Autism as epidemic

Is autism an Epidemic?

Public perception disconnected from the scientific evidence

Autism is the most stress-based, anxiety-ridden disease that varies widely and is often referred to as a “spectrum of conditions”. However, this spectrum is not linear. It is not possible to line-up autistic people, as being more or less autistic.

Autism prevelance rates

Based on epidemiological studies conducted over the past 50 years, the prevalence of ASD appears to be increasing globally. There are many possible explanations for this apparent increase, including improved awareness, expansion of diagnostic criteria, the growing practice of genetic testing, better diagnostic tools and improved reporting. (I.e. for many years, women were not tested as ASD was considered a male dominant disease, or people altogether were misdiagnosed. Depression seemed to be the easiest label for it.)

Difficulties of diagnosing ASD

Mild autism is often not detected until adulthood.

Autistic people just don’t look autistic.

Mild autism is often not detected by parents until teenage years.

Characteristics in girls are different from boys, are less noticeable and therefore more difficult to diagnose.

Every government struggles to provide fair social, educational support for people living with ASD

The cost of autism

The cost of caring for Americans with Autism is estimated to reach $461 BILLION by 2025

The lifetime cost of caring for an INDIVIDUAL with ASD and learning diabilities is £1.5 MILLION in the UK

According to CDC (centre of disease control and prevention) 1:44 children in the US and 1:57 in the UK are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (autismspeaks.org, autism.org.uk).

My priority and focus is on investing huge efforts to find interventional tools, like Transcendental Meditation and through that support and protect people who live with ASD.

Tangible support

Despite many autistic adults may not be seeking a “cure” , as they often consider living with ASD to be a part of who they are, I believe that the autistic adult community is in urgent need of attention, support, and resources to be offered tools to manage their lives without the stress, anxiety and overwhelming sensations that could derail them.

I intend to focus on offering literal, tangible support.

I wish for my research/project to spark actions, instead of more intellectual research about the ASD inflicted mind.

Autism as epidemic

Is autism an Epidemic?

Public perception disconnected from the scientific evidence

Autism prevelance rates

Difficulties of diagnosing ASD

Every government struggles to provide fair social, educational support for people living with ASD

The cost of autism

My priority and focus is on investing huge efforts to find interventional tools, like Transcendental Meditation and through that support and protect people who live with ASD.

Tangible support

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