Nearly 40 years ago, research into the brain and behavior discovered that people think in different ways. Before the 1980s, scientists assumed that people thought in a language-based way. Today, we know that isn’t necessarily true. While some people think this way, not all people do. In fact, there are many different ways that people […]
To be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a person must exhibit deficits in communication and social interaction as well as repetitive and/or restrictive interests or behaviors. As autism is known to span a wide spectrum, the degree to which one person with ASD exhibits some of these characteristics may differ significantly from someone else […]
Most people who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) struggle with communication. It’s not just that they feel anxious in social settings or have trouble with social interactions, though those are certainly common challenges as well. Instead, people on the autism spectrum often struggle with the nuances of communication — even if they don’t have any speech […]
While autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has a wide range of signs and symptoms, most people who are on the autism spectrum face common challenges. This typically includes difficulties with social interactions and communication, as well as restrictive interests, repetitive behaviors and even sensory sensitivities. All of these challenges can cause further disruptions in the lives […]
Early intervention is perhaps the most important aspect of helping to support children who face challenges with social-emotional skills. Research has undeniably shown that the earlier that behavioral concerns are identified, the higher the chance that a child will have at reaching their full potential. This fact is a major reason why so many early […]
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects people in many different ways. Because of how differently people may be affected, it’s often referred to as being on the autism spectrum. At the same time, people who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face some common challenges. This includes difficulty with communication and social interaction, as well […]
Researchers have developed a number of tests aimed to identify some potential signs and symptoms of many different disorders and conditions. These various tests screen for all types of signs and symptoms related to things such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and some pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) that could be related. A common test that’s […]
It’s well-known that early intervention is critical in helping to support children as they grow. Major agencies such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics stress the importance of early identification of potential developmental delays, and possible intervention services when appropriate. The reason for the emphasis on […]
People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have many unique talents and skills. Some, in fact, have what’s called Savant Syndrome, a condition in which a person with a developmental disability also possesses at least one skill that far exceeds the general population. Of course, not every person on the autism spectrum also has Savant Syndrome, […]
Despite the vast amount of knowledge and progress that’s been made with regard to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in recent years, there’s still a long way to go to achieve acceptance and understanding. While much more is known about autism today than even 20 years ago, a stigma still exists about people who suffer from […]
