This article is going to cover what dyspraxia is, symptoms, and whether or not there is a possible link between dyspraxia and autism spectrum disorders. Although there will be discussion about this condition, it is always recommended to talk to your child’s doctor for information related to dyspraxia and any questions or concerns about your

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in Autism Health and Medical Info by Donnesa McPherson, AAS

There are parents of autistic children who wonder if there is a connection between autism and bedwetting. They have probably noticed that their children have some sleep problems, like: These and other nighttime issues can cause anxiety in both parents and children. This article is going to discuss whether there is a connection between autism

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in Autism Health and Medical Info by Donnesa McPherson, AAS

The neurodiverse world is surrounded by different stigmas, ADHD with high IQ is a topic discussed. The discussions are whether there is a connection, how does masking affect this, and are all people diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) geniuses, and many others. In this article, the goal will be to help dispel some

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in Autism Health and Medical Info by Donnesa McPherson, AAS

As parents and caregivers to children on the spectrum, you may find yourself wondering every now and again, why they did what they did and question the link between impulse control disorder and autism. Impulsive behaviors can go hand in hand in childhood and is a way that children test their environment and learn different

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in Autism Health and Medical Info by Donnesa McPherson, AAS

As the number of individuals diagnosed with autism over the years has increased, there has been light shown on links between multiple diagnoses for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), one link being between autism and cancer. At the surface, it would seem that these two diagnoses would be unrelated. Autism symptoms can be comorbid

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in Autism Health and Medical Info by Donnesa McPherson, AAS

Last week my son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). For a long time, my focus had been on getting that “golden ticket” so that he could access the accommodations he needs, and get help finally. As much as it was a relief to have, it was just the beginning. ASD symptoms are not

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in Autism Health and Medical Info by Rachel Andersen

Lorelei placed her groceries up onto the belt as quickly as she could. So much to do today, and the added bonus of having her nine year old daughter home from school unexpectedly definitely affected her to-do list. Sarah wanted to help with everything which was adorable, but sometimes slowed things down. “Mama, what’s an

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in Autism Health and Medical Info by Rachel Andersen

This article will highlight the discussion surrounding the association between obesity and ADHD symptoms. Could symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), such as inattention and compulsions, be a risk factor for obesity in adults and children? The scientific links between obesity and ADHD will be highlighted in this article. We will also define and

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in Autism Health and Medical Info by Donnesa McPherson, AAS

What is childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD)? Is my child at risk? How might it affect my child? These are questions parents of children on the spectrum might ask when first seeing CDD written out in front of them, perhaps alongside the word “autism”. Being a parent and watching your children develop, wondering whether they are

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in Autism Health and Medical Info by Donnesa McPherson, AAS

For a long time professionals and parents alike have wondered about the possible connection between autism and chronic pain.  In the past, it was assumed by some that individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) didn’t really feel pain. That the pain intensity was different for them somehow. This is a misconception and thankfully there

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in Autism Health and Medical Info by Donnesa McPherson, AAS

Autism burnout is much more than exhaustion; overwhelm does not suffice to describe the depths many autistic adults mention when describing the sensory overload, stress and most concerning, the apparent loss of skills associated with autistic burnout. The first day at a new school or job is a sure way to experience stress, uncertainty, and

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in Autism Health and Medical Info by Yolande Loftus, BA, LLB

A diagnosis of autism is often followed, or preceded by, other diagnosis. Many conditions mimic autism and vice versa. Some increase the risk for autism, some are common comorbid conditions with autism. Some children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders are also diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos syndrome. Today I want to discuss Ehlers Danlos and autism,

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in Autism Health and Medical Info by Rachel Andersen

In this article, the differences between the symptoms of Tourette syndrome and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) will be discussed, as well as whether there are possible links between the two conditions.  It is important to note that research is always being updated and different outcomes can present depending on different individuals. I hope though, that

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in Autism Health and Medical Info by Donnesa McPherson, AAS

Bailey’s mother in law, Susan, opened her arms wide as soon as she saw her. As Bailey ran into them, Susan asked, “How is he doing?” Pulling back, Bailey shook her head in discouragement, “I can’t get through, I don’t know how to reach him”. Her son had been suffering through a bout of severe

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in Autism Health and Medical Info by Rachel Andersen

Pain is a warranted worry for parents of children with autism spectrum disorders. Communication impairments could mean children struggle to put pain in words, meaning serious conditions and symptoms may be missed. With more autistic adults searching out advice about headache disorders, the association between autism and migraines deserves a closer look. My child banged

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in Autism Health and Medical Info by Yolande Loftus, BA, LLB

Kim attempted to open the door to her algebra class only to drop half of what was in her hands. Frustrated, she picked up her belongings, pushed her glasses back to her forehead, and tried again. School was a place where she could pour herself into her studies. She liked that, but she wished she

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in Autism Health and Medical Info by Rachel Andersen

Developmental disorders like autism are complex, even specialists in cognitive science fields recognize there is still much to learn; however, when a child receives an autism diagnosis, parents often turn to the latest cognitive theories to learn more about their child’s unique brain development and other autistic traits. Many parents would love a single, concise,

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in Autism Health and Medical Info by Yolande Loftus, BA, LLB

A comprehensive guide for creating dialogue about relationships, sexual maturity, and consent with your autistic child. Relationships are tricky for everyone, especially those with autism. There are many questions such as: How does love feel? How does a real friend act? How does a lover act? How do relationships really look? Was I flirting? Was

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in Autism Health and Medical Info by Karen Kaplan, MS

Parents concerned about their autistic child’s mood swings often ask if autism and bipolar disorder co-occur and whether symptoms overlapping mean the disorders are related. Autistic adults, diagnosed later in life, often talk about their struggle to get diagnosed. Far too many share details of being misdiagnosed, and suffering severe side effects of medication that

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in Autism Health and Medical Info by Yolande Loftus, BA, LLB

There was a time in history when comorbidity between psychiatric disorders and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) were written about extensively, and autism was sometimes mistaken for a mental illness. Thankfully, these days there is much more understanding, awareness, and acceptance of autism. However, people still have many questions about what autism actually is and if

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in Autism Health and Medical Info by Donnesa McPherson, AAS

How autism affects the brain is a topic that plays on people’s minds if they are coming to terms with a diagnosis or have limited understanding of neurodivergence. The good news is there are scientific studies that can help answer some questions—although more research is needed. Since autism is considered a neurodivergent diagnosis, it is

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in Autism Health and Medical Info by Donnesa McPherson, AAS

Women are more likely to have a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) if they have experienced anorexia nervosa before or during pregnancy, according to a new study. The findings came from studying 52,878 children born in Sweden between 1990 and 2012. A total of 8,800 of these children were born to women who had

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in Autism Health and Medical Info, Autism News by Emily Ansell Elfer, BA Hons, Dip

The US Patent Office has approved a patent submitted by Arizona State University (ASU) for the use of Microbiota Transplant Therapy (MTT) for treating autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms. The news marks a big step forward in the realm of autism treatments but does not yet mean that MTT is US Food and Drug Administration

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Autism spectrum disorders and joint hypermobility related disorders: what’s the link, and why are these conditions increasingly mentioned together? It seems science is slowly catching up, searching along both spectrums to find the connection between autism and hypermobility spectrum disorder and other hereditary connective tissue disorders—hypermobility is often a sign of such hereditary connective tissue

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in Autism Health and Medical Info by Yolande Loftus, BA, LLB

Autism researchers have found nutraceuticals (nutritional supplements) have more positive benefits than pharmaceuticals on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms, with lower adverse effects. Professor James B. Adams, PhD of Arizona State University, conducted and analyzed a survey alongside Anisha Bhargava of Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, Devon M. Coleman, of Arizona State University, Richard

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in Autism Health and Medical Info, Autism News by Emily Ansell Elfer, BA Hons, Dip

A groundbreaking biomarker discovery from scientists at Northwestern University could lead to new treatment for children with autism and epilepsy. Researchers have identified a biomarker for autism within patients’ cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This biomarker helps establish a link between autism and epilepsy, conditions which often co-occur, and could be used in future treatment methods.  Epilepsy

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in Autism Health and Medical Info, Autism News by Emily Ansell Elfer, BA Hons, Dip

“Breast is best,” is a saying many of us have heard. But is breast milk really best for babies with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? Is there any connection between breastfeeding and the development of autism? And is it advisable for autistic mothers to breastfeed their babies? It seems any article about breastfeeding needs to be

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in Autism Health and Medical Info by Yolande Loftus, BA, LLB

Just when you think you’ve read it all, here comes another condition that is said to be related to autism: catatonia. If you haven’t heard yet, autism and catatonia have been closely studied to understand their comorbid occurrence and, from what we currently know, unfortunately, it does appear to be true that there’s some crossover.

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in Autism Health and Medical Info by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc

An autism expert offers advice on what steps to take if you discover your child has difficulty hearing. So, you have just discovered your child with autism also has hearing loss. Now, you are left wondering what more could possibly be added to your plate? Take a breath and realize that this is just another

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in Autism Health and Medical Info by Ron Malcolm, EdD

As more children are diagnosed with autism, researchers are examining a variety of potential “causes” including maternal hormonal disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). One of the most debated autism theories may just be the “extreme male brain” theory. The theory suggests that autism may be an extreme manifestation of the male brain (Baron-Cohen, 2002).

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in Autism Health and Medical Info by Yolande Loftus, BA, LLB

If you’re not scientifically minded, you might be unaware of the potential link between epigenetics and autism. From the moment children are conceived to the moment they begin to interact with the environment, they’re indirectly exposed to factors which could affect their development. In short, epigenetics is the study of how your behaviors and environment

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in Autism Health and Medical Info by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc

When autism is found alongside (or co-morbid with) another disorder, diagnosis and treatment may be complicated. One example is cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorder, where severity and symptoms tend to present differently in each individual. Autism rates among children with cerebral palsy are elevated when compared to prevalence in the general population. Even doctors

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in Autism Health and Medical Info by Yolande Loftus, BA, LLB

Have you ever heard of macrocephaly? This big word has a very simple definition: it means that a person has a large head. But is this condition a problem for children, and does it have any connection to autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? Let’s take a look at these questions and more. What is macrocephaly? Macrocephaly

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in Autism Health and Medical Info by Claire Delano, BA

Exclusive data from Autism Parenting Magazine reveals close to 6% of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have some form of gender dysphoria. Are people on the autism spectrum more likely to have gender identity confusion? This question is being posed more and more as gender dysphoria sees increased coverage in the media and people

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in Autism Health and Medical Info, Autism News by Emily Ansell Elfer, BA Hons, Dip

Parents often speak about the difficulty of dealing with possible autism characteristics in a young child. When any red flags appear, parents start second guessing themselves. They watch their child like a hawk, dissecting every aspect of behavior. In such circumstances some parents mention that it would be easier if there were distinct autism features

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in Autism Health and Medical Info by Yolande Loftus, BA, LLB

The complicated and controversial history linking autism and schizophrenia does little to answer parents’ concerns about the co-occurrence of these two conditions in their children. Dr. Eugene Bleuler first used the word “autism” in the early twentieth century to describe symptoms related to schizophrenia. More specifically, symptoms of withdrawal into an inner world—which he had

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in Autism Health and Medical Info by Yolande Loftus, BA, LLB

As parents, you want your children to be at their happiest and healthiest, and that includes their diet. Unfortunately, kids on and off the autism spectrum can have problems with food, appearance, and self-esteem. Eating disorders are some of the most complex and dangerous mental health concerns. How common is it for autistic people to

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in Autism Health and Medical Info by Claire Delano, BA

An autistic woman’s perspective on why there is much to be done to improve medical intervention for people on the spectrum.   My neck and arm had begun to throb, joining the sharp pain in my back, and I shifted in the chair to try to alleviate it, temporarily losing the thread of the conversation.

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in Autism Health and Medical Info by Christine M Condo, BA, BS

Here are some tips to help you manage stress and anxiety as you raise your child on the spectrum. Given the state of the global health crisis, it is not surprising that many of us are struggling with our mental health as we face increasing levels of stress and anxiety. This may apply particularly to

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in Autism Health and Medical Info by Marcelle Ciampi, MEd

When I think of the word “masking”, I immediately remember the 1994 film The Mask starring the one and only Jim Carrey. While the movie promises a good time and pure comedy, its synopsis actually has some parallels with the act of autism masking among people on the spectrum. The character behind The Mask is

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in Autism Health and Medical Info by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc