Autism

Updated: Apr 12, 2024
What is Autism?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition characterised by restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests, and difficulties with social interaction and communication. ASD symptoms may affect daily functioning, and Autistic people may have varied abilities.
Our blogs
Here are our latest blogs focusing on all things Autism written by our team of qualified medical writers. We hope these are informative, inspiring and interesting! If you have an idea for a blog you would like to see, you can reach out to our support team at support@human.health
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What are Autism Spectrum Disorders? A history of Autism diagnosis

A brief history of how Autism Spectrum Disorder has been classified in the Diagnostics and Statistics Manual (DSM), and information about the different types of Autism Spectrum Disorders.
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Say again? Echolalia and Autism

Echolalia, or repetitive speech, is commonly associated with Autism. Learn more about the types of echolalia and how it affects Autistic children.
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Autism in Women: How do Symptoms Present Differently?

Research suggests that Autism may affect females differently than males. Learn how Autism may present in females, and how it may affect Autism diagnosis.
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Autism Terminology

Confused by words or phrases you're coming across when learning about Autism? We're here to help with a glossary of useful terms.
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The Aftermath of Masking for an Autistic Person

Learn about how and why Autistic people camouflage their symptoms by masking, and how it affects them.
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10 Sensory Toys Your Kids Will Love

A handy list of sensory toys to stimulate or calm those with sensory sensitivities.
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Quotes from Famous Autistic People Everyone Should Hear

Championing Autistic representation and awareness about the condition is important to us, so we've curated a list of quotes from famous Autistic people and celebrities.
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Human Health Co-Founder, Kate, Shares Her Story

The inspiring story of a mother to two Autistic children, and the real-life experiences, challenges, and learnings that have shaped her path.
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Demand Avoidance and Autism: How to Manage It

A persistent pattern of being resistant to completing what's asked of us is known as demand avoidance. Learn how it relates to Autism and how to manage it.
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How to Get an Autism Diagnosis

The road to a diagnosis of Autism can be confusing, and looks different for everyone. We've broken down the common steps that may occur in the process.
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Common symptoms
Symptoms commonly experienced by people with Autism.
This is just the tip of the iceberg, of course each person’s experience will be unique
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Repetitive behavior

Performing certain physical actions over and over again. May include behaviors such as rocking, hand-flapping or spinning in circles.

51% of users with Autism track this
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Repetitive speech

Speaking the same words or phrases over and over again.

36% of users with Autism track this
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Difficulty with eye contact

Difficulty making and maintaining eye contact with others

36% of users with Autism track this
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Difficulty with emotional understanding

Difficulty recognizing or understanding the emotions of others, and difficulty expressing their own emotions.

34% of users with Autism track this
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Low social motivation

Difficulty initiating or participating in social activities, and difficulty expressing interest in others.

32% of users with Autism track this
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Difficulty with verbal expression

Difficulty communicating thoughts and feelings verbally.

32% of users with Autism track this
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Desire for sameness

Desire to keep things the same, as well as difficulty with change. Dislike for change in routines, new people or new places.

29% of users with Autism track this
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Common treatments
Treatments commonly used for Autism.
Always consult your doctor before starting any treatment.
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Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for ASD tailors strategies to modify thoughts and behaviors, improving coping skills, emotional regulation, and social interaction, fostering resilience and self-awareness.

37% of users track this intervention
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Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy for ASD enhances daily living and social skills, addressing sensory sensitivities and communication issues through tailored activities, promoting independence and stress reduction.

33% of users track this intervention
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Speech Therapy

Speech-language therapy focuses on overcoming language and communication barriers, enabling those with autism to advance their verbal, nonverbal, and social communication abilities. The main objective is to support individuals in achieving more effective and practical communication methods.

27% of users track this intervention
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Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy for ASD enhances language, social, and behavioral skills using ABA, PRT, and the Early Start Denver Model, promoting active family participation for effective home integration.

16% of users track this intervention
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Speech-Language Therapy

Speech-Language Therapy for ASD enhances communication with customized activities by pathologists, focusing on verbal, non-verbal, and social skills to improve self-expression and interaction, boosting independence and confidence.

6% of users track this intervention
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Latest news on Autism
We curate and publish the best articles and resources on Autism each month. This is our latest edition.
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Edition #9
Potential link between pesticide exposure and Autism risk
Autism News
April 5, 2024

Exposure to Environmental Pesticides and the Risk of ASD

This study evaluated pesticide exposure in >2800 people diagnosed with ASD in Spain, to determine if there was a potential relationship between exposure and developing the condition. It was found that prevalence of ASD was increased in areas of high pesticide exposure, particularly in males compared to females.

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Barriers and facilitators to inclusive healthcare for Autistic adults

23 Autistic adults were interviewed, identifying key themes that affect their healthcare experience. Some of these included their own sensory or functioning challenges limiting their ability to seek care or advocate for their health; short appointments limiting the treatment of complex health issues.

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Nonprofit giving Autistic & disabled adults new opportunities

Founded in 2014, Popcorn For The People (PFTP) provides sustainable employment for Autistic and disabled individuals. Employing 39 neurodiverse people in New Jersey, PFTP has partnered with the Philadelphia Eagles Autism Foundation, leading to corporate sponsorships, a new facility, and a permanent stand at the Eagles' stadium.

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Clinical trials
Here are some of the latest clinical trials that are ongoing in Autism. This is a random selection from clinicaltrials.gov and we are not affiliated with any of these researchers. If you would like to learn more about these trials please see the contacts section of the trial listing.
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Intervention Social Anxiety: Combining Parent-child Treatment

Denken + Doen = Durven

All sexes
8 Years - 16 Years
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Effects of Aromatherapy on Anxiety and Pain During Dental Treatments in Adults: a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Aroma diffuser with single-note sweet orange essential oil

All sexes
18 Years - 40 Years
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Brief Transdiagnostic Treatment for Anxiety Disorders and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in South Africa

False Safety Behavioral Elimination Treatment (FSET)

All sexes
18 Years - 65 Years
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Reducing Adult Inpatients Anxiety With Virtual Reality Meditation: A Prospective, Randomized Study

Virtual Reality headset with calming scenery

All sexes
18 Years - 99 Years
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Behavioral Telehealth in Low-resource Primary Care Settings for Anxiety and Depression in Youth

STEP-UP (transdiagnostic behavioral therapy for pediatric anxiety and depression)

All sexes
8 Years - 16 Years
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Evaluation of Parturients With Anxiety

Cognitive Bias Modification for Interpretation (CBM-I)

Female
18 Years - 45 Years
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Late Life Anxiety

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

All sexes
> 65 Years
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Understanding Patient Engagement Trends in Anxiety Disorder Clinical Research

All sexes
> 18 Years
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Schema Therapy for Treatment-resistant Anxiety Disorders

Individual Schema Therapy

All sexes
18 Years - 65 Years
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An Online Survey for Women With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Female
> 18 Years
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Leading research
Here is a selection of some of the latest publications in Autism research selected from our list of top research journals.
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Gender, assigned sex at birth, and gender diversity: Windows into diagnostic timing disparities in autism.

By McQuaid GA, Ratto AB, Jack A, Khuu A, Smith JV, Duane SC, Clawson A, Lee NR, Verbalis A, Pelphrey KA, Kenworthy L, Wallace GL, Strang JF
Published Apr 08, 2024
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Self-compassion improves emotion regulation and mental health outcomes: A pilot study of an online self-compassion program for autistic adults.

By Cai RY, Edwards C, Love AM, Brown L, Gibbs V
Published Apr 07, 2024
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Impact of a Genetic Diagnosis for a Child's Autism on Parental Perceptions.

By Wynn J, Karlsen A, Huber B, Levine A, Salem A, White LC, Luby M, Bezborodko E, Xiao S, Chung WK, Klitzman RL, Appelbaum PS
Published Apr 05, 2024
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GABA and Glx predict EEG responses of visual sensitivity in autism.

By Sapey-Triomphe LA, Puts NAJ, Costa TL, Wagemans J
Published Apr 04, 2024
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Measuring Parent-Child Transactions for Early Identification of Young Autistic Children.

By Uzonyi TE, Crais ER, Watson LR, Nowell SW, Baranek GT
Published Apr 04, 2024
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Motivation to participate in structured physical activity for autistic youth: A systematic scoping review.

By Wong ML, Girdler S, Afsharnejad B, Ntoumanis N, Milbourn B, Kebble P, Morris S, Black MH
Published Apr 04, 2024
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The Effectiveness of Sensory-Motor Integration Exercises on Social Skills and Motor Performance in Children with Autism.

By Homayounnia Firouzjah M, Majidi Yaeichi N, Hematinia R
Published Apr 03, 2024
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Using Video Modeling to Teach Neurotypical Adolescents to Interact Socially with Peers with ASD.

By MacFarland MC, Plavnick JB, Kipfmiller KJ, McElyea AS
Published Apr 03, 2024
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Adding to the Conversation: Language Delays and Parent-Child Interactions in the Younger Siblings of Children With Autism.

By Britsch ER, Iverson JM
Published Apr 02, 2024
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Support organizations
Here are a few support organizations that have additional information and resources.
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