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Autism is a diverse and multifaceted experience, shaped by a wide range of traits that make each individual unique. Molly Sharlach’s July 2025 article, “Major autism study uncovers biologically distinct subtypes, paving the way for precision diagnosis and care,” provides valuable insights into a groundbreaking study that identified distinct subtypes of autism. The findings covered in her article informed this newsletter.

This research was conducted through a collaboration between Princeton University and the Simons Foundation. It moves beyond earlier approaches that focused on isolated genetic markers. Instead, it examined over 230 traits per child—including social communication, repetitive behaviors, and developmental milestones—across a group of more than 5,000 children. This comprehensive view reveals clearer patterns and distinct subtypes that reflect the diversity within autism.

Introducing Four Distinct Autism Subtypes

1. Social and Behavioral Challenges (about 37% of participants) Individuals in this group show core characteristics of autism, such as differences in social communication and the presence of repetitive behaviors, while typically reaching developmental milestones on time. Many also experience ADHD, anxiety, OCD, or depression. The gene activity in this group tends to appear later in childhood, which may explain later clinical presentation.

2. Mixed ASD with Developmental Delay (about 19% of participants) This group experiences developmental delays alongside a mix of social and repetitive behaviors. Mood or behavioral differences are less common in this group. They often carry rare inherited genetic variants.

3. Moderate Challenges (about 34% of participants) Those in this group tend to have more subtle autism traits and typically reach developmental milestones on time. They generally experience fewer co-occurring mental health difficulties.

4. Broadly Affected (about 10% of participants) This group experiences a broader and more complex range of support needs, including developmental delays, social and communication differences, repetitive behaviors, and mental health conditions such as anxiety and mood dysregulation. They are more likely to carry spontaneous (non-inherited) genetic mutations.

By recognizing that autism can present through multiple, biologically grounded pathways, families and professionals can:

Better understand the wide range of experiences and identities within the autism spectrum.

Choose more personalized, affirming approaches to learning, communication, and daily life.

Anticipate support needs in more proactive, compassionate ways.

Celebrate neurodivergent strengths and foster meaningful inclusion.

This perspective is not about placing limits on identity. Rather, it provides clearer, compassionate guidance to provide support to autistic individuals with respect and care.

This study marks an important shift from searching for a one-size-fits-all understanding of autism to embracing its full diversity. Identifying four subtypes is only the beginning. As research continues, it will deepen our ability to offer care, accommodations, and community grounded in respect, science, and the lived experiences of autistic people themselves.

For a quick overview of this topic, I invite you to watch the 3-minute video below.

I provide neuropsychological evaluations for Autism and ADHD for individuals ages 8-48 in California, both in-person and online (my online assessment option is for ages 18+). To schedule a complimentary 15-minute video consultation meeting and check your insurance reimbursement benefits, please visit my website.

Download the Faces of Health app! This app offers valuable mental health and well-being resources. Download it today from the App Store! Returning soon to Google Play!

Also, be sure to register for my in-depth educational courses at learn.facesofhealth.net:

Empowerment Through Understanding: Adult ADHD and Autism Modules  Dive deeper into ADHD and Autism with this online course to improve self-awareness, self-advocacy, and personal growth. Learn more here.

Beat Stress Using Neuroscience and Mindfulness Masterclass Master your mind and body health through neuroscience-based mindfulness and stress management skills. Learn more here.

For more valuable insights, I encourage you to explore my blog at https://drblied.com/blog/. For a selection of wellness resources, please visit the resources page on my website at https://drblied.com/resources/.

Reference

Discussing autism and the assessment process with families requires more than clinical knowledge—it calls for empathy, cultural awareness, and a deep respect for each family’s journey. Many caregivers approach these conversations with anxiety, uncertainty, or prior negative experiences in medical or school settings.

In her blog, “How to Communicate with Families to Build Trust, Connection, and Engagement,” Rebecca Stanborough, MFA, offers thoughtful strategies to guide professionals through these complex and meaningful interactions. Below is a summary of key practices I gathered from her insights to support more effective and empowering autism assessment conversations with families.

1. Acknowledge barriers and emotions. Be sensitive to cultural stigma, language differences, system mistrust, and emotional overwhelm. Create a warm, nonjudgmental space for families to show up as they are.

2. Clarify the process and practice active listening. Walk families through each step using clear, jargon-free language. Check for understanding and listen actively to ensure their questions and concerns are heard.

3. Use inclusive, person-centered language. Avoid deficit-focused or ableist terms. Frame autism as a neurodevelopmental difference, not a disorder to be "fixed."

4. Communicate with cultural humility and trauma awareness. Ask how families prefer to receive information, honor communication styles, and avoid assumptions about values or beliefs.

5. Start with strengths and invite questions. Lead with what the child does well. This helps reduce stigma, builds rapport, and shows that you see the whole child—not just a diagnosis.

6. Collaborate on next steps. Involve families in goal-setting and share resources, timelines, and clear follow-up plans. Empower caregivers to be part of the process moving forward.

7. Support yourself, too. Communication is a skill that grows with time and practice. Seek training, peer support, and mentorship when needed. These conversations can be emotionally demanding, and taking care of yourself is key to showing up fully for others.

Effective communication during autism assessments can set the tone for long-term trust and engagement. When families feel respected and supported, they’re more likely to embrace the information, take action, and advocate confidently for their child.

I provide neuropsychological evaluations for Autism and ADHD for individuals ages 8-48 in California, both in-person and online (my online assessment option is for ages 18+). To schedule a complimentary 15-minute video consultation meeting and check your insurance reimbursement benefits, please visit my website. 

Download the Faces of Health app! This app offers valuable mental health and well-being resources. Download it today from the App Store or the Google Play Store!

For a limited time, I am offering a Buy One, Get One Free promotion on my online courses:

Empowerment Through Understanding: Adult ADHD and Autism Modules  Dive deeper into ADHD and Autism with this online course to improve self-awareness, self-advocacy, and personal growth. Learn more here.

AND

Beat Stress Using Neuroscience and Mindfulness Masterclass Master your mind and body health through neuroscience-based mindfulness and stress management skills. Learn more here.

Don't miss out!

For more valuable insights, I encourage you to explore my blog at https://drblied.com/blog/. For a selection of wellness resources, please visit the resources page on my website at https://drblied.com/resources/.

Reference

April is World Autism Month, a time to celebrate neurodiversity, honor the lived experiences of autistic individuals, and foster understanding and acceptance.

To support this, I am sharing some common, harmful myths about autism and the corresponding truths.

Myth 1: Autistic people don’t have emotions. Reality: Autistic people feel a full range of emotions—often deeply and intensely. Emotional expression may differ from neurotypical norms, but that doesn’t mean it’s absent or lacking. Every emotional experience is valid, and autistic expressions of care, joy, frustration, love, and more may just take a different shape. Myth 2: Autistic people don’t want friendships or connection. Reality: Many autistic individuals seek connection, but may prefer different ways of socializing or communicating. Building relationships based on mutual interests and understanding creates space for genuine, meaningful connections. Myth 3: All autistic people have intellectual disabilities. Reality: Autism exists across all intellectual and cognitive profiles. Autistic individuals have a wide range of cognitive strengths and challenges—just like everyone else. It’s important to see and support each person’s unique abilities, rather than making assumptions based on a diagnosis. Myth 4: Autism is always obvious or easy to diagnose. Reality: Autism presents differently in each person. Especially among individuals assigned female at birth, signs may be subtle or masked, delaying diagnosis. Regardless of when autism is recognized, each person’s identity deserves recognition and respect.

Myth 5: Autism is something that can be "cured." Reality: Autism is a unique brain style that shapes how individuals see and experience the world. It does NOT need to be “cured.” What matters is creating spaces where autistic individuals can flourish and contribute their unique perspectives.

By challenging these myths, we make space for more accurate understanding and respectful representation. Autism is a part of human diversity, and recognizing that helps create a more inclusive world.

Download the Faces of Health app! This app offers valuable mental health and well-being resources. Download it today from the App Store or the Google Play Store!

For a limited time, I am offering a Buy One, Get One Free promotion on my online courses:

Empowerment Through Understanding: Adult ADHD and Autism Modules  Dive deeper into ADHD and Autism with this online course to improve self-awareness, self-advocacy, and personal growth.Learn more here.

AND

Beat Stress Using Neuroscience and Mindfulness Masterclass Master your mind and body health through neuroscience-based mindfulness and stress management skills.Learn more here.

Don't miss out on this limited-time opportunity!

Spring cleaning isn’t just about tidying up — it’s an opportunity to refresh your environment and create a space that supports your well-being.

In a recent article from ADDitude Magazine, Your Clutter Does Not Define You, Tracy McCubbin dives into the common challenges of decluttering — from emotional attachments to the time and effort required. For those with ADHD, these obstacles can make the process feel especially overwhelming. But with the right strategies, you can break through the clutter and find peace in your space.

Here are a few tips, inspired by her article, to help you get started with your Spring cleaning:

1. Clarify Your Why: Connect emotionally to the benefits of decluttering. Imagine how you’ll feel in a cleaner, more organized space — energized, clear-headed, and calm. Keep this vision in mind to fuel your motivation throughout the process. 2. Break It Down: Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, start with small, manageable areas like a drawer or a shelf. Celebrating these small wins will keep you motivated and prevent burnout. 3. Set Time Limits: Use timers to stay focused and avoid overwhelm. Work in short, 10-15 minute bursts, giving yourself permission to stop and take a break when the timer goes off. 4. Schedule Decluttering Time: Treat decluttering like any other important appointment on your calendar. Block out dedicated time each week to stay consistent, making it part of your routine. 5. Accept Imperfection: Clutter may return, and that’s okay. It’s a normal part of life, not a sign of failure. Regular, small decluttering sessions will help you stay on top of it and keep your space manageable.

Decluttering is a process — not a measure of your worth. Be kind to yourself and practice self-compassion along the way. Your home doesn’t need to be perfect; it simply needs to support the life you want to live.

Download the Faces of Health app! This app offers valuable mental health and well-being resources. Download it today from the App Store or the Google Play Store!

We're excited to offer an exclusive Buy One, Get One Free promotion on Dr. Blied's online courses:

Empowerment Through Understanding: Adult ADHD and Autism Modules  Dive deeper into ADHD and Autism with this online course to improve self-awareness, self-advocacy, and personal growth. Learn more here.

AND

Beat Stress Using Neuroscience and Mindfulness Masterclass Master your mind and body health through neuroscience-based mindfulness and stress management skills. Learn more here.

Don't miss out on this limited-time opportunity!

For more valuable insights, I encourage you to explore my blog at https://drblied.com/blog/. For a selection of wellness resources, please visit the resources page on my website at https://drblied.com/resources/.

Reference

Recent research highlights the profound health benefits of incorporating small, consistent amounts of physical activity into daily life. Two studies featured in the Global Wellness Institute's Research Spotlight on Exercise demonstrate that even brief bouts of movement can significantly improve both cardiovascular and mental health.

A large-scale study conducted by the University of Sydney, which tracked over 103,000 participants, found that just a few minutes of vigorous activity each day—such as climbing stairs or carrying groceries—can substantially lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. For women, engaging in just 3.4 minutes of intense activity daily reduced the risk of major heart issues by 45%, while men experienced a 16% reduction. Notably, women who were previously inactive saw even greater benefits, with a 51% lower risk of heart attack and a 67% reduced risk of heart failure.

The mental health benefits of exercise are equally compelling. A 2022 JAMA Psychiatry meta-analysis found that just 2.5 hours of brisk walking per week can reduce the risk of depression by 25%. The most significant improvements were seen in those transitioning from a sedentary lifestyle to even modest physical activity. In fact, meeting current exercise guidelines could prevent nearly one in nine cases of depression.

These studies highlight that consistent, intentional movement—such as incorporating quick exercise sessions into everyday activities or daily walks—can have a profound impact on heart health and mental well-being.

If you're new to fitness or have limited mobility, gentle practices like chair yoga can be a wonderful option to begin with. Check out this video to help you get started!

I encourage you to download the Faces of Health app to access a variety of chair yoga exercises and additional resources to support your mental health and overall well-being. Download it today from the App Store or the Google Play Store!