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Understanding the spectrum of the spectrum … journey with autism, noting often that no two experiences are the same. For autistic people, their families, friends and caregivers, an autism diagnosis can mean many things. This is why the word spectrum is so closely linked to autism – … a person’s abilities, challenges and needs to fluctuate as they mature and navigate life transitions. For example, a child who is non-speaking in early childhood may eventually develop language. An adolescent who engages in self-injurious … programs are not accessible to all members of our community. In 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that for the first time, autism was diagnosed more frequently in Black and Hispanic children than in white …
Spotlight on Autism Training for First Responders… With the prevalence of autism now estimated by the CDC at 1 in 44, it is critical for all first responders to learn best practices for responding to emergency situations … to provide $5,000 for the development of a vital training curriculum for first responders. The goal is to train those who serve the autism community on a daily basis and often in high-stress situations, where a practical understanding of autism can mean the difference between safety and …
Autism in the Black community… any family, but for Black families, the process often comes with additional, unique obstacles. Thanks to public awareness and outreach campaigns in underserved communities, the most recent CDC autism prevalence report shows that the prevalence of autism in the Black community is—for the first time—higher than in … underrepresented communities. Overcoming barriers Systemic biases in healthcare and cultural misconceptions about who can and cannot be autistic contribute to delays in diagnosis for Black children. Historically, autism was thought to …
Making progress toward the dream: Autism in the Black community… Janet Williams, mom to a son on the spectrum and outreach director for Autism Speaks, shares her thoughts on breaking down barriers to autism diagnosis and care and the … faced with the reality that with our dreams may come additional barriers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that autism spectrum disorder affects 1 in 59 children in the United States. Among those children, Black … done. Regardless of ethnicity, every person with autism experiences a unique set of strengths and challenges, as do those who care for and support them. But research tells us that Black people may experience greater barriers and stigmas …
Graduating from the pediatrician to the adult doctor… A well-planned transition from pediatric to adult healthcare is known to lead to better medical care and an improved quality of life for autistic individuals. Yet, graduating from the pediatrician to an adult doctor often … is the reason they put off planning for the change. It is common for parents to worry about leaving a trusted pediatrician who has probably seen their child for most of their life, including during their autism screening and diagnosis. It is even … over. The healthcare system is also lagging in leading this transition. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in 2021 that only one in 13 adolescents with autism spectrum disorder receive the recommended planning …
Cheryl Chafos honors her late son, Zachary… Chafos will tell you about her son Zachary, Zach to those lucky enough to know him, is that he was a very happy person and loved people. Pizza and Chick-fil-A were up there, too. He also happened to be something of a Pixar aficionado, favoring … for his "One Perfect Day". Zach was also a 19-year-old nonverbal autistic young adult with intellectual disabilities who suffered from seizures since age 14 and had some challenging behaviors, developing aggression as he got older. While he … years for programs primarily at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) that advance autism research, services, and training of …
Tips for autistic adults managing diabetes… also called blood sugar, is too high. Diabetes can lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease, vision loss and kidney disease. There are three types of diabetes – type 1 , type 2 and then gestational , which only develops in … attention to detail advantageous in management of the disease. With the help of contributor Lydia Wayman, an autistic adult who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 3 , we share advice to help you manage diabetes and live a quality life. … empowered to manage your health and wellbeing. A good place to start reading is the American Diabetes Association and the CDC . But most hospitals, clinics, and even community-based providers, like YMCAs, offer diabetes education classes that are …