Autism in the Adult

Dr. Regan explains the differences between intellect and autism, and why the distinction is important for providing the best support to those on the spectrum.

Dr. Regan's resources:

The Understanding Autism book series

Audiobook

Website: Autism in the Adult

To learn more about why the term "high functioning autism" and important distinctions between cognitive skills and adaptive behavior, check out this article: Study Calls for an End to High Functioning Label

For a laugh, check out these Pinterest Fails: Twenty Hilarious Pinterest Fails

In this podcast, Dr. Regan busts the myth that someone who is talkative cannot be on the autism spectrum. It is important to understand the difference between "talkative" and "social." Individuals on the autism spectrum may talk A LOT, and, in this respect, may be described as "social." However, the autistic struggles to know who to connect with, how to take turns in conversation, what not to say, and when to walk away.

Dr. Regan's resources:

The Understanding Autism book series

Audiobook

Website: Autism in the Adult

One of the most requested podcast topics relates to neuro diversity in relationships: family units, couples, friendships, and partnerships. Dr. Regan discusses how to understand behavior and communication, acknowledge differences, and work toward unity.

Dr. Regan's resources

The Understanding Autism book series (paperback, hardback, ebook)

Audiobook

Autism in the Adult website

Resources for Clinicians

Join Dr. Regan for an episode in which she answers listener questions related to autism and the physical body. Topics include genetics, brain pathways and neurology, nature versus nurture, medications, and nutrition/diet.

Genetics and Autism article

Neurogenetics: Smith-Magenis Syndrome

Autism and Medication review

Dr. Regan's Resources

New Course for Clinicians - Interventions in Autism: Helping Clients Stay Centered, Connect with Others, and Engage in Life

New Course for Clinicians: ASD Differential Diagnoses and Associated Characteristics

Book: Understanding Autism in Adults and Aging Adults, 2nd ed

Audiobook

Book: Understanding Autistic Behaviors

Autism in the Adult website homepage

Website Resources for Clinicians

Read the Transcript:

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Hello and thanks for joining me.
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This is Dr Theresa Regan welcoming you to the podcast,
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autism in the adult.
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I am a neuropsychologist,
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a certified autism specialist.
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The director of an autism diagnostic clinic for adolescents,
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adults and aging.
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Adults in Illinois and the parent of a teen on the spectrum.
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Last episode I invited listeners to write in questions they would like me to field in a question and answer podcast.
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So what I've done is that I have gone through and tried to group some of the questions into related categories and I won't get to all of the questions in this episode.
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But I am going to focus on several questions today that have to do with autism and the physical body.
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So we're going to review things like genetics,
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neuro anatomy and the physical brain in autism.
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We're also going to talk about things like nutrition and diet and other physical aspects,
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things that may impact the individual on the spectrum.
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Let's take the topic of genetics First.
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A recent article about the genetics of autism found that at least 80 percent of the likelihood that someone will have autism neurology is driven by the genetic code and it's the code that impacts the development of the neurology within that individual.
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So,
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the neurology includes of course the brain and its nuclei and its pathways,
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genetics includes code,
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parts that are inherited that is,
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there are some families with autism characteristics across multiple family members.
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Some members may not have any characteristics,
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some may have a clustering of autistic characteristics,
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but not a formal diagnosis.
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They don't meet full threshold for the diagnosis and others will meet full threshold.
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Dr. Regan answers a listener's questions about communication with her adult son on the spectrum. Have you ever wanted to have better exchanges with someone you know on the spectrum? Or perhaps you're an autistic adult who would like to understand social exchanges and make them more effective. Listen to this podcast to hear why the ASD individual may struggle during conversations, and how to engage in more gratifying exchanges.

Learn about sequencing and speed from I Love Lucy

Autism and Communication in Relationships blog posts

What is Theory of Mind: videos

Dr. Regan's resources:

Books: Understanding Autism in Adults and Aging Adults and Understanding Autistic Behaviors

Website: Autism in the Adult