Gary Swanson, MD, a Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist with Allegheny Health Network explains criteria for diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Gary Swanson, MD, a Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist with Allegheny Health Network, explains contributing factors to the steadily rising rates of diagnoses for Autism Spectrum Disorder over the past several decades.

Gary Swanson, MD, a Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist with Allegheny Health Network, explains autism and its disease burden, which is the impact of a health problem as measured by financial cost, mortality, morbidity, or other indicators that affect not just an individual but others in the family and community.

Approximately 70% of children and adults with autism spectrum disorder also have a co-existing mental health issue. Gary Swanson, MD, a Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist with Allegheny Health Network, discusses mental issues he sees most commonly in patients; and, he provides insights into how to speak to a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder to understand the diagnosis and mental health concerns.

Transition planning is a “coordinated set of activities” that help students move from school into post-school activities (IDEA – Individuals with Disabilities Education Act - 20 U.S.C. §1401[34] Link

Transition planning is a “coordinated set of activities” that help students move from school into post-school activities (20 U.S.C. §1401[34]). Consider the “checklist” for transitioning planning and hear who is at increased risk for determining services, explained by Nancy Murray of Achieva.

Lu Randall, President of Autism Connection of PA, uses a simple prop to demonstrate how autism affects the brain; and, she explores the role of advocacy for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder who cannot always advocate for themselves due to communication and social impairments.

Lu Randall, President of Autism Connection of PA, discusses misconceptions about autism perpetuated by popular media; and, she explains the more common realities faced by individuals and families with a loved one with Autism Spectrum Disorder, especially people of color and those living in underserved communities.

Jamie Upshaw is the Founder & Executive Director of Autism Urban Connections Inc. She’s also the parent of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Learn about barriers and challenges families in the African American community face as they search for services in a system troubled by bias and inequities.

Jamie Upshaw is the Founder & Executive Director of Autism Urban Connections Inc. She’s also the parent of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Explore unique cultural considerations for families of color as they support their loved ones with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

A parent of an adult daughter with ASD shares the family’s experiences as they prepared the child to join the workforce.

Transition planning is a “coordinated set of activities” that help students move from school into post-school activities (20 U.S.C. §1401[34]). A parent of an adult daughter with ASD shares her experiences in starting the transition process early, and advocating for her child’s plans for her future when she “aged out” of school-based services.