Spectrum of Strength

Autism

        Autism is neurological disorder that affects how people interact with others, whether that learning, communicating or behaving. A lot of time people are referred to as "on the spectrum." due to the wide range of levels and symptoms.  It affects about 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults in the US. There are 3 levels of the disorder 

Concurring Conditions 

      Many people diagnosed with Autism experience other medical conditions as well. the most common are: 

• Attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder, ADHD 
• Anxiety and depression
• Gastrointestinal, GI, Disorders 
• Seizures and sleep disorders 

Different types of ASD

There are various different types of Autism all having different symptoms and signs, some include: 

• Asperger's Syndrome: on the lower end of the spectrum and most people are able to function normally, They may be very knowledgable on certain topics and may go on and on about it but may have trouble socially 
• Childhood disintegrative disorder: most rare and sever case, often children also develop seizure disorders

Factors Across Sex

    Boys get diagnosed 4x more than girls. Autism may look different in boys and girls. Girls may have a more subtle presentation of symptoms and may have less communication and social challenges as opposed to boys. Due to this, girls symptoms may go unrecognized and less diagnosis amongst girls. 

Screening 

     There is no medical test, instead a doctor or medical professional would look at developmental history and typical symptoms in order to diagnose. There is a lot of observation that comes into play. The average age people are diagnosed is at 5 years of age, but observation usually starts at around the age 2 or 3. 

Vaccines and Autism 

 The origins of Autism being linked to vaccines was in 1998 in a study that was later retracted for flawed methodology and scientific misconduct. There have been multiple large scale studies since and all have disproven the myth, however the damage has been done and there are plenty of people that still believe this. 

The clear result of the studies have all been conclusive VACCINES DON'T CAUSE AUTISM. 

References 

Autism Speaks Website:

Autism Speaks. (n.d.). What is autism? Autism Speaks. Retrieved February 25, 2025, from https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism

WebMD Website:

WebMD. (n.d.). Autism spectrum disorders. WebMD. Retrieved February 25, 2025, from https://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/autism-spectrum-disorders