Does My Child Have Autism? – How To Spot Mild Autism, Asperger’s?

Children with both autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at increased risk for being diagnosed with or treated for anxiety and mood disorders, according to a study published in Pediatrics today. The study, completed by the Interactive Autism Network (IAN), is one of the largest to compare comorbidities in individuals with ASD alone to individuals with ASD and ADHD.

 





For the study's findings, researchers from Kennedy Krieger Institute examined the data of a cross-sectional, network-based survey of children ages 6 to 17 years with ASD who were enrolled in the Interactive Autism Network, between 2006 and 2013. Of the 3,319 children in the study, 1,503 (45.3%) had ADHD. The survey data were analyzed for parent-reported diagnosis and/or treatment of ADHD, anxiety disorder, and mood disorders. Children with ASD and ADHD had more than twice (or 2.2 times) the risk of anxiety disorder and 2.7 times the risk of other mood disorders. Researchers also found that these psychiatric conditions were more prevalent in older children.

"We have known that anxiety and mood disorders are highly prevalent in those with ASD," says Eliza Gordon-Lipkin, MD, [lead] study author and fellow, Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute. "This study, however, takes it another step further, providing insights on the differences between children with just ASD versus those with ASD and ADHD. What exactly happens in the human brain that causes children with ASD to have other mental health conditions is not fully understood, but we hope this study inspires other researchers to pursue the answer to this question."

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According to the CDC, 1 in 68 U.S. children has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and 11 million children have a developmental disability. Unfortunately, the rate of ASD is on the rise each year; and occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.

Although research has shown that travel and activities away from home are therapeutic for children with ASD, few hotel and lodging options are tailored to fit their families’ requirements.

“We saw an under-served market with a genuine need,” says Alice Horn, the CEO of VillaKey, LLC.  “Children on the autism spectrum are uncomfortable with unfamiliar environments, and many families avoid hotels, or may not go on vacation at all. The children require a familiar and safe environment, which can be best provided in a vacation home.”

The VillaKey platform currently features a select assortment of over 100 autism-friendly homes in the Orlando area, with plans to expand to destinations throughout the U.S. over the coming year. The homes include full kitchens to accommodate cooking for special diets; the use of fragrance-free cleaning products; decor with soothing colors and alarms on exit doors. Service pets are welcome. Both staff and local property managers are certified in the requirements of autism travelers. Over time, VillaKey plans to add services and activities to suit the autism market.

Inspiration came from seeing positive online reviews: “My 4 year old is on the autism spectrum, so I had to find somewhere to stay that had a “home” look and feel to it. On our way from the airport, it was late and my son was having a difficult time. Once we entered the property, he felt at ease, and I was in “home-heaven.” Thank you, thank you.”

Research for the platform included a focus group at the Center for Autism Related Disorders (CARD) at the University of Miami. This led to development of educational tools, also featured on the website, to assist parents and children as they prepare. “Our goal was to eliminate some of the uncertainty that our families experience when they’re planning a trip,” added Ms. Horn.

In addition to families impacted by ASD, the VillaKey platform welcomes all types of families. A percentage of all bookings goes to the VillaKey Cares™ fund to help support travel expenses for families who struggle with autism and may not have the resources to afford a vacation on their own.

Contact: Alice Horn alice@myvillakey.com or 786-216-3254. Website: www.myvillakey.com

About 700,000 people in the UK are on the autism spectrum, according to the National Autistic Society

Five times as many males as females are diagnosed

Autism is under-diagnosed in females

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Predictors of Success for Adults with Autism

There is a growing literature documenting the social, employment, and mental health difficulties faced by adults with ASD. With the increasing rates of ASD diagnoses, the number of individuals with ASD entering adulthood each year is expected to double over the next 6 years. Although research indicates that outcomes are almost universally lower for adults on the autism spectrum compared to their peers, few longitudinal studies from childhood to adulthood have been conducted. Most studies have focused on the transition years from adolescence to young adulthood or on describing adult outcomes. While there is little research on the predictors of positive outcome, surveys completed for adults with ASD in middle adulthood who were diagnosed during childhood offers some important insights into the predictors of success (Klinger et al., 2015).

Interviews were conducted with caregivers to gather information on employment status, quality of life, social isolation, mental health issues (such as anxiety, depression and mood), symptom severity, and language skills. Predictors included symptom severity, adaptive behavior (self-help skills), and language ability. Childhood predictors included symptom severity, adaptive behavior, and IQ. Analyses were conducted to examine predictors of adult outcome. Results indicated that current adaptive behavior was the single best predictor of adult outcome. Symptom severity and language ability had no impact on outcome. Adaptive behavior in childhood was an equally strong predictor of outcome (employment, social isolation, depression, and quality of life), regardless of symptom severity and childhood IQ.

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