Understanding
Autism Spectrum
Disorders
Anna G. Venegas Santini
Table of Contents
01 Introduction to the topic
02 Understanding the spectrum
03 The three levels of Autism
04 Prevalence and Diagnosis
05 Causes of Autism
06 Conclusion
What are Autism Spectrum Disorders?
● Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are
neurodevelopmental conditions caused by differences in
the brain.
● Autism affects communication, behavior, and social
interactions.
● Some characteristics are: unusual emotions, extreme
sensitivity to normal stimuli, unawareness of
surroundings, and repetitive behaviors or interests.
Understanding the Spectrum
● The ASD spectrum can range from mild to severe.
● Individuals may pose different strengths and challenges.
● Autism affects people in different ways.
● Autism is a life-long condition that has no cure.
The three functional levels of autism
Level 1: Requiring support
● Trouble understanding social cues
● Problems with planning and organization at times
● Inflexible behavior
The three functional levels of autism
Level 2: Requiring substantial support
● Atypical social behavior, like walking away mid-
conversation
● Frequent repetitive behaviors
● High interest in certain topics
The three functional levels of autism
Level 3: Requiring very substantial support
● Severe communication deficits (non-verbal
communication)
● Repetitive behaviors, like spinning
● Extreme distress when asked to switch tasks
Prevalence and Diagnosis
● Around 75 million people have ASD (1% of
the world population).
● As of 2023, around 1 in 36 children in the
United States has been diagnosed with
ASD, according to the CDC.
● Autism prevalence has increased 317%
since 2000.
● Autism can be diagnosed as early as 18
months of age. Most kids are diagnosed
only after the age of four.
Causes of Autism
● No singular cause; it is believed to be a combination of
environmental and genetic factors.
● Genetic propensity: certain genes or mutations
associated with increased risk.
● Environmental factors: air pollution, prenatal
conditions, maternal factors, metals, pesticides, and
other contaminants.
Causes of Autism-Air pollution
● Researchers have found that early-life exposure to air
pollution may be a risk factor for autism, as discussed in
the research paper “Residential proximity to freeways
and autism in the CHARGE study” by Heather E. Volk
and other scientists.
● “Children of mothers living near a freeway . . . during
the thrid trimester were twice as likely to develop ASD”
said the National Institute of Environmental Sciences.
Conclusion
● Fostering empathy and understanding about ASD is
very important.
● Creating a safe space and sensory friendly
environments for people with ASD should be
prioritized in schools.
● Acceptance and support are key.
● Together, we can create comprehensive communities
where individuals with ASD can strive.
QUESTIONS?
References
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