Autism Acceptance Month
Autism Acceptance Month 2024 runs throughout the month April. It serves as a yearly reminder for medical professionals, individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), families, and communities to regularly take meaningful action. Creating public awareness, enhancing patient and public education, and advancing ASD research that results in novel approaches to ASD diagnosis and treatment are the main objectives of this month-long awareness and acceptance campaign.
Modern research on the management of ASD is crucial. Although medical understanding of the condition is still developing, there is no known cure for autism. Enhancing public knowledge and generating funds can sustain the steady flow of research in the field.
However, healthcare professionals are not the only drivers of public health improvement. Public education also is vital for early identification and intervention, which prove invaluable in bettering prognosis and quality of life among potential ASD patients. Early diagnoses improve outcomes. With access to good resources concerning mental health, patients can be informed before they even become patients.
Community action also is essential. This month is an opportunity for families, organizations, and communities everywhere to contribute to the growing recognition of ASD. Fundraising efforts and volunteers are needed to support research and assistance programs. Together, we can advance medical knowledge and improve public health through awareness.
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Features
Autism Acceptance Month: The History and Impact
Autism Acceptance Month, formerly known as Autism Awareness Month, highlights the issues affecting people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families, educate the public on support services, and celebrate and destigmatize the perspectives of those living with ASD.
Levels of Autism: An Explanation
The American Psychiatric’s Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) provides the criteria for ASD diagnosis based on specific symptom profiles. As part of these criteria, the DSM-5-TR outlines specifiers of symptom severity, which it categorizes as “levels.”
Autism and Pregnancy
Psychiatry Advisor spoke with obstetric and psychiatric experts on how best to support pregnant individuals with autism throughout their perinatal experience.
Autism “Masking”
Some individuals with ASD learn to use certain behaviors to minimize or conceal their symptoms so they can be perceived as neurotypical. The term “masking” (also referred to as “camouflaging”) is used to describe these coping strategies.
Autism in Adults: Presentation, Diagnosis, and Management
Understanding how to recognize, diagnose, and manage ASD in adults is critical to being able to provide optimal care for these patients.
Autism Checklist for First Diagnostic Evaluation
While an experienced clinician can reliably identify ASD in children as young as age 2 years, many do not receive a diagnosis until they are much older. This article describes what you should do to prepare for the initial evaluation if you suspect your child may have ASD, or if you think you might have ASD.
Autism Statistics & The Prevalence of Autism
In recent years, the prevalence of ASD has been markedly increasing, and the demographics of those diagnosed with ASD has been changing. Understanding the basic facts about ASD and the latest statistics and trends is essential for identifying patients early and providing them with optimal care.
Autism Symptoms in Women
Understanding autism symptoms in women can help physicians better identify and support women with ASD, to ultimately improve their quality of life.
Who Diagnoses Autism?
In a discussion panel, a pediatric neurologist, a psychiatrist, and a clinical neuropsychologist share their insights on screening for and diagnosing autism.
Autism Spectrum Tests for Children and Adults
Allison Paugh, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), explains the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment plan for autism from early childhood to adulthood.
News
Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy Does Not Increase Children’s Autism, ADHD Risk
Researchers used Swedish register data to evaluate whether acetaminophen use during pregnancy is associated with children’s risk for neurodevelopmental disorders.
Are Psychiatric Screening Tools for Depression, Anxiety Effective for Autism?
Researchers conducted invariance testing to determine the validity of the PHQ-9 and the GAD-7 in assessing depression and anxiety among college students with autism.
Children with Autism Have an Earlier Onset of Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors
Researchers used survey data to determine the age at which children with autism spectrum disorder begin experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
The Role of Primary Care Providers in Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder
Researchers used NSCH data to determine whether PCP diagnoses of autism have changed over time and how age at diagnosis may vary by provider type.
Autism Risk Following Valproate, Topiramate, or Lamotrigine Use During Pregnancy
Researchers evaluated the risk for developing autism spectrum disorder following fetal exposure to the anti-seizure medications topiramate, lamotrigine, and valproate.
Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder in Primary Care Improves Outcomes for Pediatric Patients
A new training model at a primary care clinic aims to streamline the process of receiving an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis for pediatric patients.
Across The Network
Biomedical Therapy for Autism
Our easy-to-read fact sheet provides patients and their caregivers with a summary of biomedical therapy options for autism spectrum disorder.
Symptom Comparison: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder vs Autism Spectrum Disorder
As it can often be difficult to distinguish between ADHD and autism, we’ve developed a helpful and informative fact sheet for clinicians to share with patients and their caregivers.
Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder in Primary Care Improves Outcomes for Pediatric Patients
A new training model at a primary care clinic aims to streamline the process of receiving an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis for pediatric patients.
