UNDERSTANDING AUTISM
A Warm, Plain-Language Guide for Families & Our Community
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Greetings!
I hope you're doing well. I am receiving many questions about Autism Acceptance, and I wanted to share some clear, up-to-date information about autism — what it is, how common it is, and what the research actually says. Our goal is simple: to help you feel informed, supported, and less alone if autism is part of your family's life.**
| | What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder? | | |
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental difference — it affects how a person's brain develops and how they experience communication, social interaction, and behavior. Autism is not an illness, and it isn't something a person "catches" or that is "done to them." It's a lifelong, natural variation in how some brains are wired.
Because autism looks different in every person, it's described as a spectrum — two autistic people can have very different strengths, challenges, and support needs.
| | Levels of Autism (DSM-5 Classification) | | |
These levels describe how much day-to-day support a person may need — nothing more. They say nothing about a person's intelligence, worth, or potential.
Level 1 — "Requiring Support": Noticeable differences in social communication; may need some support with organization and social situations, but can often communicate in full sentences and function with a degree of independence.
Level 2 — "Requiring Substantial Support": More noticeable difficulties in verbal and nonverbal communication; social interactions are often limited; more structured, consistent support is typically needed.
Level 3 — "Requiring Very Substantial Support": Severe challenges in communication and social interaction; very limited initiation of social interaction; extensive support is needed across most areas of daily life.
Note: Older terms like "Asperger's Syndrome" and "PDD-NOS" are no longer used in official diagnostic criteria — they were folded into ASD in 2013. Many people still identify with these earlier terms, and that's completely valid.
Ref: https://www.cdc.gov/autism/articles/prevalence-varies-across-us-communities.html
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National Statistics: What the Data Tells Us
Fact: 1 in 31
About 1 in 31 (3.2%) children were identified with autism spectrum disorder among a 2022 sample of 8-year-olds from 16 US communities in the CDC's ADDM Network.
Ref: https://www.cdc.gov/autism/articles/prevalence-varies-across-us-communities.html
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According to the CDC's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network — the U.S. government's primary autism surveillance system:
- About 1 in 31 children (roughly 3.2%) aged 8 in the U.S. has been identified with ASD, based on the most recent CDC data (2022 surveillance year, released April 2025).
- This is a rise from the previous estimate of 1 in 36 children, reported two years earlier.
- Boys continue to be identified at higher rates than girls (about 1 in 20 boys compared with 1 in 70 girls).
- An estimated 5.4 million adults in the U.S. are on the autism spectrum.
- Autism occurs across all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Recent data show identification rates among Black, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, and multiracial children are now similar to or higher than among white children — a shift attributed mainly to improved access to evaluation, not a true rise in how common autism is in these communities.
Ref: CDC ADDM Network, MMWR Surveillance Summary, published April 17, 2025 (cdc.gov/autism/data-research); CDC "Data and Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder" (cdc.gov/autism).
| | What Research Says About Contributing Factors | | |
The exact cause of autism isn't fully understood, and no single cause has been identified. Current evidence points most strongly to:
- Genetics: Autism tends to run in families, and researchers have identified many genes associated with autism-related traits.
- Prenatal and early developmental factors: Certain conditions during pregnancy or very early development are being studied for possible links, including parental age, birth complications, and prenatal exposures.
- Broader identification and awareness: A meaningful share of the rise in autism statistics over the past two decades reflects better screening tools, wider diagnostic criteria, and greater public and clinical awareness — not necessarily a true increase in how many people are autistic.
Back-to-school season always brings one topic back into the conversation: childhood vaccines.
And with measles outbreaks making headlines again, let’s talk about it.
Without fear.
Without shame.
Without a few-second social media sound bite.
We address parents' concerns about the information available and what it means to make an informed decision.
| | A Naturopathic, Whole-Person Approach
Autism itself is not something to be cured, fixed, or treated away — it's a different way of experiencing and moving through the world.
Naturopathic and holistic care can offer complementary, whole-person support: helping an autistic individual (and their family) feel more comfortable, regulated, and well in daily life.
In my practice, that may include gentle, individualized support around:
- General functional nutritional guidance
- Digestive ease and comfort
- Sleep quality and daily rhythms
- Stress, sensory comfort, and overall relaxation
- Whole-family wellness and coping support
- Emotional Stress Release support
- Homopathy supplemental support
This kind of support is meant to sit alongside — never replace — the evidence-based therapies (such as speech, occupational, and behavioral therapy) and medical care recommended by your child's pediatrician or care team. We do not diagnose, treat, or claim to cure autism, and we always encourage families to keep their physician and specialists involved in every decision.
This newsletter is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have questions or concerns about a child's development, please speak with a licensed pediatrician, psychologist, or developmental specialist.
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★★★★★ Le doy gracias a mi Padre Celestial por haberla encontrado, si entiendo sus explicaciones su amor y dedicación a su trabajo gracias por ayudarme en mi jornada hacia mi sanidad, Bendiciones. MCS 08/26/2025
★★★★★ Alicia was very informative about the session before the session started. She explained as to what to expect and possibly how I may feel afterwards. The session was very interesting, and I understood everything in the session. I felt better after the session; I had energy and felt the session made a positive impact on me. Alicia is always very good at describing about bio-energy and different types of session that may be used. I feel I am benefiting from these sessions. D. B. 06/02/2025
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| | Alicia C. Omaña, PhD, MPH, ND, CCHS.
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**Disclaimer: Information in this newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional or any information on or in any product label or packaging. Do not use the information on this newsletter for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication, nutritional, herbal, or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you suspect a medical problem. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read on this website. The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated information and statements regarding dietary supplements and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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