Executive function refers to functions such as planning, working memory, impulse control, inhibition, and mental flexibility. Traditionally, these functions have been tied to the frontal lobe, particularly the prefrontal cortex. Many signs of autism that are observed are related to disrupted executive function, causing repeated behaviors and rigid schedules among other behaviors. Executive Dysfunction seems to be a product of differences in the frontal lobe, caused by injury or neurodevelopmental disorders. It can also contribute to difficulties with emotional/behavioral regulation.

Executive Dysfunction

Discredited

The is the belief that autism is a manifestation of the male brain to an extreme level. This is because the female brain was expected to show high levels of empathy compared to the male brain which supposably showed high levels of systemising. People with autism scored high levels on a systemizing scale with low levels on empathising. In addition, people with autism tend to prefer structure and are good at noticing patterns. Other evidence for this theory is a male parent's supposed lack of affection to children, which showed a disinterest in the child. Children with autism are less likely to look at people's faces. 

Outdated statistics show that boys are far more likely to have autism than girls, and that boys naturally gravitate to systems, i.e. toy cars, after one day of life.

Extreme Male Brain 

Central Coherence is a person's ability to focus on the big picture instead of only the small (local) details. For example, a person wearing a shirt can focus on each individual strand of fiber or the shirt as a whole. People with weak central coherence have difficulty looking at the whole and tends to hyperfixate on the local. This tends to appear in people with autism at higher rates than people with other neural abilities.


Areas that show weak coherence

- face recognition

- music processing

- visual stimuli

- low suseptability to illusions

Weak Central Coherence

One of the most controversial and frustrating movements regarding ASD theories revolves around the idea that vaccines could cause ASD. Where this came from and why it prevails is an interesting study in itself that delves into human psychology and our desire to find blame for thing we don't entirely understand.

- Where the Theory of Vaccines and ASD Came From
- History of the Vaccines Cause Autism Movement
- Why Vaccines Absolutely Do Not Cause Autism
- Vaccines and ASD Library

Vaccines and ASD: Why the Connection?

This literature review paper examines evidence supporting the Mind Blindness theory of autism. It was published in 2001, though, so it is important to keep in mind this publication and its citations are pre-DSM-5 and potentially outdated. 

- Theory of Mind's Innate Mechanisms and ASD Children
- ASD and the False Belief Task 
- Functional Brain Imaging and the Neural Substrate of Mentalizing

Mind Blindness and the Brain in Autism

* What is parallel play?
* Benefits of parallel play
* Parallel play and the autistic community
* References

Parallel Play

This list includes different theories or concepts that are used to explain, define, or otherwise provide further insight into the workings of autism spectrum and related disorders. These include:
- TBD

Note: There is a separate subsequent node specifically for theories & concepts that are outdated and/or discredited. 

Grinnell College

University of Rochester

Autism Spectrum Disorder, commonly called just autism, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts how people interact with others, as well as their ability to communicate, learn, and behave. While there are variations in the type and severity of symptoms presented among individuals with autism, they are classified as a singular spectrum disorder (Autism Spectrum Disorder) for diagnostic purposes.

Autism Spectrum Disorder(s)

The DSM-5-TR consolidates Autism and related symptoms into one singular disorder:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder


[DSM-5-TR] List of Autism Spectrum Disorder(s) Diagnoses

This list includes disorders or conditions that are related to autism or autistic states/features but are not currently directly or officially included in the DSM. These disorders include:

- Williams Syndrome
- Fragile X Syndrome
- Landau - Kleffner Syndrome
- Prader - Willi Syndrome
- Angelman Syndrome
- Rett Syndrome
- Tardive Dyskinesia


List of Other Recognized Autism Spectrum and Related Disorders

This list includes different types of methods for treating and/or managing different autism spectrum and related disorders. These include:
-	TBD



Treatment & Management Methods for Autism Spectrum and Related Disorders

Theories & Concepts Relevant to Autism Spectrum and Related Disorders

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

Note: Add subjects as needed


Interdisciplinary Connections & Research Related to Autism Spectrum and Related Disorders, General

The collection of references for node pertaining to Autism Spectrum and Related Disorders.

References for Autism Spectrum and Related Disorders

Autism stigmatization and peer communication references 

Rachel A Smith, a professor of communication Arts and sciences at the Pennsylvania State University, defines stigma as a set of beliefs regarding a specific social group that fosters a negative image amongst the general population. The stigmatization of Autism can be explored using Smith’s model of stigma communication (MSC). 

Autism Stigmatization

Early Intervention for ASD-Diagnosed Youth References

Early Intervention is a network of resources to assist infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities up until the age of three. The objectives of Early Intervention are to facilitate development progress in social engagement and competence, cognitive skills, independence, and functional communication. 

Early Intervention for Autism

Autism Spectrum and Related Disorders

Biological motion is defined as movements made by living things. Some social interactions occur via biological motion. For example, reaching out one's hand for a handshake is a common form of biological motion.

Biological Motion

Non-biological motion is defined as movements made by non-living things, such as a ball bouncing on the ground or a car driving on the road.

Non-biological Motion

* Theory of double empathy
* Origins of term/theory
* Research
* Debate
* References

Double Empathy

The structural abnormalities in an autistic brain may have to do with the rate at which certain parts of the brain grow and develop. Anatomical findings show that the regions of the brain such as the frontal lobe and the amygdala develop prematurely in autistc children. When parts of the brain of the brain develop of of sequence, it can cause serious problems for the growth patterns of adjajcent regions.

Learn Before

Related

Learn After