Axis for Autism’s Post

Breakthrough Autism Screening App Closes Diagnosis Gap A tablet-based app called SenseToKnow, developed by Duke University Autism Center of Excellence, may be a breakthrough in screening toddlers for autism spectrum disorder, potentially reducing disparities in diagnoses. In an NIH-funded study involving 475 toddlers, the app showed an 87.8% sensitivity in identifying autism and an 80.8% specificity in ruling out non-autistic cases. Combining app results with parent surveys increased the chance of an official diagnosis to 63.4%. The app's effectiveness was consistent across genders and various races and ethnicities, but specificity was lower among Black children at 54%. While more research is needed, this tool could improve autism screening accuracy and access to diagnosis and interventions, complementing existing methods. https://lnkd.in/gN-w5kwN

MOVING MOUNTAINS FORWARD⛰️✨ In our rapidly changing field with increasingly younger children receiving a diagnosis of Autism, it is so important to continuously move mountains forward to advance the understanding and implementation of the evolution of our sciences and how to best support the community in which we serve. And when working in the field of ABA with young children, it is so important that we take neuroplasticity seriously and utilize the most up to date scientific knowledge and advancements in Autism care to incorporate a sound understanding of child development, developmentally appropriate practice, and how to best align our practices with a neurodiversity-affirming approach to care. At Elevated Kids we utilize a Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention (NDBI) approach to ABA that lies at the intersection of both developmental and behavioral sciences and is known as today’s most effective, evidence-based approach to care for toddlers and young children diagnosed with Autism. Our NDBI approach also supports alignment with a neurodiversity-affirming approach to care, and although this approach is not universal in comparison to other therapeutic approaches, we are hopeful that NDBI and neurodiversity- affirming care will one day become the new standard in ABA. Come along this journey with us as we continue to move mountains forward and climb toward a more inclusive and accepting world for all!🩵✨✨ #movingmountains #neuropplasticity #scientificadvancements #innovation #earlydiagnosis #earlyintervention #bestpractice #ndbi #childdevelopment #neurodiversity #neurodiversityaffirming #dowhatyoulove #lovewhatyoudo #elevatedkids

Adult participants sought for a 15-minute survey on: Exploring the Autism Diagnosis Pathway for Late-Diagnosed Autistic Women, Trans Men and Gender Diverse People Study link: https://lnkd.in/ekiERccm --- I am a trainee doctor working with the Centre for Research in Autism and Education to research the experiences of autistic adults when trying to get an autism diagnosis. If you have tried to get an autism diagnosis (whether or not that ended in a formal diagnosis) as an adult and identify as a woman, non-binary or transman, please consider completing our survey below! The purpose of the study is to improve training for healthcare professionals to better autism diagnostic rates for adults who do not identify as cismen. This is because we know that autism has traditionally been seen as a male diagnosis. If you would be willing to tell us about your experiences, please find a link to the survey above! It should take 10-15 minutes to complete depending on how much detail you would like to give. You can also scan the QR code on the poster. Please let me know if you have any questions! Best Regards,  Tanya 

Early signs of autism in toddlers "Did you know that recognizing the early signs of autism can lead to early intervention and better outcomes for children? Some common signs include 🟥 delayed speech development 🟥 difficulty with social interactions 🟥 repetitive behaviors 🟥 toe walking 🟥 no danger awareness 🟥 hand flapping 🟥 showing what they want with hand leading If you notice these signs in your child or a loved one, please don't hesitate to seek guidance from a healthcare professional. Early detection and intervention can make a world of difference for individuals with autism. Let's spread awareness and support for early diagnosis and treatment!

A U.S. study charts the changing prevalence of profound and non-profound autism, revealing that much of autism’s rise over the past three decades stems from diagnostic changes. To learn more, visit https://bit.ly/3GBrp6i.

New publication! Diagnostic assessment of autism in adults - current considerations in neurodevelopmentally informed learning with reference to ADOS-2 https://lnkd.in/esGz6894

“I went into autism research because of the disparities of care for children with autism spectrum disorder, which I was witnessing on a daily basis. I now get to see the real difference we have made — and continue to work on how we can do better.” — Sarabeth Broder-Fingert, MD, MPH At the Child Health Equity Center, our research projects include Optimizing a Family Partner Navigation Model for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Two decades of evidence support the effectiveness of Family Navigation as a care management approach to reducing disparities in access to health services. We created a multi-component intervention whereby Family Navigation utilizes motivational interviews and problem-solving strategies in conjunction with patient education and care coordination. By examining which delivery strategy is most effective, which components are essential, and how the intervention can be shared with a broad population, this project aims to optimize Family Navigation. Learn more about the Child Health Equity Centers ASD research at https://lnkd.in/gfFunDCn. #ChildHealthEquity #EquityForAll #AutismSpectrumDisorder

Detection as early as 16 months?!?!? In only 30 minutes???!! What a great step forward to allow us to focus on those crucial early intervention years!