STHS raises awareness on autism

SOUTH TEXAS HEALTH SYSTEM CHILDREN’S TO HOST SPECIAL WEBINAR TO HELP RAISE AUTISM AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING

For the next installment of its monthly Let’s Talk Children’s Health webinar series, STHS Children’s is commemorating Autism Awareness Month by providing important education on the condition and highlighting support and resources available locally

A neurodevelopmental disorder, autism spectrum disorder can affect an individual’s behavior, ability to interact socially, communication and learning. Related to brain development, the condition impacts how a person perceives and socializes with others.

With a wide range of symptoms and varying degrees of severity, the diversity of the disorder can make it hard to diagnose, leading to children sometimes being mistakenly diagnosed with a different condition like ADHD. An autism diagnosis relies on two crucial factors: a parent’s or caregiver’s descriptions of a child’s development and a professional’s observation of the child’s behavior.

Autism can be diagnosed at any age, but symptoms generally appear within the first two years of life and can even start as early as 12 to 18 months. On average, autism is diagnosed by age 5 in the United States, per the National Autism Data Center, with an estimated one in 36 children affected by the condition.

For children diagnosed with the disorder, early intervention is crucial in helping them become verbal, learn how to advocate for themselves, make friends and develop independence and self-care skills.

In fact, research shows that early diagnosis and interventions for autism are more likely to have major long-term positive effects on symptoms and later skills.

“An autism diagnosis doesn’t only affect the child, it can impact their family, school and community,” says Kimberly Davis, MBA, BSN, RN, pediatric administrator, South Texas Health System Children’s. “Families often face challenges in accessing appropriate education, healthcare and social services. Additionally, they face various challenges associated with the stigma and misunderstanding from others unfamiliar with the condition.”

This Autism Awareness Month, STHS Children’s is helping raise awareness of the disorder by highlighting the warning signs and symptoms of autism and the importance of early interventions during it latest Let’s Talk Children’s Health webinar.

Streaming live on Wednesday, April 16, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. via the STHS Children’s Facebook page, the online seminar will feature a pediatric healthcare professional providing education on autism, as well as support and resources available locally.

“Despite its prevalence, autism is often misunderstood and those with the condition face significant challenges in various aspects of their lives,” says Davis. “In order to foster understanding, acceptance and support for those affected, increasing autism awareness is crucial.”

For more information on the webinar, visit the STHS Children’s Facebook Event page. To watch previous Let’s Talk Children’s Health Seminars, visit STHSLetsTalk.com.

Who: South Texas Health System Children’s

What: FREE virtual seminar entitled “Let’s Talk Children’s Health – Autism”

When: Wednesday, April 16, 2025, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Where: Online via STHS’ Facebook page

About South Texas Health System

South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system’s South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first and only freestanding children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.

The post STHS raises awareness on autism appeared first on Rio Grande Guardian.