Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) — Force Field Fact Sheet (Draft)

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?Diagnosis

ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences in social communication and restricted/repetitive patterns of behavior. About 1 in 36 US children diagnosed; rising adult diagnoses too. Modern care emphasizes strength-based, neurodiversity-affirming approaches; early intervention; addressing co-occurring conditions; sustained lifespan support.

Diagnosis — DSM-5-TR criteria; M-CHAT-R/F at 18+24 months; comprehensive evaluation.
Common co-occurring conditions — intellectual disability, ADHD, anxiety, depression, epilepsy, GI issues, sleep disorders.
Evidence-based interventions (children) — early intensive behavioral, ESDM, JASPER, speech, OT, PT, school supports.
Adolescent/adult care — transition planning, vocational support, mental health (high anxiety/depression/suicidality), autism-friendly healthcare.

Neurodiversity-affirming care + sensory accommodations matterKnow your plan

Modern autism care has shifted from making autistic people seem less autistic to supporting autistic people to thrive as themselves.

Sensory profile accommodations.
Communication accommodations (visual, AAC, processing time).
Mental health is the priority in many adolescents/adults.
Autism-friendly healthcare access.
Connect with autistic-led community (ASAN).

Your daily Force FieldLive It

Identify and accommodate sensory profile.
Build daily structure and predictability.
Address co-occurring mental health.
Sleep hygiene + treat sleep disorders.
Movement + exercise.
Communication tools (AAC if needed).
Relationships + community.
Healthcare advocacy.
Transition planning (pediatric to adult, school to work).
Crisis safety plan + 988.

Red flags — call nowAction

Call 911 immediately for: chest pain, pressure, tightness, or burning lasting more than a few minutes — especially if it spreads to the arm, jaw, neck, or back; severe shortness of breath at rest; sudden cold sweat with chest discomfort; nausea or lightheadedness with chest discomfort; sudden weakness on one side, slurred speech, or facial droop (these are stroke signs, often related). Do not drive yourself.

Call your clinic the same day for: new chest discomfort with exertion that goes away with rest (stable distress worth evaluating); a missed dose of antiplatelet or maintenance therapy; medication side effects (muscle aches, bleeding, GI symptoms).
Bring up at next visit: any change in exercise tolerance, lipid follow-up timing, BP log review, smoking-cessation support, depression screening, sleep concerns.

Companion This condition assets

The full Prepared Patient program for This condition includes:

Engagement Screener 8-step Journey Disease Advocate Bingo Provider Hub Health Passport