The College of Public Health proudly honors alumnus John Kirby at Temple University’s annual Gallery of Success ceremony on October 12.

Although autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be identified in children as young as 18 months, the median ages for diagnosis are 48 months for autism and 75 months for Asperger syndrome. That time gap can make a big difference.

For parents and caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorders, or ASD, getting their child to participate in regular activities--anything from playdates and birthday parties to a normal morning routine--can be challenging. That’s because children with ASD often respond differently to sensory stimuli than people without the disorder.

These activities, however, are important for any child’s development and well-being--and as a result, parents and caregivers often use strategies to help children with ASD participate in as many as possible.

Patient engagement is a critical component of modern health care—and that’s especially true for mental health care. A growing body of research supports the concept and practice of shared decision making (SDM), in which clinicians and patients work together to reach mutually agreed-upon treatment decisions. This helps patients become more engaged in their treatment, and centers treatment around their values, desires and circumstances.