About 1 in 68 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the U.S.
Almost half (46%) of children identified with ASD have average to above average intellect
Idiopathic v. secondary autism
Idiopathic: of unknown cause; 85% of cases
Secondary: "in which a chromosome abnormality, single-gene disorder or environmental agent can be identified"; 15% of cases
It can be genetic
Children who have a sibling with ASD or born to older parents are at a higher risk
People with chromosomal conditions including fragile X syndrome and tuberous sclerosis are more likely to have ASD
Boys are nearly five times more likely than girls to have autism
Autism usually develops before 3 years of age
Children with ASD have difficulty with social interactions and can't pick up on social cues.
Roughly 30 percent show physical signs of ASD including dysmorphic features (distinctly different than their parents) and microcephaly (small head size).
Individuals with ASD tend to repeat movements such as fanning their arms, rocking, spinning or jumping. This behavior can sometimes be self-abusive.
High Functioning Autism v. Asperger Syndrome
Individuals with HFA and AS tend to have average or above average intelligence but struggle with communication and socializing. The terms are often used interchangeably however, a diagnosis of HFA requires that the child had delayed language during early development whereas in AS, the child did not show such a delay.
If taken during pregnancy, these prescription drugs have been linked with an increased risk of ASD
Valproic Acid is an anticonvulsant used to treat epilepsy, bipolar disorder and prevent migraine headaches
Thalidomide is an immunomodulatory agent mainly used to treat certain cancers including multiple myeloma
Jenny McCarthy popularized the idea that vaccines are a causal factor in the development of ASD
Vaccinations do not cause autism
The use of the mercury preservative thimerosal and other mercury exposures previously in childhood vaccines was removed or reduced to minimal amounts in 2001. According to multiple studies, there is no causal relationship between autism and vaccines. Research on a possible correlation continues with the CDC and FDA program VAERS, which collects information regarding possible side effects after vaccination.
"Who do you think made the first stone spears? The Asperger guy. If you were to get rid of all the autism genetics, there would be no more Silicon Valley."
There are 3 ways of thinking for those with ASD according to Temple Grandin
Grandin invented the "squeeze machine" which can be very soothing for some people with ASD
Treatment is rehabilitative rather than curative
Early intensive therapy sessions help kids develop necessary language and social skills. Certain medications can be prescribed for autism-related symptoms including OCD, anxiety and depression.
380,000 autistic children are expected to need extensive adult services by 2023
Fun Fact: Sacha Baron-Cohen's cousin Simon Baron-Cohen has extensively researched ASD
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