Peoria professional speaks about rise in autism cases, shift to acceptance over awareness
But the rise, according to a clinical supervisior at Easterseals Central Illinois's Peoria location, is due to the improvements made to the detection process.
'I do think that there is a rise in autism,' said Nichole Ruddell, applied behavior analysis clinical supervisor. 'However, I also think that we are getting a lot better at detecting signs of autism. There's a lot of other things that go into it that used to very clearly not be part of the diagnostic criteria, but now they are.'
This comes after the CDC reported cases of Autism went up for children eight-years-old from 2020 to 2022, with one in 31 eight-year-olds from 16 states having a diagnosis.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy called autism an 'epidemic' with CBS News reporting a push back to this name writing, 'experts and advocacy groups have criticized [the description] as stigmatizing and misleading.'
Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says US autism cases are climbing at an 'alarming rate'
April is National Autism Acceptance Month, which includes recognizing other people's experiences and leading with an identity first approach.
'There's a shift right now from autism awareness to autism acceptance, and not only understanding what autism is and how it affects different people,' Ruddell said, 'but also being accepting and inclusive.'
Ruddell's occupation, ABA, allows kids and/or clients space to express themselves and learn new skills.
To read more about Easterseals and their practice, click here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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Your kidneys do a lot more than you probably realize. They filter your blood, balance fluid levels, regulate hormones, and help keep everything from your blood pressure to your energy levels in check. Despite how essential they are, kidney health often gets overlooked - and that can be a problem. According to the CDC, more than 1 in 7 adults in the US has chronic kidney disease, and many don't even know it. Your kidneys are quietly working around the clock to keep your body in balance. They filter waste, regulate essential hormones, and help manage everything from blood pressure to red blood cell production. But like any vital organ, they need care and attention to function at their best. According to the CDC, more than 1 in 7 US adults live with chronic kidney disease, and many don't even realize it. That makes early prevention and daily support even more important. Fortunately, you don't need to make dramatic lifestyle changes to support kidney health. 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Fatty fish Fish delivers protein, and when you choose a fatty fish like tuna, salmon or trout, you're also getting omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fats may help reduce fat levels (triglycerides) in the blood and may also lower blood pressure, according to the National Kidney Foundation. If you have CKD, you may need to keep an eye on the phosphorus and potassium levels of the fish you choose. The National Kidney Foundation has a chart you can use to determine levels in specific types of fish. Although, it's best to consult with your doctor. Jacobs3. Bell peppers Like cabbage, bell peppers pack in lots of good nutrients with low levels of potassium. With them, you get vitamins B6, B9, C and K, plus fiber. They deliver antioxidants too. You can slice them and eat them with dips or roast them and add them to dinner. 4. Cranberries Cranberries help to prevent urinary tract infections. These usually stay in your bladder, they can travel up to your kidney, making kidney problems worse. Fortunately, regularly consuming cranberries can help you avoid this unwelcome situation. Plus, cranberries have antioxidants that can help fight inflammation, and they can boost your heart and digestive health. It turns out, these tart berries aren't just for the Thanksgiving table. 5. Blueberries We've talked about some of the best foods for kidneys, but you can take it a step further. The question is: What foods help repair kidneys? Blueberries deliver. With high levels of antioxidants and loads of vitamin C and fiber, blueberries are all-around healthy. They can also help to reduce inflammation and support bone health, reversing some of the issues that can come with CKD. 6. Dark, leafy greens There are plenty of reasons to turn to dark, leafy greens like spinach or kale. They deliver so many nutrients that they can help you get key vitamins and minerals, plus immunity-boosting benefits. Be advised that greens can come with a decent amount of potassium. If you have CKD, talk to your doctor before adding more of these to your diet. 7. Olive oil Rich in antioxidants and healthy fatty acids, olive oil can boost your overall wellness. A study from Harvard University found that olive oil may lower cholesterol levels and the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia and some types of cancer. Beyond all this, it can help you add flavor to dishes without turning to salt or butter. To get more antioxidants, choose unrefined or cold-pressed olive oil that's virgin or extra virgin. 8. Garlic Another antioxidant-rich, inflammation-fighting food, garlic also contains a specific compound called allicin. For people with CKD, allicin — an active compound found in garlic — worked just as effectively to help protect kidney health as a prescription drug. If you're looking for the best foods for your kidneys, garlic has to make the list. Plus, it's an excellent way to add flavor when you're skimping on salt. 9. Onions From the same family as garlic, onions give you another excellent and salt-free way to add flavor (bonus points if you saute them in olive oil). Onions also deliver important nutrients like vitamins B6 and C, manganese and copper. They also contain quercetin, a chemical that can help your body fight cancer, and organic sulfur compounds that can reduce your risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease. Getty Images 10. Cauliflower Cauliflower brings the crunch, paired with plenty of vitamins C, B6, B9 and K, along with fiber. It also contains compounds your body can use to neutralize certain toxins, a big help when your kidneys aren't doing their best filtration work. Cauliflower does contain some potassium and phosphorus, though, so while it makes the list of foods good for kidneys, people with CKD may want to moderate their intake. 11. Egg whites Egg whites are specifically recommended for people with kidney problems. 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