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An update on why there are fewer autistic females compared to males

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This week, special podcast correspondent #MiaKotikovski summarizes new research on the increasing prevalence of autism, with a focus on females. While the number of diagnosed females is increasing faster than the number for males, females assigned at birth still are less likely to receive a diagnosis than males. Additional evidence points to females having more genetic mutations and lower cognitive ability, so the questions remain: Are there females with autism who are just not getting diagnosed despite having all the autism features? Why not? Does autism in females “look” the same as autism in males? What sets them apart? These articles are all featured in the year-end highlight of research, so this is the time to get a deep explanation of the latest in sex differences in #autism.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34563942

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39334436

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33966484

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Stigma experienced around the world

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Despite many years fighting it, families with autism still experience societal stigma. The experiences depend on many factors, summarized in the October 21st podcast. This week, Mia Kotikovski explores cultural factors involved in stigma. As examples, she explores the literature from Asia, the Middle East and the United Kingdom, how they are different, and how families cope with that stigma in different areas of the world.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40489-023-00373-7

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9330163

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10803-019-04218-3

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-23978-0

https://molecularautism.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13229-023-00579-w

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0261774

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/aur.2652

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Where is autism stigma the worst in the world?

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This week, part 1 in cultural stigma around autism with Mia Kotikovski provides an overview of stigma, where it can come from across cultures and provides some examples of stigma in different countries. Different areas of the world are in different places in terms of their perceptions of autism, their needs for autism families, and what they perceive as their greatest difficulties. The topic is so important we broke it down into two sections. Please listen to both, it will explain a lot about autism services and supports around the world.

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1362361318823550

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8992913

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11303671

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11303671

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30248583

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38507392

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/277816405_A_Cross-Cultural_Comparison_of_Knowledge_and_Stigma_Associated_with_Autism_Spectrum_Disorder_Among_College_Students_in_Lebanon_and_the_United_States?enrichId=rgreq-97b7d5f50aac4d5b124ea8295b42fdb0-XXX&enrichSource=Y292ZXJQYWdlOzI3NzgxNjQwNTtBUzoyNDI4NTI2Mzk4NDIzMDRAMTQzNDkxMTk4OTI3MA%3D%3D&el=1_x_3&_esc=publicationCoverPdf

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Mysteries of the Microbiome

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In the first of a two-part series on digestive health in ASD, Mia Kotikovski summarizes scientific information about what the complicated microbiome is, how it influences physical and psychiatric health, if it is altered in autism, and what causes it to be different in ASD.

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Dealing with an ER visit

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This week, special correspondent Mia Kotikovski discusses challenges in getting emergency care for those with autism, what doctors and hospitals can do to ease the stressors associated with places like the ER. This is a huge issue for families as many “simple” ER visits for their autistic family members can cause such stress it provokes severe reactions, especially in those with sensory issues, intellectual disability or those who cannot express their pain.

https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/137/Supplement_2/S205/34011/Toward-Practice-Advancement-in-Emergency-Care-for

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Culturally sensitive care with Mia Kotikovski

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On this week’s podcast, Mia Kotivkoski, founder of her own 5013c and recent graduate of Stony Brook University, reviews why understanding cultural and contextual factors influence not just an autism diagnosis but general health and outcomes of a broad group of people. They include immigrants, racial and ethnic differences, and socio-economic factors. What can be done? Listen to this week’s podcast to learn more.

https://www.aacap.org/App_Themes/AACAP/Docs/resource_centers/cultural_diversity/competency_curriculum%20_cap_training/cases_supporting_materials/clinics/Bernier-psychopathology_families_and_culture-autism.pdf

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1750946718300758?via%3Dihub

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258193289_The_Impact_of_Culture_on_Autism_Diagnosis_and_Treatment_Considerations_for_Counselors_and_Other_Professionals

https://www.maactearly.org/uploads/9/2/2/3/9223642/considering_culture_facilitatorguide_final_102116.pdf

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7614360

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-are-there-so-few-autism-specialists

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No-one who cooks, cooks alone

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As Guy Fieri said “Cooking with kids is not just about ingredients, recipes, and cooking. It’s about harnessing imagination, empowerment, and creativity.” This week’s podcast produced by ASF intern Mia Kotikovski from Stony Brook University explores how cooking can be not just fun for autistic individuals, but how it can build healthy habits in everyone. She discusses the scientific literature on why cooking improves eating habits and builds confidence.