With autism rates on the rise, a lot of people are wondering why autism is becoming so common. The truth is that there is no one thing causing the rise in autism. The increase in the number of autism cases is the result of several different things coming together.
Research shows that autistic children are 160 times more likely to drown than non-autistic children. A major reason for this risk is elopement, which means running or wandering away from parents, caregivers, or safe places. About 49% of autistic people elope, and sadly, more than 70% of drowning deaths in autism are linked to elopement.
Autistic people can be especially sensitive to how different types of clothing feel. They might find certain types of fabrics to be too scratchy or they may be very sensitive to how seams and tags feel. The fit of the clothing can also be a challenge for autistic people – they may struggle with clothing that feels too loose or too tight. What feels like a mild itch or slight pressure to someone without autism might feel sharp, scratchy, or unbearable to someone on the autism spectrum.
We don’t just talk with words — we also "talk" with our faces, hands, and how we move. This is called body language or nonverbal communication. It helps us connect and understand each other. For autistic people, body language can look a little different.
Inclusive Post-Secondary Education, or IPSE, is a program that helps students with intellectual or developmental disabilities go to college. These programs help students learn new things, make friends, and be part of college life.