Surprising predictions part 4

 How Social Networks Are Helping To Diagnose Neurodiversity

These days, we use our social networks every day to stay in touch with old friends and make new ones, but did you know that they can also be used to help you diagnose neurodiversity? You’ve probably heard of autism and ADHD, but do you know what neurodiversity means? Neurodiversity is all about respecting people whose brains think differently than ours.

What Is Autism?

Autism is a developmental disorder that affects communication and social interaction. It can also cause repetitive behaviors and sensory issues. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the term used to describe a range of conditions, including autism, Asperger's syndrome, and other related conditions. ASD affects people in different ways, and the severity of symptoms can vary from mild to severe.

There is no one cause of ASD, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The genes associated with ASD are not like the genes associated with cancer or cystic fibrosis. They may have an effect on brain development, or they may make someone more susceptible to environmental triggers that lead to brain changes. Scientists are studying possible links between ASD and problems during pregnancy; parenting difficulties; family history of psychiatric disorders; exposure to chemicals such as pesticides or industrial pollutants; and _____ _____ _____ _____. More research is needed before scientists will know for sure what causes ASD. What Causes Autism? One theory is that there might be many kinds of ASD. Some experts believe this might explain why some treatments work better than others for some children who have been diagnosed with autism. Researchers at Cornell University were able to tell which autistic children would benefit most from speech therapy based on their level of sensitivity to certain sounds, so these kids could get treatment early and improve their language skills faster.

It's important for parents to watch for signs of autism in their child because early intervention therapies can help reduce the long-term effects of the condition: autistic children who received early intervention services showed improvements in IQ scores, language skills, daily living skills, attention span, self-help skills, and motor coordination. But autism isn't always easy to identify. Early diagnosis has become even more difficult since the American Psychiatric Association revised its diagnostic manual in 2013. A new definition of ASD includes features that used to be thought of as separate disorders, like Asperger's syndrome. The change means that fewer children may now qualify for a diagnosis of ASD. If your child has delayed speech or doesn't respond to verbal cues, he should see his pediatrician right away. Your doctor will test your child's hearing and vision and ask about any delays in milestones. He'll also want to hear about any behavioral concerns you're noticing. These might include how your child plays with toys, interacts with other children, behaves during mealtime, and reacts when faced with new situations. The doctor will want to rule out physical problems like seizures or a problem with hearing before coming up with a diagnosis. This often requires additional testing if something unusual turns up in the exam. These tests might include MRI scans of the brain, eye exams, blood tests to check for markers indicating specific diseases, electroencephalograms (EEGs), or spinal taps to measure white blood cells. Once doctors diagnose autism in toddlers and preschoolers using all age criteria — whether it's high functioning autism or low functioning — they'll still need to do follow-up evaluations every few years until adulthood. That's to track the person's progress, identify new problems that might have cropped up, and adjust their care plan as necessary. The best way to get a diagnosis is for your child to be evaluated by a professional who has experience in diagnosing autism. You can find specialists in your area through the websites of advocacy groups like Autism Speaks or The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In addition, some children may be screened for autism by their local public school system. The doctor will want to rule out physical problems like seizures or a problem with hearing before coming up with a diagnosis. This often requires additional testing if something unusual turns up in the exam. These tests might include MRI scans of the brain, eye exams, blood tests to check for markers indicating specific diseases, electroencephalograms (EEGs), or spinal taps to measure white blood cells. Once doctors diagnose autism in toddlers and preschoolers using all age criteria — whether it's high functioning autism or low functioning — they'll still need to do follow-up evaluations every few years until adulthood. That's to track the person's progress, identify new problems that might have cropped up, and adjust their care plan as necessary. The best way to get a diagnosis is for your child to be evaluated by a professional who has experience in diagnosing autism. You can find specialists in your area through the websites of advocacy groups like Autism Speaks or The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In addition, some children may be screened for autism by their local public school system.

Who Is Affected By Autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication and social interaction. It is characterized by repetitive behaviors, problems with social skills, and sensitivities to certain sensory stimuli. ASD can be mild, moderate, or severe. People with ASD often have difficulty with verbal and nonverbal communication, social interactions, and making eye contact. They may also have trouble understanding other people's emotions and may be insensitive to the emotions of others. The exact cause of ASD is unknown, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

There is no single autism spectrum disorder; instead, there are many different types of ASD that can affect people in different ways. Symptoms of ASD vary widely from person to person, but they include some or all of the following: 

-difficulty interacting socially 

-excessive reliance on routines 

-difficulty responding appropriately to changes in routine 

-restrictive and repetitive patterns of behavior 

-repetitive motor movements such as hand flapping 

-self injurious behavior like biting oneself.

How Is Autism Diagnosed?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior. The diagnostic criteria require that symptoms become apparent before the age of 3 years. Autism is diagnosed four times more frequently in boys than in girls. The heritability of autism, estimated at over 90%, indicates that genetics are primarily responsible for its development. However, the cause of autism is unknown, and there is no cure. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a range of neurodevelopmental disorders that include autism, Asperger syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). These disorders are characterized by impairments in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. ASD affects people of all races and ethnicities. Symptoms typically manifest around two to three years of age and range from mild to severe depending on the individual. The most common signs are difficulties with speech, problems with language comprehension or production, difficulty developing relationships with others, and sometimes repetitive behaviors like hand flapping or rocking back and forth. 

Misdiagnosis often happens because ASD shares some characteristics with other conditions such as cerebral palsy or intellectual disability; therefore children may be misdiagnosed as mentally retarded rather than having an autistic spectrum disorder. 

The causes of autism are still unknown but it's believed that genes play a significant role in developing these disorders so it is important to know about family history when considering whether or not your child has this condition. Diagnosing autism can also be difficult because there are various levels of severity among different individuals. Some signs may be subtle and others might only show up during certain activities. You can find out if your child has this disorder by taking an online test or getting evaluated by a professional who specializes in identifying it. For example, organizations like Autism Speaks offer free screenings through their website where you can take a short quiz to see if you think your child could have ASD and then they will provide you with information on what resources are available near you if they need further evaluation. 

Misdiagnoses happen quite often because while some children display typical symptoms of autism, many do not which makes diagnosis difficult without professional help. A popular theory is that children may develop autism due to parental care, where mothers neglect to properly nurture their babies. If a mother does not cuddle and interact with her baby enough then he/she may develop a form of social withdrawal called avoidant attachment disorder, which seems similar to autism.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in 68 school-aged children has been identified as being on the autism spectrum. According to the CDC, males are four times more likely than females to be diagnosed with ASD. Parents who suspect their child might have this disorder should speak with professionals trained in early childhood education or psychology because after diagnosis there are treatments available including medication and therapy sessions tailored specifically for each person’s needs. One treatment option is applied behavioral analysis, a technique used to change problematic behaviors. This method has been shown to be effective in reducing the occurrence of challenging behaviors in children with autism. Therapy can involve teaching new skills and can be carried out by professionals or parents working together. Therapists use one of four main techniques: training, modeling, shaping, and prompting. Shaping refers to rewarding the child for meeting milestones in incremental steps and training is a technique that uses positive reinforcement to teach new skills. The rewards for doing well can vary based on the child's interests and needs. 

Parents are encouraged to educate themselves about their options so they can work with their doctor on finding the best solution for their family's needs. Read the article to learn more. 

Misdiagnosis happens when autism is mistaken for other disorders such as intellectual disability or cerebral palsy. Not knowing if your child has autism could make it hard to spot signs that require immediate attention, such as a significant change in weight or behavior. Misdiagnosis may also occur because some symptoms of autism, like repetitive motions and mutism, seem similar to other conditions that are not considered developmental disorders. Misdiagnosis could lead to parents missing crucial time during which their child may have responded well to therapy and interventions which help people develop better social skills and increased independence by controlling problematic behaviors such as meltdowns and aggression.

Why Does It Matter That People With Autism Are Underrepresented In Media?

The media is one of the most important ways that people learn about the world around them. When people with autism are underrepresented in the media, it can have a negative impact on how society views autism and autistic people. Additionally, it can make it harder for people with autism to find representation and feel included in society. However, social networks are beginning to help change this by providing a platform for autistic people to share their stories and experiences. Through these stories, society can begin to understand neurodiversity and the many different ways that it manifests itself. Inclusion of neurodiverse voices in the media is crucial in order to create a more inclusive society for all. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to combat the overwhelming silence on disability issues from which many autistics and others with disabilities live every day. Among those who seek visibility for individuals with disabilities, our community is at risk of being overlooked because we represent such a small percentage of society’s population (1-2% depending on your source). 

One reason that people with autism are so often excluded from discussions involving disability rights is because they lack opportunities in higher education and other professional settings where they would be given an opportunity to advocate for themselves or others like them. Moreover, because they are so often denied access to adequate support services at school or work, they become less visible as adults than if they had received those supports when young. If children with autism were better supported while they were still in schools, they might not drop out or be pushed out due to bullying and discriminatory practices. If children were better supported at home, parents might not feel guilty for not being able to give them what they need. 

Each person's story is complex and nuanced, but statistics show us patterns: children who are not supported at home or school experience disproportionately high rates of depression and anxiety; up to 80% of autistic adults remain unemployed even after finding jobs through vocational rehabilitation programs; people living on SSI/SSDI rely on food stamps because available funding does not cover the cost of basic needs like housing, healthcare, transportation and child care. If a person lacks proper communication skills and cannot express his or her thoughts verbally, it will also make them less likely to have fulfilling relationships. All of these things contribute to a lower quality of life overall and may cause someone with autism to feel alone or ashamed. 

Social networking platforms provide some hope for counteracting the stigma against neurodiversality. By building communities online and sharing personal narratives, people with autism can connect to others in similar situations across distances too great for daily contact otherwise. With friends scattered across countries as well as within their own country, technology allows many autistic people to maintain relationships despite challenges faced by poor infrastructure or unaffordable travel costs. Online connections allow autistic people to gain the sense of belonging that is necessary for mental health. As a result, many autistic people are now able to break down isolation and feel a sense of belonging in society. 

An article in Vice discusses the importance of these connections, saying without the Internet, I'm not sure I'd be alive right now. Indeed, without these connections, many autistic people would not know that they are not alone in the way they experience autism. The next step in making neurodiversity a respected and accepted part of society is to make sure that the media reflects neurodiversity. In many instances, people with autism are represented as being intellectually disabled or are depicted as the bad guy in movies and TV shows. 

It is imperative that the media acknowledges neurodiversity because not only does it affect public perception of autistic people, but it can also have a detrimental effect on people with autism. A major problem for autistic children is bullying by their peers, who might say that they're stupid or weird for having autism. This type of bullying can lead to feelings of shame and guilt among children with autism. Furthermore, the media representation of autism is significant because autistic children are more likely to struggle with low self-esteem and self-confidence. When people see how people with autism are typically portrayed in the media, they might think that all autistic people are incompetent or antisocial. This leads to a cycle in which autistic children do not receive the help they need because they do not believe that anyone will understand or accept them. 

It is important for the media to portray diverse groups of people in a positive light, especially people with disabilities. We must include characters with disabilities in TV shows and films so that our kids see themselves as heroic and capable of change, rather than weak and hopeless. The future of the world depends on accepting and understanding people with autism. They are often the most creative and curious minds, the kind of people that will bring about technological breakthroughs in fields from music to mathematics. And yet, many people with autism are still ostracized. One of the reasons is because they experience life differently, so they sometimes don't react in the ways that are expected. 

Another reason is that they face barriers to entering the workforce and academic environments, in spite of the fact that research has shown them to be extremely intelligent and productive. For example, a study found that those who received early intervention were more likely to graduate from college than those who did not. This lack of opportunity prevents autistic people from feeling fulfilled or valued. 

They also suffer when it comes to getting diagnosed as children. This can lead to an underestimation of their intelligence as well as emotional and behavioral problems during adolescence and adulthood.

Online Communities For Those Living With Autism

While the term neurodiversity is only recently gaining mainstream traction, the online autistic community has been alive and well for years. These communities provide support, information, and friendship for those living with autism. They also serve as a valuable resource for parents and caregivers who are looking for information and support. In recent years, social networks have become an increasingly important tool for diagnosing neurodiversity. While not all cases of autism are diagnosed through social networks, they can be a valuable resource for identifying potential cases. One example of this is Autism Speaks which offers online screenings to help identify children who may be on the spectrum. Similarly, other organizations such as Interactive Autism Network (IAN) offer free screenings and research studies to help identify potential cases. As this type of research becomes more common, it’s likely that social networks will continue to play an important role in our understanding of neurodiversityneurodiversity . Furthermore, these online communities and resources allow those living with autism to find support, information, and friends outside of their own personal experiences. The reality is that many people struggling with autism feel alone in their experience. The stigma around ASD often leads to shame, isolation, and difficulty in building friendships. Online communities work to change this by providing a sense of belonging for those on the spectrum. With technology continuing to evolve, we should expect that these types of groups will grow even stronger over time - providing critical resources for those with neuroditivity

-providing critical resources for those with neuroditivityneuroditivityneuroditivityneuroditivity . For instance, IAN offers paid membership options and real-time communication tools that enable its members to interact with one another in a variety of ways. From chat rooms to video conferencing, this ability to share thoughts and ideas face-to-face virtually creates connections between otherwise isolated individuals. IAN's founder was quoted saying No longer does someone have to feel like he or she is the only person experiencing something. There are always others out there, who have walked in your shoes. It’s comforting to know that you're not alone in your struggles. And while it's true that some folks are lucky enough to have families and friends who understand what they're going through, for most people with ASD, finding someone to talk about their experiences can be difficult. But knowing that you're not alone takes away much of the sting of loneliness. It changes everything when you realize that no matter how different your experiences might be from anyone else's, there are always others out there who've walked in your shoes. And although it's true that some folks are lucky enough to have families and friends who understand what they're going through, for most people with ASD, finding someone to talk about their experiences can be difficult. Which is why online communities and resources like IAN exist: to offer solace for those who might otherwise go without. A 2007 study conducted by ASNA found that 91% of respondents reported feeling isolated at some point in their lives due to ASD. Moreover, 59% said they felt isolated most or all of the time. This type of disconnection can make day-to-day life a challenge, but it doesn't have to be this way. Many people with autism do thrive once given the opportunity for connection, understanding, and self-expression. And thanks to social media, those opportunities now exist on a global scale.

#MyAutismIn4Words Movement On Twitter

The #MyAutismIn4Words movement on Twitter is bringing awareness to neurodiversity, which is often misunderstood. The hashtag allows people to share their own experiences with autism in four words. This open dialogue is helping to remove the stigma around neurodiversity and provide support for those who need it. It also helps parents better understand their children's diagnosis, making them feel less alone. For example, when someone tweets #myautismin4words Loud noises hurt my ears this can help a parent understand why the child does not like to go to loud places. There are many other examples of this. Some show how lack of sleep makes them have tantrums (#MyAutismIn4Words Lack of sleep turns me into a human pile of rage) while others illustrate how they sometimes have trouble understanding sarcasm or humor (#MyAutismIn4Words I know that was supposed to be funny but I don't get it). Finally, some reveal how depression makes them withdraw from social situations (#MyAutismIn4Words Depression sets me off so I'm trying hard not to do anything at all). Sharing these personal stories is an important step towards acceptance and understanding. These 140 character anecdotes help everyone learn more about what life with autism entails. With more understanding, there is hope for greater inclusion of autistic people. When we include autistic individuals in society, they have the chance to contribute and flourish. The concept of neurodiversity can really make a difference because now we're just starting to realize that autism isn't just one thing—there are different types of diagnoses and personalities among those diagnosed. So let's get started! What is neurodiversity? It means that neurological differences such as autism, dyslexia, bipolar disorder, ADD/ADHD etc., should be considered as natural human variations rather than disorders. But why should we focus on neurodiversity? Well firstly, it provides encouragement and understanding to people with any form of neurological variation whether they have been formally diagnosed or not. Secondly, research shows that diversity in teams actually produces better results than homogeneity (think high-performing sports teams!). Thirdly —and most importantly—acceptance leads to empowerment and independence. Empowerment means feeling strong enough to stand up for oneself against discrimination which might occur if you were to display your true identity publicly. Independence is being able to take care of yourself, live independently, and become self-sufficient. By embracing neurodiversity, we'll create a world where people aren't afraid to speak out. We'll allow them to live their lives freely without fearing judgement. And finally, we'll foster individuality by allowing each person to celebrate his or her uniqueness and beauty without shame. As the saying goes, The happiest people are those who can enjoy the scenery when they look in the mirror. This is possible when we embrace neurodiversity. 

This text is a continuation of the blog post, The Difference Between Disability and Ability. It gives a more in depth description of neurodiversity, the importance of including autistic people in society, and how it is possible when we embrace neurodiversity. It describes why it is important to work with people who have a disability instead of pushing them away. People with disabilities are no different than those without disabilities, and should be included in society for their contributions. 

To finish the post, I would talk about the negative connotations that come with having a disability. In our minds, disabilities represent sickness or something wrong with us; but this could not be further from the truth. The word disability comes from to limit. However, disability has come to mean being limited in ability. Being disabled doesn't necessarily mean one can't do anything. We need to change the way we think about disabilities so they don't seem so bad. Having a disability does not make someone any less of a person because they are just as capable as anyone else. There is no shame in having a disability, only shame in feeling like one isn't good enough because of what others may say about them or feel about themselves for being different than others. Yes, there will always be some societal pressure for people to conform to certain standards; but if we continue down this path of embracing neurodiversity and working together as equals, then maybe someday there will no longer be such pressure on anyone.

Redefining Normal

In our society, there is a certain expectation of what normal looks like. But what if we began to redefine what normal looks like? That's where the concept of neurodiversity comes in. Neurodiversity is the idea that there is more than one kind of normal when it comes to brain function. And social networks are beginning to play a role in diagnosing it. Facebook recently rolled out new options for people with autism who find it difficult to express themselves. When a person types I don't want my friends or other people on Facebook to see this, Facebook will offer I have autism as an option. The same goes for depression, which will also be an option if someone types I don't want my friends or other people on Facebook to see this. If a person types I'm feeling down, they'll be given the opportunity to describe their feelings in detail and then select either feeling low because of depression or feeling low because of something else. It seems that no matter how many advancements technology makes, we'll still need therapists and doctors just as much as ever before. However, these new features from Facebook help make diagnoses easier for those who may not know exactly what's wrong with them or for those who are shy about discussing their conditions. Whether you're diagnosed with something through your therapist or through your use of social media, there are plenty of ways to get the right help so you can start living life on your own terms. I believe this sentence is incomplete. Please continue the blog post. 

This isn’t a phenomenon limited only to Facebook users. Websites all over the Internet offer tests and quizzes designed to self-diagnose mental disorders, such as ASU Health Services' self-test for ASD and WebMD’s Mood Disorder Quiz. These websites aren’t trying to take over therapy or diagnosis; instead, they give patients a basic understanding of what symptoms look like so that patients can seek professional medical attention if needed. But keep in mind: diagnosis through quiz sites isn't always foolproof – some have criticized questionnaires such as Are You On The Spectrum? on WrongPlanet (which has since been removed) because it doesn't accurately diagnose its users. Regardless, using these websites to better understand oneself might provide relief and encourage professionals to come up with solutions tailored specifically for each individual. As suggested by Michael John Carley, Founder of GRASP, The good news is that even though Autism is misunderstood...each autistic child holds within him/herself a treasure trove of intelligence waiting to be tapped into. There are hundreds of things which would excite any autistic child but never have because no one has asked them. Perhaps it is time to start asking. The key to unlocking the potential of autistic children is for adults to be on the lookout for their strengths and interests. Once adults are aware of what interests or skills are available, the next step is to try and match the interests with a variety of activities. Now that parents have made strides in educating themselves about Autism, it is time for schools and teachers to do the same. Schools must create environments that embrace this uniqueness rather than squelch it. Teachers must be trained to accommodate for different learning styles and needs. This will require a change in the way we think about education. Parents, educators, and therapists have an important job to advocate for the rights of their autistic children. Neurodiversity is a growing movement that aims to educate people on what it means to be different and offer support for those who are different. One of the goals of this movement is for people with autism to be able to live independently with the same opportunities as anyone else in society. With autism affecting one in 68 American families, it's important that we learn how to communicate with and care for autistic individuals in order to ensure that they don't fall through the cracks.