Autism Discovery Institute (2024)

FAQs

Why is it so hard to get an autism assessment? ›

Autism is also harder to diagnose than ADHD or sensory issues if you're just seeing your child's regular doctor. The assessment for autism takes half an hour plus a long interview with parents. So you won't see it in a standard check-up. Autism also has a range of symptoms that look different in different kids.

Men with autism have an average score of 35.1 (SD = 6.9), while the mean score for women with autism is 38.1 (SD = 4.4).

Autism spectrum disorder affects about 1 in 36 children in the U.S. While the genetics of autism are complex, scientists had narrowed it down to moms being more likely carriers. Or so they thought! CSHL scientists have now discovered that dad's genome may play a bigger genetic role.

Before autism was known as autism, it was referred to by various names that often didn't capture the full spectrum of the condition. Terms like "childhood schizophrenia" and "infantile psychosis" were used, but they didn't provide a clear understanding of the unique characteristics of autism.

Data on median waits for a first appointment demonstrate just how long patients with suspected autism are waiting beyond the recommended three months. Between October and December 2023, people who had a first appointment for suspected autism had a median wait of over nine months since their referral.

The DSM-5 Manual defines autism spectrum disorder as “persistent difficulties with social communication and social interaction” and “restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviours, activities or interests” (this includes sensory behaviour), present since early childhood, to the extent that these “limit and impair ...

Although the exact cause of autism is still unknown, there is evidence to suggest that genetics play a significant role. Since autism is less prevalent in females, autism was always thought to be passed down from the mother. However, research suggests that autism genes are usually inherited from the father.

Autism is highly heritable: It is estimated at least 50% of genetic risk is predicted by common genetic variation and another 15-20% is due to spontaneous mutations or predictable inheritance patterns. The remaining genetic risk is yet to be determined.

The CDC says more children are being diagnosed with autism than ever before. The rates may reflect growing awareness of autism spectrum disorder and a focus on getting more children into treatment. Other factors including air pollution, low birth weight, and stress may also be behind the increase in diagnoses.

Famous for movies such as “Silence of the Lambs”, Anthony Hopkins is a world-renowned actor, film director & producer. This autistic famous actor has been the recipient of many highly-esteemed and prestigious awards such as two Academy Awards, four BAFTAs, two Emmys, and the Cecil B.

What famous inventor was autistic? ›

Albert Einstein

While he was not formally diagnosed, leading psychiatrists believe that Einstein was autistic due to his tendency to repeat phrases, difficulties with social interactions, and extreme focus on his work.

In conclusion, the increase in adult autism diagnoses is a complex phenomenon that can be attributed to a combination of factors, including changes in diagnostic criteria, increased awareness and understanding of autism, improved diagnostic tools, and a more accepting and inclusive society.

Some children don't show signs until after age 5

Without apparent signs by 24 months, the typical age for autism screening, your child's condition may not be diagnosed until later. Also, people tend to think that if you weren't diagnosed as a child, your autism symptoms are probably due to another health issue.

Because autism is a "developmental disorder," diagnosis focuses on children. Therefore, it is difficult to find a doctor who will diagnose an adult. Doctors turn away adults seeking diagnoses; some doctors help them but don't give formal diagnoses, only "probable" diagnoses.

In my opinion, your best bet may be a developmental pediatrician, child psychiatrist or pediatric neurologist who is both experienced in evaluating autism in children and open to seeing older patients.