Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - More than one Condition
DB
Double Board Certified Counseling Services
Evidence-informed mental health care • ADHD • CBT • Trauma-informed
Summary: Autism Is Not One Disorder, New Data Show
New large-scale analyses suggest that autism is not a single, uniform condition. Individuals diagnosed early in childhood tend to show stable, early-onset developmental differences and are more likely to have global developmental delay and intellectual disability. Those diagnosed later (adolescence or adulthood) often show more typical early development but develop social/behavioral difficulties over time, with higher rates of co-occurring conditions (e.g., ADHD, depression).
Key Findings
- Distinct developmental pathways: Early- vs. later-diagnosed groups follow different developmental trajectories.
- Different genetic profiles: Early-diagnosed autism shows enrichment for rare deleterious variants, while later-diagnosed autism shows elevated polygenic risk patterns overlapping with ADHD/depression.
- Clinical implications: Age at first diagnosis may help identify meaningful autism subtypes and guide tailored supports across the lifespan.
- Caveats: Age at diagnosis is influenced by social and healthcare factors; findings should not be overgeneralized.
How This Helps Clinicians & Families
- Assessment: Consider developmental timing as a practical lens when evaluating strengths, needs, and co-occurring conditions.
- Care Planning: Align interventions with profile—e.g., early developmental supports vs. adolescent mental-health comorbidity planning.
- Communication: Emphasize that “autism” encompasses diverse presentations; avoid one-size-fits-all framing of causes and treatments.
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Mark is a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS), possesses advanced training and expertise in assessing, diagnosing, and treating individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). His certification highlights his proficiency in addressing the unique challenges associated with autism and his ability to provide personalized, evidence-based care.
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