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The 2024 Day Of Learning Quickie

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Did you miss the ASF 2024 Day of Learning and can’t wait for the videos to be posted? This is a 17 minute brief summary of what was discussed, but unfortunately, with no visuals. Don’t just listen to the podcast, watch the videos when they are posted. Also included in this podcast is a shoutout to the Profound Autism Summit which brought together hundreds of advocates around those who need 24/7 care for their lives. The link to their advocacy page is here: https://www.votervoice.net/ProfoundAutism/campaigns/112917/respond

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The good and evil sides of technology use by autistics

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This year’s Day of Learning included two presentations on the use of technology among people with autism.  As it turns out, technology can be great.  In fact, a new study using Google Glass shows promise in improving socialization.  On the other hand, sometimes technology can have a downside.  People with autism spend more time than typical peers on their iPads, iPhones and other devices.  What could be wrong with that?  Well, problematic internet use is linked to autistic traits and to suicidality.  This link is NOT a clear line and obviously causes of suicide are multifactorial.  However, new data demonstrate that obsessive internet use is not making things better for people with ASD.

 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30934756

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30908423

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30907929

 

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Sobering statistics on suicide

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Suicidal thoughts and suicidal attempts have been shown to be increased in people with ASD.  Rates are similar to those with bipolar depression and schizophrenia, but are higher even without psychosis.  This is shocking and an urgent health issue in the autism community.    This week’s podcast summarizes recent data, publications, presentations and concerns of thought leaders in autism about rates of suicide, what the risk factors are, and where research should be directed to prevent suicide.  If you or anyone you know is thinking about ending their life, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline :  800 273 8255.