About 1.8% of United States children are diagnosed with autism, a rate that has increased significantly over the past two decades. This growth could be accredited to broader diagnostic criteria and an increase in general recognition of the disorder, however it nonetheless means that it is essential to gain a greater sense of understanding of …
Continue reading SPARK Program: Advancing Autism Genetic Studies
This past week I was really happy because my brother came home to visit for a week and a half. The Saturday before he left, my Dad decided that he wanted all of us to go to the beach to see the sunrise. Let’s go back to 6:20 a.m. Saturday morning; everyone is ready to …
I always hear my parents talking to doctors who constantly say, “He’ll grow out of it.” My parents say that my brother will eventually mature and therefore he will better utilize the skills to improve his quality of life. Some studies have found that children who were diagnosed with autism as a toddler may not …
I do not have Autism, but looking at my brother I feel that we sometimes have similar characteristics. I am sensitive to overstimulation. I get frustrated easily when too many things are going on. I become irritable and tend to feel restless in these situations. I often have difficulty identifying my feelings. Hence, I …
Continue reading Why Does My Brother Have an Autism Diagnosis and I Don’t?
When I began high school, I developed a passion for science and research, which led me to learn more about ASD and the science behind it. Growing up with a younger brother with autism, there would always be screaming and arguments. My parents and my brother would scream back and forth like a tennis match. …
This past summer, I came across an article connecting maternal diabetes to autism in the offspring. My Mom was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes on December 31, 2000 at the age of 26. Type 1 Diabetes, once known as juvenile diabetes, runs on my moms side of the family. Being diagnosed at the age of …
Continue reading Exploring the Link Between Maternal Diabetes and Autism
If you are a sibling, a parent or grandparent, an aunt or an uncle, a cousin, a friend, a neighbor or just a passer bye, I want to give you my perspective of the autistic brain, as a daughter and as a sister. It is important to understand that autism affects the entire family, not …
An Introduction to my Blog Two years ago, my brother was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder level 1. I am a junior in high school who has a passion for science and discovery or simply just finding the “Why?”. I am writing this blog to tell you what I have learned about the autistic brain …
Continue reading Life on the Spectrum: Insight from a Sibling
I want to use this blog not only to educate others on the science behind Autism Spectrum Disorder but to also advocate for autism awareness. Recent studies have shown that 90% of autistic individuals are underemployed or unemployed. Luv Michael is a non-profit organization that focuses on the significant employment of autistic adults. Autistic individuals …