UrsaHoogle / Getty Images Possible Causes of Auditory Processing Disorder in Autism Auditory processing disorders are fairly common in children withautism.The cause(s) are unknown, but there are some theories. One theory holds that the brain’s hippocampus, which is responsible for processing auditory information, could be less developed in people with autism. Another possibility, according to researchers at ​The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, is that children with autismarehearing normally, but are processing sound more slowly than non-autistic children....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Are the Developmental Milestones?Why Children Miss Developmental MilestonesWhen Developmental Delays May Suggest AutismWhy Monitoring for Autism This Way Can Be MisleadingIf Your Child Has Developmental Delays Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents What Are the Developmental Milestones? Why Children Miss Developmental Milestones When Developmental Delays May Suggest Autism Why Monitoring for Autism This Way Can Be Misleading If Your Child Has Developmental Delays...

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAutism and SleepCausesSleep Tips for KidsSleep Tips for Adults Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Autism and Sleep Causes Sleep Tips for Kids Sleep Tips for Adults Sleep issues are common with an autism diagnosis. Studies suggest that well over half of all autistic people, adults as well as children, have significant sleep issues.These sleep issues can be serious and lead to challenges both for autistic people and their caregivers....

Autism coaches work with parents, guardians, and autistic adults to help them navigate the challenges they face over time. Sometimes called “autism experts,” most coaches are a combination of knowledgeable advisors and emotional support providers. For many people, an autism coach can be a terrific resource, particularly during times of stress and change as you navigate a new world of diagnostic terms, legal documents, and acronyms for everything from school programs to therapies....

Key TakeawaysCertain genetic conditions are associated with autism symptoms but may not meet the criteria for an autism spectrum disorder diagnosisAutism is evaluated based on behavioral traits, so the road to diagnosis can be long and challengingEarly intervention for children is key to better outcomes later in life Key Takeaways Certain genetic conditions are associated with autism symptoms but may not meet the criteria for an autism spectrum disorder diagnosisAutism is evaluated based on behavioral traits, so the road to diagnosis can be long and challengingEarly intervention for children is key to better outcomes later in life...

The testing tools, observations of their play style, and interviews with parents or teachers are used to determine whether a child’s traits meet the diagnostic criteria ofautism spectrum disorder (ASD). These criteria are outlined in the American Psychiatric Association’s “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders” (DSM-5). Take A Pix Media / Stocksy Identifying Autism Traits Autism traits are broadly categorized as either being social (how the person interacts and communicates both verbally and non-verbally) or behavioral, meaning how the person behaves in relation toneurotypicalnorms associated with their peers....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAdjusting to AdulthoodObstaclesStrengths of Autistic AdultsSupportExamples of Success Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Adjusting to Adulthood Obstacles Strengths of Autistic Adults Support Examples of Success Most information focuses on young children when it comes toautism, making it easy to overlook autistic young adults. As kids age into adulthood, though, they may need more help rather than less in navigating the complex, chaotic, and demanding world....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsEstablished RisksPossible RisksReducing Risk Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Established Risks Possible Risks Reducing Risk Several risk factors present during pregnancy have been associated with autism. Some, like older parental age and use of antidepressants, have strong research support. Others, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) use and exposure to environmental toxins, need more investigation. When exploring these, it’s important to remember that an association is not the same thing as a cause....

How can you tell whether poor behavior is the result ofautistic traitsor if it’sordinary naughtinesscommon among all kids? It’s not always easy to distinguish between “autistic” behaviorsand the more neurotypical “misbehavior.” Tim Denison / Getty Images Many of the common behaviors seen in autistic children might be deemed problems in other kids. For example: Difficulty Responding to Kindness Autistic children may also have a tough time managing their responses to adult or peer kindness....

Key TakeawaysA new study found that autistic adults are three times more likely to misuse substances to manage mental health symptoms.Experts say that this may highlight an issue with people trying to mask their autistic symptoms, rather than coping with them.Autistic adults often face barriers when accessing healthcare, including mental health treatment. Key Takeaways A new study found that autistic adults are three times more likely to misuse substances to manage mental health symptoms....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is EBV?Autoimmune DiseasesImmune System ImpactResearch Goals Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents What Is EBV? Autoimmune Diseases Immune System Impact Research Goals In addition to the infectious diseasemononucleosis(mono), the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with an increased risk of seven differentautoimmune diseases: Researchers say the virus appears to “switch on” certain genes that are more likely to develop one of these diseases....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsDiagnostic DelaysEffectsTreatmentSpecialistsCauses and Risk FactorsComplications and Management Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Symptoms Diagnostic Delays Effects Treatment Specialists Causes and Risk Factors Complications and Management Autoimmuneencephalitisoccurs when the immune system becomes disrupted and attacks a person’s own brain tissue.Encephalitisis inflammation or infection of brain tissue. It causes symptoms such as confusion, loss of control of physical movements, and seizures. All types of encephalitis are considered uncommon, including autoimmune encephalitis....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Hemolysis?What Is AIHA?Types and Risk FactorsOther CausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentTreatment for Warm vs. Cold AIHAAIHA in ChildrenPreventionCoping Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents What Is Hemolysis? What Is AIHA? Types and Risk Factors Other Causes Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Treatment for Warm vs. Cold AIHA AIHA in Children Prevention Coping Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a rareautoimmune disorderthat causes the body to mistake its ownred blood cells(RBCs) for foreign substances....