-AANE, the Association for Autism and Neurodiversity
-The Arc of Massachusetts 
-Community Autism Resources 
-Easterseals Massachusetts 
-Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism
-Disability scoop
-Autism speaks 
-Autism commision - Rehabilitation Commission - rehabilitation counseling 
-Advocates, Inc./Autism Alliance of Metrowest
-Northeast Arc/The Autism Support Center (children and families)
-Northeast Arc/Adult Autism Support Center (adult 18+ and families)
-The Arc of Bristol County

Extra out of state resources: 
-Autism Research Institute 

Reference: 
Resources for families — autism | Mass.gov

Autism Resources

* Brain disorder 
* Problems with communication and behaviors.
*Cognitive delay in some cases 
* Dual diagnosis with ASD- examples: ADHD, anxiety and depression.
* Social interaction in group settings needs improvement all stages of life. 
* Community involvement is a must such as participating in social groups, events or even volunteering opportunities. 
* Cognitive behavioral therapy and ABA services for self-regulation or behavioral issues.
* Conversation issues in groups.
* Stemming
* Sensory overload
* Behavior therapy 
* Communicating wants and needs issues.
* Activities of Daily Living assistance based on independency.
* Fine and sensory motor skills in group settings or individual settings. 
*  Nonverbal autism individual - they use American Sign Language (ASL) or augmentative communication device (AAC) or assistive technology to communicate.

Autism definition/causes 

Assistive Technology in Action Video :

According to the CDC's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, an estimated 1 in 59 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The disorder shows a significant gender disparity, being four times more prevalent in boys (1 in 38) compared to girls (1 in 152).

Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Despite extensive research, the precise causes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have not been identified. However, current evidence strongly suggests that the disorder's development is influenced by a combination of genetic predispositions and environmental factors.

Factors Contributing to the Development of Autism Spectrum Disorder

It is important to differentiate Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from intellectual disability, as they are not the same condition. Although the two disorders are often comorbid, meaning they can occur in the same individual, the DSM-5 specifies that the core symptoms of ASD are not caused by or better explained by an intellectual disability.

Distinguishing Autism Spectrum Disorder from Intellectual Disability

The term 'spectrum' in Autism Spectrum Disorder highlights that the condition manifests in a wide range of symptoms that differ in type, magnitude, and severity among individuals. This means that while some people with the disorder may have severe impairments, others experience less severe symptoms.

Concept of 'Spectrum' in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Genetic factors are considered to play a significant role in the development of autism spectrum disorder. Additionally, exposure to environmental pollutants, such as mercury, has been identified as a potential contributing factor.

Etiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder

- Definition 
-Causes 
- Symptoms 
- Leisure hobbies and events
- Workforce
*Resources

Bridgewater College

Google

Research, Culture and Psychology- disabilities Studies

Neurodevelopmental disorders are a class of conditions typically identified in childhood, characterized by developmental impairments across personal, social, academic, and intellectual domains. Key examples within this category include attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder.

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Disabilities studies include psychology but its a disability study. 

Disability studies is a universal human condition that includes policy, laws and analysis.

Psychology and Disabilities Studies Be United 
Can Disability Studies and Psychology Join Hands?- article notes

Definition: 
* Lives of deaf individuals 
* Culture 
* Community in which they reside 
* American sign language 
* Cochlear implants 
*Assistive technology

American Deaf and Blind Culture 

* Definition 
* Causes 
*Leisure hobbies and events
* Resources
* Workforce 

Down Syndrome 

References
Olkin, R., & Pledger, C. (2003). Can Disability Studies and Psychology Join Hands? American Psychologist, 58(4), 296–304.

Disability Studies and Psychology Join Hands?- article

Autism Spectrum Disorder

dual program-  Mastor of science in rehabilitation counseling dual with Master of Business Administration at Umass Boston 

- part of my career vision board. I got permission from both directors from Umass Boston to do the dual program since both online. 

Clinical or vocational Rehabilitation counseling with Master of Business administration - Nicole Medeiros career vision board 

* Individuals ID autism spectrum disorders experience stress similar and 
   higher rates of ID. 
* Examine how college student cope with stress and anxiety 
* 3 students with ID( autism spectrum disorders)  and five key informants. 
* Independent living 
* Socialization 
* Coping strategies 
* Unique stressors of ID  
* How disabilities affect everyday ADLs

A Multiperspectival Examination of Stress, Anxiety, and Related Coping Strategies Among College Students With Intellectual Disabilities

* Employment for ID
        * Autism 
        * Down syndrome 
* Choice-making for ID

Employment and choice-making for adults with intellectual disability, autism, and down syndrome

The DSM-5-TR categorizes Neurodevelopmental Disorders into the following categories:
-	Intellectual Developmental Disorders
-	Communication Disorders
-	Autism Spectrum Disorder(s)
-	Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder(s)
-	Specific Learning Disorder(s)
-	Motor Disorders
-	Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders


[DSM-5-TR] List of Neurodevelopmental Disorder Categories

This includes the intersection of connections and/or research related to Neurodevelopmental Disorders as a general category in other fields of study and research. Such fields include:
- Biomedical Science
- Clinical Psychology
- Disability Studies
- Health Psychology

(Note: Add additional fields as needed)

Interdisciplinary Connections & Research Related to Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that has two components: problems with concentration and distractibility (attention), and problems with restlessness and impulse control (hyperactivity).

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder defined by significant disturbances in three primary domains: social interaction, communication, and repetitive patterns of behavior or interests. These characteristics typically emerge early in a child's development and lead to serious impairments in overall functioning.

Core Diagnostic Features of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder often exhibit deficits in social interaction. These can manifest as a failure to initiate conversations, turning away when addressed, and avoiding eye contact. A preference for playing alone over interacting with others is also common, sometimes creating the impression that the individual lives in a personal, isolated social world.

Social Interaction Deficits in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Communication deficits in Autism Spectrum Disorder can vary widely. They may range from a complete absence of speech to limited, one-word responses or echoed speech (echolalia), where an individual parrots what others say. Difficulties also arise in maintaining conversational turn-taking and in using or interpreting nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, gestures, and posture.

Communication Deficits in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Given the following case study, identify which general category of psychological disorders is most likely being considered and explain your reasoning by connecting the patient's symptoms to the defining features of that category.

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