Happy New Year and welcome back to the Autism Digest! 🥳

A highlight in this edition includes promising research exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) may increase the accuracy of Autism screening, including in children of color and girls who are often missed during routine Autism assessments.

We’ve also featured a new book from neurodivergent author, Ellie Middleton, which has been described as “the go-to book on neurodivergence for anyone looking for a diagnosis, trying to make sense of one, or trying to be a better ally”.

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Latest Research and News

Recent publications

🌻 Perspectives of Autistic adolescent girls and women on the determinants of their mental health and social and emotional well-being: This review provides an overview of the factors that impact Autistic females’ emotional and social well-being and mental health, as described in self-report qualitative studies. The review identified several themes including “The Autistic Neurotype”, “The Neurotypical World” and “Stigma”, which collectively determine mental health and wellbeing. Link to article.

🌄 Scene construction ability in neurotypical and Autistic adults: This study explored scene construction ability (the ability to vividly imagine and describe fictitious scenes) in a sample of 55 Autistic and 63 neurotypical adults. Scene construction was diminished in Autistic compared to neurotypical participants, and participants with fewer Autistic traits demonstrated better scene construction ability. Exploratory analysis suggests scene construction ability is associated with the ability to understand one’s own and other people’s mental states. Link to article.

❤️‍🩹 A longitudinal study of loneliness in Autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities: This study explored loneliness and coping strategies across the lifespan for individuals with Autism and neurodevelopmental disabilities. Common coping methods included Behavioral Distraction (e.g. watching TV) and Instrumental Action (e.g. seeking social contact). The results highlight adulthood as a particularly vulnerable time for loneliness and emphasise the need for increased support and social opportunities. Link to article.

New in News

🔬 Scientists are using AI to detect Autism and reduce healthcare disparities: Researchers at Duke University have been exploring the potential for AI to screen Autism in real-world settings. The research aims to develop an objective tool that doesn’t rely on screening questionnaires, which traditionally have lower accuracy for children of color and girls. A digital Autism screening app showed 87.8% sensitivity for detecting Autism, meaning it correctly identified most children with the condition. It also had similar sensitivity across sex, race, and ethnicity. Link to article.

🛒 Sensory-friendly adjustments make it easier for shoppers with sensory process disorders: Walmart recently announced it will implement sensory-friendly hours from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. every day in all its stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. These adjustments have been welcomed by those with sensory-processing disorder, which is common among people with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia and PTSD. Link to article.

Featured

UNMASKED: The Ultimate Guide to ADHD, Autism and Neurodivergence

In 2021, Ellie was diagnosed with Autism and ADHD at the age of 24. She quickly learned that she wasn't the only one with a late diagnosis. In fact, 80% of Autistic females remain undiagnosed at age 18 and only 8% of adults affected by ADHD have a formal diagnosis. Even with a diagnosis, most are left asking, what now?

Ellie's mission is to change that. UNMASKED is Ellie's kind and supportive guide to neurodivergence, written in bite-sized style for whizzy brains like hers.

Her chapters shed light on masking, the diagnostic process, sensory overload, and navigating the workplace so that every reader can better understand themselves and others.

You can read more about Ellie’s story and UNMASKED on her website.

Community Corner

🤭 Quotes from famous Autistic people that everyone should hear: The team at Human Health have curated a list of insightful and thought-provoking quotes from prominent Autistic figures. Read full article.

👋🏼 My son spoke!: Reddit user @MissAnthropy612 shared a heartfelt moment when her 6-year-old nonverbal son said “hi” three separate times in a day. Read full post.

❤️ Review of “Love on the Spectrum”: Nils Skudra, Autistic artist and blogger, provides his review of Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum. Nils states that the show is a “deeply insightful and heartwarming miniseries that captures how autistic individuals strive for romantic relationships.” Read full article.

Resources and Tools

📖 Autism Hub webpage: A knowledge-base for current information about Autism, including live feeds of the latest clinical trials and publications, news articles, community stories, and more. Visit the Autism Hub

💬 Support groups: You can find a list of Autism support groups and organizations on the US Autism Association website. Link to list

📱 Health tracking: Human Health is a free mobile app that helps you track Autism symptoms and treatments. Download the app here

🎙️ Autism podcast: “The Autism Dad” is a podcast by Rob Gorski, a father to three boys on the spectrum. His podcast explores special needs parenting and offers a blend of personal stories, expert interviews, and actionable advice. Listen to the podcast here

Inspiration and Motivation