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E-Speaks Newsletter
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Getting an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis can be difficult, especially for older adults and people in low-resource communities who don’t have access to trained medical providers. The diagnostic process is often complicated even more by the presence of co-occurring conditions that mask or confuse autism symptoms.
In this E-Speaks, we dig into the conditions that commonly accompany autism and share the experiences of autistic adults who have lived with anxiety since childhood. We also discuss how to get an autism diagnosis as an adult, how we are expanding access to autism diagnosis in Canada, and how genetic testing might be able to help.
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Autism and anxiety: Treatment options for adults
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Studies show that up to 50% of autistic adults have an anxiety disorder—twice that of neurotypical adults—making it one of the most common co-occurring conditions that accompany autism. In this article, a panel of autistic adults who have been dealing with anxiety since childhood discuss common tools and management strategies. Then, self-advocate and author Lydia Wayman shares a more personal perspective, admitting that while it doesn’t always look pretty in practice, she has learned to get a handle on her anxiety.
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See also: Dr. Amanda Bennett Palladino, M.D., explains the conditions that often accompany autism in this expert Q&A.
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Expert Q&A: What to expect when getting an autism diagnosis as an adult
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Growing awareness of ASD has led to a rise in prevalence among children. But for adults, getting a diagnosis remains a challenge. In this Q&A, Dr. Catherine Lord, Ph.D., discusses what to do if you suspect you have autism as an adult. She talks about how autism symptoms look different in adults and what to expect during the diagnostic process.
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See also: Read the stories of Karl and Elisheva, two autistic adults who share their late diagnosis stories.
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The Autism Care Network works to expand access to autism diagnosis in Canada
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Not just anyone can make an autism diagnosis—healthcare providers need special training and experience to diagnose autism and its related conditions. But in many parts of the world, qualified providers are hard to come by. That’s why Dr. Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, M.D., is working with the Autism Speaks Autism Care Network to train community pediatricians in Edmonton, Canada on best practices in autism diagnosis. Learn more about the ECHO Autism: Primary Care STAT clinic in this Q&A.
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Genetic testing helped two families identify and understand their sons’ diagnoses
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Genetic testing can help people with autism and their families better understand their diagnoses and seek more personalized care. In two blog posts, read the stories of Jeff B. and Trey M., two young men who faced some headwinds in life. Jeff was diagnosed with autism, epilepsy and global developmental delay at age 4, while Trey did not learn he had Phelan-McDermid Syndrome, a rare genetic condition, until age 26.
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See also: In this blog post, Dean Hartley, PhD. shares how genetic testing can help people with autism and how Autism Speaks is working to advance the field.
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Only two days to make our voices heard!
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It’s the time of year again when members of Congress submit funding requests for the next budget year. Investments in federal autism activities have led to significant progress for people with autism and their families, including aiding earlier diagnosis, furthering personalized interventions, improving our understanding of co-occurring conditions and more! We need your help to make sure this funding continues to be prioritized. Take 60 seconds to email your U.S. Representative today!
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Hop into Spring with Bunny Cares!
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