example, a woman with ASD who feels the urge to neatly organize dishes or who is only fascinated with music theory may pass as “neurotypical”. But adults with ASD often focus on one or two subjects that they find highly fascinating.

An early diagnosis marks the beginning of an autistic child’s journey toward self-understanding and self-acceptance. In Buerkens’ experience, oftentimes families feel guilty for having a range of emotions regarding their child’s autism diagnosis, including fear, anxiety, and frustration. They might not know how best to support their child, or whom they can trust regarding support.

Though experts diagnose autism as a medical condition, an autism diagnosis isn’t the same as a diagnosis for something like COVID-19. If your child asks whether they might “get autism” too, you can explain it’s a difference in the brain, not a disease or illness. It’s important to use the right language when talking about autism to positively shape your kids’ interactions with autistic people. Understanding the distinction between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is crucial when seeking benefits for a child with autism or other disabilities. SSDI is based on the disabled individual’s work history and payroll tax contributions. In the case of children, it often depends on the work record of a parent. Optimizing each of these brain patterns requires a different set of interventions.

Keep in mind during these difficult times that most children with ASD will make significant progress in overall function. Some children with ASD can do exceptionally well and may even remain in a regular education classroom. Many will have meaningful relationships with family and peers and achieve a good level of independence as adults. Individuals with autism possess unique strengths and abilities that should be recognized and celebrated.

Individuals with autism have varying degrees of disability, which means that everyone experiences this condition differently. Medication may be used to minimize the triggers that contribute to meltdowns in people who experience intense sensory overload. Sometimes, however, it becomes clear that a child has an outsized reaction to sensory stimuli.

In at least one study, researchers found that toddlers diagnosed between 25 and 41 months had greater developmental delays in several key areas than those diagnosed between 12 and 18 months (Miller et al., 2021). Note that under SSA rules, autism spectrum disorder can, but doesn’t need to, include language or intellectual impairment to qualify for disability benefits. Overall, while there is no set age at which the autistic brain fully develops, it’s important to focus on providing support and resources for individuals with autism throughout their lives. By doing so, we can help them reach their full potential and lead happy and fulfilling lives. One key difference is in how the two groups process social information. Neurotypical individuals tend to be wired to pick up on social cues such as facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language.