Early diagnosis and individualized care can lead to better outcomes for individuals with autism.
Increasing awareness about autism is important so that we can promote inclusion and provide support for individuals who are impacted by this condition. Knowledge helps dispel stigmas and misconceptions surrounding the condition, leading to greater understanding and acceptance.
Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by genetic and environmental factors. It affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. Symptoms can be noticed by age 2; severe cases and symptoms may be noticed by 12 months of age. Autism is not only diagnosed in children, it affects adults as well.
Autism can cause a delay in talking or can cause a child to not talk at all. Repeated routines or overused behaviors, interests, and play can also be symptoms. Frequently, if daily routines are changed, the individual with autism could become highly upset. Also, symptoms can range from mild to severe. Research has shown that certain genes may be associated with an increased risk of developing autism, and environmental factors during pregnancy may also play a role.
Even though research and learning about this condition continues, autism remains a complex condition to understand. “It is important to educate ourselves to dismiss widespread misinformation. It is also key for families to be informed so that they can advocate for their child’s health and future,” said Evita Limon-Rocha, MD, child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center. “Unfortunately, it’s easy to become influenced by a lot of misinformation.”
According to Dr. Limon-Rocha, a few misconceptions suggest that autism is caused by vaccines or bad parenting. “That’s inherently false,” Dr. Limon-Rocha stressed. “There is absolutely no truth to it, as many studies have debunked the theory. It has been established that childhood vaccines are safe and protect children against serious diseases.”
“Contrary to what some may believe, there’s no autism epidemic taking place across the country,” said Dr. Limon-Rocha. “Although more children are being diagnosed with autism, we can thank advancements in medicine and behavioral health for that, which are enabling medical professionals to diagnose high-functioning children with autism,” explained Dr. Limon-Rocha. “Before such advancements in medicine, it was more common to misdiagnose children with intellectual disabilities. Now we understand that many of those disabilities can be attributed to autism.”
What we also know is that autism affects boys more than girls. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, boys are 4 times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls. This may be because autism is caused by genetic factors, and some genes that are associated with autism may be more common in boys.
Early diagnosis is the key,” said Dr. Limon-Rocha. “If a child is diagnosed early, they can receive individualized medical and behavioral health attention. Just like any other medical diagnosis, early intervention and treatment can impact a child’s future and overall well-being.” Dr. Limon-Rocha advises those who have any concerns related to autism to discuss them with their health care provider.
Behavioral health consultants can provide a better understanding of often …
Feeling emotional or overwhelmed after a new baby’s arrival? You’re not …
After a lifetime of feeling isolated, Moth Wygal finds connection thanks …
Naomi Girma, a sports ambassador for Kaiser Permanente, is passionate about …
One in 5 people experience depression, anxiety, or other mental health …
Gabriel Abarca had no hope for his future. Then the team at Kaiser Permanente …
Kaiser Permanente supports the ballot measure to expand and improve mental …
Supporting behavioral and mental health in communities where needs are …
Everyday Health
Better public policies can help address the challenges. We encourage policymak …
There aren’t enough mental health professionals in the U.S. to meet the …
We offer housing-related legal help to prevent evictions and remove barriers …
Pavan Somusetty, MD, explains how people who need support and guidance …
A child and adolescent psychiatrist shares tips on supporting your child …
Kaiser Permanente’s partnership with Fontana Unified School District brings …
Use biofeedback to help manage stress.
Former Major League Baseball player Drew Robinson shares his story of hope …
San Diego Wave Fútbol Club star defender Naomi Girma, Kaiser Permanente …
Our clinicians help patients get the care they need to move forward with …
Kaiser Permanente increases access to mental health services in Southern …
These tips from Don Mordecai, MD, Kaiser Permanente’s national mental health …
Many people with cancer experience depression and anxiety. Mental health …
Unique challenges and societal pressures can impact men’s emotional well-being …
Kaiser Permanente and the San Diego Wave Fútbol Club host a second Wave …
Kaiser Permanente is here to help with care and valuable tools to support …
Take time to adjust to a new baby and lifestyle changes — and reach out …
Shared experience helps young people in Oregon build confidence for their …
Creating a healthy relationship with social media can help safeguard the …
A Kaiser Permanente member shares his personal journey of navigating bipolar …
Susan Sandhu struggled to find meaning in her life after an injury forced …
Trauma-informed outreach efforts in Orange County are being recognized …
Expanded access to high-quality, affordable mental health care supports …
Child psychiatrist defines anxiety, its symptoms, how to address it, and …
Kaiser Permanente’s partnership with Special Olympics Southern California …
Treatment for bipolar disorder and opiate addiction helps a Kaiser Permanente …
Southern California psychiatrist offers practical advice for parents to …
Kaiser Permanente in Southern California partners with San Diego Wave Fútbol …
Kaiser Permanente provides members with convenient ways to improve their …
Expert shares 5 valuable tips for parents and guardians to help children …
A Kaiser Permanente psychiatrist shares advice for coping when stress won't …
Find addiction and recovery information, assessments, and ways to get support …
Experience the best of the season by following these tips from an adult, …
A behavioral health consultant in Portland, Oregon, shares how mindfulness …
What you eat can impact your mental health.
Explore fresh ways to get motivated and incorporate wellness into your …
Recognizing the warning signs associated with suicide can help save lives. …
Support, talk about, and advocate for kids’ mental health. Otherwise, greater …
When someone you care about is struggling, it can be hard to know what …
A sports medicine physician and mental health therapist discuss the mind-body …
A child leaving home for the first time can cause parents feelings of both …
We reflect on 3 major COVID-19 surges, urgent vaccination efforts, and …
By reaching out early and providing care that’s personalized to parents’ …
At our school of medicine, future doctors learn that to better treat patients …
In a new documentary, more than 20 young people share their stories: how …
An innovative telehealth program gives patients direct access to pharmacists …
A $60,000 grant will support the assessment of social-emotional health, …
Kaiser Permanente’s new Center for Gun Violence Research and Education …
He needed help coping with back pain while ending his reliance on opioids. …
Stress can easily become anger. But you can practice self-care to head …
A Kaiser Permanente physician shares new research and advice for the leading …
Las conversaciones honestas ayudan a que los jóvenes se sientan seguros …
Trusted conversations help youth feel safe when community violence occurs.
A community program dedicated to helping schools and districts meet the …
Newly released results show the Presence of Mind initiative can be an effectiv …
As overdose deaths skyrocket, an addiction medicine specialist explains …
NBA player Onyeka Okongwu and his mother, Kate, a Kaiser Permanente nurse, …
A recent survey shows that many people are turning to online wellness tools …
Assessment helps parents and caregivers intervene early when kids are at …
Two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, a Kaiser Permanente pediatrician …
As unhealthy eating behaviors increased during the pandemic, care teams …
Stuck at home during the pandemic, a Kaiser Permanente member with autoimmune …
Guidance to help parents understand when moodiness is a normal part of …
Don Mordecai, MD, Kaiser Permanente’s national leader for mental health …
Helping people strengthen connections, maintain healthy routines, and find …