May 10, 2022

DLG297 Comedian Paris Campbell blows up some autism stereotypes.

59 minutes

I found out Paris Campbell was autistic from a joke she made about herself onstage. I approached her afterwards and invited her to be on the show because seeing her/meeting her made me realize how little I know about autism and as a self-proclaimed psychotherapist, I needed to know a lot more.

Paris is a smart, beautiful, charming and funny. I am grateful for all the first hand knowledge she shared candidly and am glad to be able to hopefully create more awareness about a neurological condition that in my opinion, is greatly misunderstood. We can help neurodivergent people just by learning about them and better understanding them!

Follow Paris Campbell on TikTok, Insta and Twitter @stopitparis

Learn more about autism HERE and HERE

And HERE! What people with autism wish you knew: 'We want to be understood, not hidden away'

https://nationalautismassociation.org/ https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2022/04/28/autism-awareness-what-autistic-community-wishes-you-knew/9542346002/ 3

What is Autism?

Autism is a bio-neurological developmental disability that generally appears before the age of 3

Autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction, communication skills, and cognitive function. Individuals with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities

Individuals with autism often suffer from numerous co-morbid medical conditions which may include: allergies, asthma, epilepsy, digestive disorders, persistent viral infections, feeding disorders, sensory integration dysfunction, sleeping disorders, and more

Autism is diagnosed four times more often in boys than girls. Its prevalence is not affected by race, region, or socio-economic status. Since autism was first diagnosed in the U.S. the incidence has climbed to an alarming one in 44 children in the U.S.

Autism itself does not affect life expectancy, however research has shown that the mortality risk among individuals with autism is twice as high as the general population, in large part due to drowning and other accidents.

Currently there is no cure for autism, though with early intervention and treatment, the diverse symptoms related to autism can be greatly improved and in some cases completely overcome.

Autism Facts & Stats

Autism now affects 1 in 44 children; over half are classified as having an intellectual disability or borderline intellectual disability

Boys are four times more likely to have autism than girls

About 40% of children with autism do not speak. About 25%–30% of children with autism have some words at 12 to 18 months of age and then lose them. Others might speak, but not until later in childhood

Autism greatly varies from person to person (no two people with autism are alike)

The rate of autism has steadily grown over the last twenty years

Comorbid conditions often associated with autism include Fragile X, allergies, asthma, epilepsy, bowel disease, gastrointestinal/digestive disorders, persistent viral infections, PANDAS, feeding disorders, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, ADHD, Tourette Syndrome, OCD, sensory integration dysfunction, sleeping disorders, immune disorders, autoimmune disorders, and neuroinflammation.

Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder, yet most underfunded

A 2008 Danish Study found that the mortality risk among those with autism was nearly twice that of the general population

Children with autism do progress – early intervention is key

Autism is treatable, not a hopeless condition

...more

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By Lisa Levy

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