Q: What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

A: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a complicated and lifelong developmental condition that is usually recognized during early childhood and can impact a person’s social skills, communication, relationships, and self-regulation. It is referred to as a “spectrum condition” since it affects people uniquely and to varying degrees. Autism can sometimes be different in girls and boys. For example, autistic girls may be quieter, may hide their feelings and may appear to cope better with social situations.  This means autism can be harder to recognize in girls. Recognition and early diagnosis can connect autistic people to vital resources that can support their development and lead them to fulfilling opportunities.

Signs that may indicate a child is autistic include:

• not responding to their name
• avoiding eye contact
• not smiling when you smile at them
• getting very upset if they do not like a certain taste, smell or sound
• repetitive movements, such as flapping their hands, flicking their fingers or rocking their body (often referred to as “stimming”)
• not talking as much as other children
• repeating the same phrases

Signs that may indicate an older child is autistic include:

• not seeming to understand what others are thinking or feeling
• finding it hard to say how they feel
• liking a strict daily routine and getting very upset if it changes
• having a very keen interest in certain subjects or activities
• getting very upset if you ask them to do something
• finding it hard to make friends or preferring to be on their own
• taking things very literally – for example, they may not understand phrases like "break a leg"

Q: What is Fragile X Syndrome?

A: Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a monogenic neurodevelopmental disorder, and is the result of changes in a gene called Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMR1). Usually FMR1 makes a protein called FMRP that is needed for brain development. People diagnosed with FXS do not make this protein.

Signs that a child might have FXS include:

• Developmental delays (not sitting, walking, or talking at the same time as other children the same age)
• Learning disabilities (trouble learning new skills)
• Social and behavior problems (such as not making eye contact, anxiety, trouble paying attention, hand flapping, acting and speaking without thinking, and being very active)

Males who have FXS usually have some degree of intellectual disability that can range from mild to severe. Females with FXS can have normal intelligence or some degree of intellectual disability. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) also occurs more frequently in people with FXS.

Q: What is an Anxiety Based Disorder?

A. People who experience Anxiety Based Disorders commonly suffer from intense and recurring feelings of worry, anxiety, or fear that disrupt their daily life. The most common include:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Panic Disorder
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)