Life Under A Double Rainbow – Being An LGBTQ+ Person With Autism Spectrum Disorder

by Kalliope Bessler

For a large portion of the 20th century, there was a common misconception in the U.S. medical community that those with autism spectrum disorder did not experience sexual attraction or that they were not interested in romantic relationships. However, research and personal testimonies of those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have provided evidence that people with ASD have just as wide of a spectrum of sexual orientations, gender identities, and types of romantic relationships as people who do not have ASD…

Sexuality and ASDRajiv KapurNovember 13, 2020autism, ASD, Autism Spectrum Disorder

Anxiety and Autism (ASD)

by Kalliope Bessler

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health issues experienced globally, especially in those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Though not every person with autism spectrum disorder has an anxiety disorder, it is estimated that anywhere from 11-84% of youth with ASD experience some symptoms that are related to an anxiety disorder. Research suggests that, “anxiety seems highest in fluent speakers with autism, although fewer studies exist of people with nonverbal autism and anxiety.” About 40% of people with ASD that experience anxiety symptoms have an anxiety disorder…

Rajiv KapurNovember 6, 2020autism, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD, Anxiety, Mental Health, anxiety disorder

Late Diagnosis Of ASD In Women

by Kalliope Bessler

In 2016 researcher Sarah Bergiela and her cohorts shared that “Compared to males, females are at substantially elevated risk of their ASD (autism spectrum disorder) going undiagnosed: their difficulties are frequently mislabeled or missed entirely.” In the United States, the ratio of girls to boys diagnosed with autism is one to four. For decades, healthcare professionals and researchers have struggled to find conclusive answers as to why girls are supposedly less affected by autism spectrum disorder than boys…

Rajiv KapurOctober 30, 2020autism, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD, diagnosis, gender and ASD, women with ASD

Realities Of Life For Adults With Autism (ASD)

by Kalliope Bessler

Despite the unique and varied capabilities that people with autism have, a large amount of people with autism in America have a difficult time finding work or being hired in workplaces that aren’t made specifically for people with disabilities. In 2017, the Drexel University A.J. Adrexel Autism Institute found that only 14% of adults ages 18-64 with autism spectrum disorder in America had a paid job in their community in a workplace that did not exclusively employ those with disabilities…

Rajiv KapurOctober 30, 2020autism, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD, adults with autism, autism and unemployment, service gaps

Handwashing for Children with Autism (ASD)

by Anne Johnson Oliss

Handwashing can be more challenging for people with autism and their caregivers. There is help and hope. Check out this blog post for some suggestions to support short-term task completion or long-range, capacity-building and independence.