Understanding

Autism Spectrum
Disorders
Anna G. Venegas Santini
 Table of Contents
01 Introduction to the topic
02 Understanding the spectrum
03 The three levels of Autism
04 Prevalence and Diagnosis
05 Causes of Autism
06 Conclusion
 What are Autism Spectrum Disorders?
● Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are
neurodevelopmental conditions caused by differences in
the brain.

● Autism affects communication, behavior, and social

interactions.

● Some characteristics are: unusual emotions, extreme

sensitivity to normal stimuli, unawareness of
surroundings, and repetitive behaviors or interests.
 Understanding the Spectrum
● The ASD spectrum can range from mild to severe.

● Individuals may pose different strengths and challenges.

● Autism affects people in different ways.

● Autism is a life-long condition that has no cure.

 The three functional levels of autism
Level 1: Requiring support

● Trouble understanding social cues

● Problems with planning and organization at times

● Inflexible behavior
 The three functional levels of autism
Level 2: Requiring substantial support

● Atypical social behavior, like walking away mid-

conversation

● Frequent repetitive behaviors

● High interest in certain topics

 The three functional levels of autism
Level 3: Requiring very substantial support

● Severe communication deficits (non-verbal

communication)

● Repetitive behaviors, like spinning

● Extreme distress when asked to switch tasks

 Prevalence and Diagnosis
● Around 75 million people have ASD (1% of
the world population).

● As of 2023, around 1 in 36 children in the

United States has been diagnosed with
ASD, according to the CDC.

● Autism prevalence has increased 317%

since 2000.

● Autism can be diagnosed as early as 18

months of age. Most kids are diagnosed
only after the age of four.
 Causes of Autism
● No singular cause; it is believed to be a combination of
environmental and genetic factors.

● Genetic propensity: certain genes or mutations

associated with increased risk.

● Environmental factors: air pollution, prenatal

conditions, maternal factors, metals, pesticides, and
other contaminants.
 Causes of Autism-Air pollution
● Researchers have found that early-life exposure to air
pollution may be a risk factor for autism, as discussed in
the research paper “Residential proximity to freeways
and autism in the CHARGE study” by Heather E. Volk
and other scientists.

● “Children of mothers living near a freeway . . . during

the thrid trimester were twice as likely to develop ASD”
said the National Institute of Environmental Sciences.
 Conclusion
● Fostering empathy and understanding about ASD is
very important.

● Creating a safe space and sensory friendly

environments for people with ASD should be
prioritized in schools.

● Acceptance and support are key.

● Together, we can create comprehensive communities

where individuals with ASD can strive.
QUESTIONS?
 References
(2023, March 23). Autism Prevalence is Now 1 in 36, Signifying the 22% Increase in Prevalence Rates
Reported by the CDC Since 2021. TACA-The Autism Community in Action. Retrieved March 19, 2024, from
https://tacanow.org/press-release/autism-prevalence-is-now-1-in-36/

Loftus, Y. (2024, January 16). Autism Statistics You Need to Know in 2021. Autism Parenting Magazine.
Retrieved March 15, 2024, from https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/autism-
statistics/#:~:text=You%20will%20soon%20realize%20you,stay%20the%20same%20through%202024.

Rossi, C., & Carosso, J., PsyD (2022, November 29). The Autistic Brain. Psycom. Retrieved March 19, 2024,
from https://www.psycom.net/autism-brain-differences

Schiller, J. (2023, October 29). Autism Statistics & Facts: How Many People Have Autism. The Treetop.
Retrieved March 15, 2024, from https://www.thetreetop.com/statistics/autism-
prevalence#:~:text=Key%20Autism%20Statistics,spectrum%20disorder%20as%20of%202021.

Volk HE, Hertz-Picciotto I, Delwiche L, Lurmann F, McConnell R. Residential proximity to freeways and
autism in the CHARGE study. Environ Health Perspect. 2011 Jun;119(6):873-7. doi: 10.1289/ehp.1002835.
Epub 2010 Dec 16. PMID: 21156395; PMCID: PMC3114825. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21156395/

Volk HE, Kerin T, Lurmann F, Hertz-Picciotto I, McConnell R, Campbell DB. Autism spectrum disorder:
interaction of air pollution with the MET receptor tyrosine kinase gene. Epidemiology. 2014 Jan;25(1):44-7.
doi: 10.1097/EDE.0000000000000030. PMID: 24240654; PMCID: PMC4019012.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24240654/