Autism and Neurodivergent Individuals Across the Lifespan-View Presentation

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Eric Hollander, a distinguished professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, discussed the pressing issue of autism in adult psychiatry. Despite the historical focus on autism in children, Hollander emphasized that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) persists into adulthood, affecting approximately 2.7% of the population. This prevalence highlights a gap in psychiatric care, as adult psychiatrists are often unprepared to diagnose developmental disorders. Hollander underlined the challenges posed by comorbid conditions such as OCD, ADHD, and anxiety disorders, which compound negative outcomes like hospitalizations and suicide attempts. He categorized individuals with autism into three main groups: low-functioning, high-functioning, and broader autism phenotype, each with distinct needs and challenges. Hollander addressed the social and mental health implications of ASD, including workplace difficulties and increased vulnerability to bullying. He also discussed the evolving view of neurodiversity, which recognizes various ways of thinking as a form of diversity valuable to institutions. He outlined treatment approaches, including behavioral therapies and medication, while noting challenges like cognitive rigidity that complicate long-term outcomes. Hollander advocated for a nuanced, individualized approach to care that combines psychosocial and medical interventions tailored to developmental stages and individual comorbidities. He also referenced innovative research avenues, such as the study of cannabinoids and glutamatergic drugs, to address specific symptoms associated with autism.

Keywords

Eric Hollander

autism

adult psychiatry

autism spectrum disorder

psychiatric care

comorbid conditions

neurodiversity

behavioral therapies

medication

cognitive rigidity

individualized approach

cannabinoids

glutamatergic drugs