Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that affects individuals of all ages.

Approximately 1 in every 44 children is diagnosed with ASD and an estimated 2.21% of U.S. adults live with a diagnosis.

ASD can affect a person’s ability to interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. Common behaviors observed include:

• Difficulty communicating and interacting with others
• Restrictive interests
• Repetitive behaviors
• Symptoms that affect their ability to function in school, work, and other areas of life

Autism falls under what is commonly known in the community as the spectrum. ASD encompasses a variety in the type, combination, and severity of disabilities.

Individuals on the spectrum also show many strengths including:

• Being strong auditory and visual learners
• Excelling in mathematics, science, music, or art
• Ability to remember information for long periods of time

Diagnosis in Young Children

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screening for developmental delays at their 9, 18, and 24-month checkups.

Additional diagnostic evaluation may include:

• Medical and neurological exams
• Assessment of cognitive abilities
• Assessment of speech and language abilities
• Observation of behavior
• Discussion with caregiver(s)
• Assessment of age-appropriate skills
• Review of family history

Diagnosis in Adults

It is difficult to diagnose ASD in adults, especially adult women. In many cases, symptoms of ASD may overlap with symptoms of other mental health disorders – most commonly ADHD.

Healthcare providers will ask about social interactions, communication challenges, sensory issues, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. Additionally, a conversation with caregivers and other family members can help the provider learn about the person’s early developmental history.

Obtaining an autism diagnosis as an adult can help individuals understand past challenges, identify personal strengths, and find the right help.

All My Stripes by Shaina Rudolph and Danielle Royer

Zane rushes home to tell his mother about problems he faced during his school day, and she reminds him that while others may only see his “autism stripe,” he has stripes for honesty, caring, and much more. 

Posted by John David Anderson

In middle school, words aren’t just words. They can be weapons. They can be gifts. The right words can win you friends or make you enemies. They can come back to haunt you. Sometimes they can change things forever.

When cell phones are banned at Branton Middle School, Frost and his friends Deedee, Wolf, and Bench come up with a new way to communicate: leaving sticky notes for each other all around the school. It catches on, and soon all the kids in school are leaving notes — though for every kind and friendly one, there is a cutting and cruel one as well.

In the middle of this, a new girl named Rose arrives at school and sits at Frost’s lunch table. Rose is not like anyone else at Branton Middle School, and it’s clear that the close circle of friends Frost has made for himself won’t easily hold another. As the sticky-note war escalates, and the pressure to choose sides mounts, Frost soon realizes that after this year, nothing will ever be the same.

We are Okay by Nina LeCour

Marin hasn’t spoken to anyone from her old life since the day she left everything behind. No one knows the truth about those final weeks. Not even her best friend, Mabel. But even thousands of miles away from the California coast, at college in New York, Marin still feels the pull of the life and tragedy she’s tried to outrun.

Now, months later, alone in an emptied dorm for winter break, Marin waits. Mabel is coming to visit, and Marin will be forced to face everything that’s been left unsaid and finally confront the loneliness that has made a home in her heart.

The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis Graves

Annika Rose is an English major at the University of Illinois. Anxious in social situations where she finds most people’s behavior confusing, she’d rather be surrounded by the order and discipline of books or the quiet solitude of playing chess.

Jonathan Hoffman joined the chess club and lost his first game—and his heart—to the shy and awkward, yet brilliant and beautiful Annika. He admires her ability to be true to herself, quirks and all, and accepts the challenges involved in pursuing a relationship with her. Jonathan and Annika bring out the best in each other, finding the confidence and courage within themselves to plan a future together. What follows is a tumultuous yet tender love affair that withstands everything except the unforeseen tragedy that forces them apart, shattering their connection and leaving them to navigate their lives alone.

Now, a decade later, fate reunites Annika and Jonathan in Chicago. She’s living the life she wanted as a librarian. He’s a Wall Street whiz, recovering from a divorce and seeking a fresh start. The attraction and strong feelings they once shared are instantly rekindled, but until they confront the fears and anxieties that drove them apart, their second chance will end before it truly begins.