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This page is dedicated to debunking current misconceptions around Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD is becoming more prevalent out in the community, as the disorder is brought further into light, misunderstandings of the condition arise.

ASD and Intellectual Disability
The myth of ASD being an intellectual disorder is just that, a myth. Intellectual Disability (ID) and ASD are two separate diagnoses. ID and ASD share clinical characteristics which can result in confusion while diagnosing. Overlapping these two disorders, while common, can be detrimental to a person's well being. Those with ASD that hold symptoms of ID may be grouped into a co-diagnosis in which they are receiving treatment for a disorder they do not have. Likewise, those with ID that are mistaken to have ASD may be treated for symptoms of a disorder they do not have. Differentiating between these two disorders will allow clinicians to deliver or prescribe the appropriate treatments.

Intellectual Disability Overview
ID, formerly known as mental retardation, impairs intellectual functioning and is defined by impairment during critical development periods. The DSM V requires three criteria to be met when diagnosing ID; childhood (under the age of 18) onset, deficits in intellectual functioning measured via IQ testing, difficulty in adapting to sociocultural and developmental norms which are important for independence and fulfilling social expectations. ID has several known factors that predict its onset. Genetic factors play a large role in the development of ID; disorders such as down syndrome and Fragile X syndrome are the most common causes of ID. Exposure to toxic chemicals during pregnancy, trauma to the head during childhood, as well as brain infections can lead to ID. Despite all these common occurrences, the majority of ID diagnosis are of unknown causes. ID is a chronic disorder but the severity of it may change throughout a person's lifespan. Early intervention can facilitate the learning of adaptive skills to help cope with the symptoms of the disorder, on the other hand, left unaddressed or with development of subsequent disabilities the severity of ID can worsen (13). For more information on Intellectual Disability click here.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Overview
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as defined by the DSM V, is a developmental disability comprised of social communication deficits paired with repetitive or ritualistic behaviors, routines, or activities. ASD's onset occurs in early childhood, typically within the first 3 years of life. Based on a study conducted by the CDC which collected data of eight-year-olds across 11 states, ASD affects roughly one in fifty-nine children. The exact cause for ASD has not been pinpointed however, recently its believed to be a very complex disorder with co-occurring genetic and environmental factors. Those with ASD have varying abilities usually dependent on language acquisition, however, great variability is noted throughout all individuals. For more detailed information visit ASD.

Similarities between ASD and ID
Comorbidity between ID and ASD is very common; roughly 40% of those with ID also have ASD and roughly 70% of those with ASD also have ID. Both ASD and ID require shortfalls in communication and social awareness as defining criteria. Both ASD and ID are classified by severity; mild, moderate, severe. In addition to those three levels, ID has a fourth classification known as profound.

Differences between ASD and ID
In a study conducted in 2016 surveying 2816 cases, it was found that the top subsets that help differentiate between those with ID and ASD are, "...impaired non-verbal social behavior and lack of social reciprocity, [...] restricted interests, strict adherence to routines, stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms, and preoccupation with parts of objects". Those with ASD tend to show more deficits in non-verbal social behavior such as body language and understanding social cues. In a study done in 2008 of 336 individuals with varying levels of ID, it was found that those with ID display fewer instances of repetitive or ritualistic behaviors. It also recognized that those with ASD, when compared to those with ID, were more likely to isolate themselves and make less eye contact. When it comes to classification ID and ASD have very different guidelines. ID has a standardized assessment called the Supports Intensity Scale (SIS), this measures severity on a system built around how much support an individual will need. While ASD also classifies severity by support needed there is no standard assessment, clinicians are free to diagnose severity at their own judgment (13).

ASD and Vaccination
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