Beyond autism awareness, many families continue to face the same question:

How can you recognize the signs of autism, and what should you do next?

Dr. Maria Ferreras, PhD, LMHC, CEO and Founder of Ferreras Counseling & Wellness Center, shared current insights about diagnosis, early warning signs, and access to support.

This topic was discussed during a radio interview on La Mega, broadcast in Lawrence on the program El Coro, as part of a My Health Fair (MHF) initiative aimed at bringing reliable information to the Latino community.

One of the most important points she highlighted was this:

“It’s no longer only children… now many adults are also being diagnosed with autism later in life.”

A Change in the Way Autism Is Understood

Today, autism is discussed more openly, but that does not necessarily mean there are more cases in absolute terms.

What it does mean is that there are better diagnostic tools and greater awareness.

Still, the numbers are striking:

• Before: 1 in every 150 children
• Today: approximately 1 in every 36

This shift has led many families to pay closer attention to signs that may have previously gone unnoticed.

As Dr. Ferreras explains:

“The autism spectrum refers to a wide range of symptoms and the severity of those symptoms.”

Autism is not a single condition, but rather a broad spectrum that can present itself in many different ways.

Early Signs: What Parents Often Notice First

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that mainly affects communication, social interaction, and certain behavioral patterns.

In many cases, the first signs appear during early childhood.

“A child may avoid eye contact, you call their name and they don’t respond… they play with the same toy constantly.”

Some of the most common signs include:

• Little or no eye contact
• Not responding to their name
• Difficulty socializing with other children
• Delayed speech or loss of previously learned words
• Repetitive movements or phrases
• Sensitivity to sounds or lights
• Intense fixation on specific objects

Other behaviors may also appear:

“They repeat the same movement over and over again… they remain focused on one thing and cannot move past it.”

And one important aspect many families eventually discover:

“They need routines because they do not respond well to change.”

Adults Receiving an Autism Diagnosis Later in Life

One of the most significant changes in recent years has been the recognition of autism in adults.

Many people grew up without a diagnosis, feeling different and struggling with social relationships or communication.

“Many adults tell me: I grew up without friendships… and now they understand they were on the spectrum.”

This has opened an important new conversation about mental health, identity, and access to support in adulthood.

Why Is Early Detection So Important?

One of the clearest messages from the interview was the importance of acting early.

“For parents with children, early intervention is critical.”

Recognizing signs between ages 2 and 3 can make a major difference in a child’s development.

Today, effective therapies such as ABA therapy and many specialized resources are available.

“Many children are improving… therapies and even nutritional changes have shown positive results.”

Breaking the Stigma Remains Essential

In many Latino communities, mental health continues to be a difficult subject to discuss.

“There is still a lot of taboo… and sometimes a child goes years without receiving help.”

This delay can affect both development and access to services.

One of Dr. Ferreras’ strongest messages was:

“It doesn’t matter if you deny the problem… the problem will not disappear.”

She added:

“Mental illnesses are just like physical illnesses. They must be faced and treated because help does exist.”

Autism: Intelligence and Potential

A common misconception is that autism is only associated with limitations.

The reality is far more complex.

“Many autistic individuals are highly intelligent… they can develop professional careers.”

Some people on the spectrum have exceptional abilities in areas such as technology, engineering, or creativity.

“They are the geniuses behind the computer… because they do not enjoy socializing.”

This reinforces the importance of not limiting expectations, but instead providing the right support for each individual case.

Resources and Access in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has a network of seven Autism Support Centers strategically located throughout the state.

These centers serve as the first point of contact for families, providing guidance, resources, and connections to specialized services.

All of this is offered free of charge or at very low cost.

• They are funded by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).
• They function as the gateway into the support system.
• They provide information, referrals, support groups, and parent training.

The message is clear:

“The earlier the intervention… the easier the child’s development will be.”

And above all:

“For improvement to happen, the first step is accepting that a condition exists.”

Visit the Ferreras Counseling & Wellness Center virtual table or contact them at 978-648-8515, located at 439 South Union.

Official Support Network for Families with Children with Autism

1. Autism Alliance of MetroWest (Advocates)

1881 Worcester Rd, Framingham, MA 01701
Phone: (508) 652-9900
Serves the MetroWest and Greater Boston regions.
https://autismalliance.org

2. Vinfen Autism Support Center

1208A VFW Parkway, Suite 202, West Roxbury, MA 02132
Phone: (617) 206-5902
Supports families in the Boston area.
https://www.vinfen.org/services/asc

3. Lifeworks Autism Support Center

789 Clapboardtree St, Westwood, MA 02090
Phone: (781) 762-4001
Provides family support, workshops, and advocacy services.
https://www.lifeworksarc.org/service/autism-support-center/

4. Autism Resource Center (HMEA – Central MA)

712 Plantation St, Worcester, MA 01605
Phone: (508) 835-4278
A key center serving Central Massachusetts.
http://www.autismresourcecentral.org

5. Autism Connections (Pathlight – Western MA)

Main offices:

• 220 Brookdale Dr, Springfield, MA
• 11 Village Hill Rd, Northampton, MA
• 75 South Church St, Pittsfield, MA
• 101 Munson St, Greenfield, MA

Phone: (413) 585-8010
Covers all of Western Massachusetts.
https://www.autismconnectionsma.org

6. Northeast Arc Autism Support Center

6 Southside Rd, Danvers, MA 01923
Phone: (978) 777-9135
Serves Northeastern Massachusetts.
https://www.ne-arc.org/services/autism-and-specialty-aba-services/autism-support-center

7. Community Autism Resources (Southeast MA)

33 James Reynolds Rd, Swansea, MA 02777
Phone: (508) 379-0371
Serves Southeastern Massachusetts, including Cape Cod and nearby areas.
https://community-autism-resources.com

Watch the Full Interview

During Mental Health Month, led by organizations like Mental Health America, the conversation comes back into focus:

Talking about how we feel should no longer be a luxury or something we put off.

Yet for millions of people, the challenge is not just recognizing that something isn’t right—but knowing what to do next.

Because the hardest question is not always “Do I need help?” but rather “What kind of help is right for me?”

In a landscape that includes therapy, medication, support groups, digital tools, and crisis lines, choosing the right path can feel overwhelming. That’s why understanding the available options—and how to get started—is now an essential part of self-care.

There Is No One-Size-Fits-All Approach to Mental Health Care

One of the most important messages promoted by Mental Health America is that mental health care is not one-size-fits-all or linear.

Not everyone needs the same kind of support, and not all journeys begin in the same place.

Some of the most common options include:

Therapy (psychotherapy)
One of the most widely used forms of treatment. It can be individual, group, or family-based, and helps people work through thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Medication
In some cases—especially moderate to severe conditions—medication may be part of treatment, always under medical supervision.

Support groups
Community-based spaces where people can share experiences with others facing similar challenges.

Crisis lines and helplines
Immediate support options during moments of emotional distress.

Digital tools and self-assessments
Including online screenings, wellness apps, and self-care programs.

Choosing between these options is not always simple. It depends on factors such as:

• The severity of symptoms
• Access to services
• Language
• Health insurance coverage
• Available support networks

That’s why starting with an accessible tool—like a mental health screening—can make a meaningful difference.

Innovative Mental Health Tools

One of the biggest barriers in mental health remains uncertainty.

Many people live for months or even years with symptoms like constant fatigue, irritability, anxiety, or lack of motivation without knowing whether they are dealing with stress, depression, or another condition.

That’s where online screenings from Mental Health America have become an important entry point.

The test available at:
https://screening.mhanational.org/es/

is not a diagnosis, but it is a guide.

These are brief, confidential questionnaires based on clinical evidence that assess mood, thought patterns, energy levels, and concentration.

In less than 10 minutes, users receive results that can help them decide whether to consider seeking professional support.

What matters most is not the result itself, but what it enables: the possibility of taking action.

A Crisis Growing in Silence

Talking about mental health is not just a trend—it is a response to a global crisis.

According to health organizations:

• More than 50% of people will experience a mental health condition at some point in their lives
• Anxiety and depression are among the leading causes of disability
• Since the pandemic, symptoms of psychological distress have increased significantly

Beyond the numbers, structural factors continue to worsen the situation:

• Economic instability
• Long working hours
• Social isolation
• Heavy use of social media
• Migration and displacement

All of this creates an environment where emotional distress is not only common, but often invisible.

Populations Most at Risk

Not everyone experiences this crisis in the same way.

In the United States, Latino and immigrant communities face unique challenges:

• Language barriers
• Limited access to services in Spanish
• Fear of interacting with the healthcare system
• Lower access to health insurance

Other particularly vulnerable groups include:

Young people: rising levels of anxiety, depression, and digital pressure
Women: increased emotional and caregiving burdens
Older adults: loneliness and isolation

In these contexts, accessible and culturally relevant tools—such as Spanish-language resources and online screenings—play a critical role.

Social Media: Between Support and Overload

Social media is now a central factor in mental health.

On one hand:

• It raises awareness
• Builds community
• Improves access to information

On the other:

• It increases constant comparison
• Promotes unrealistic standards
• Encourages overstimulation
• Can intensify anxiety

The challenge is not to eliminate it, but to learn how to use it mindfully.

Resources in Massachusetts: Where to Find Help

If a test or personal experience suggests it’s time to seek support, Massachusetts offers accessible resources—many available in Spanish:

Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line
833-773-2445 https://www.masshelpline.com/
Free 24/7 support connecting individuals to mental health and substance use services.

NAMI Massachusetts (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
https://namimass.org/ 617-580-8541
Provides support groups, education, and community resources, including programs in Spanish.

Ferreras Counseling
https://myhealthfair.com/
Compassionate, culturally competent mental health services.

Samaritans Helpline
877-870-4673 https://samaritanshope.org/
Emotional support and suicide prevention services.

Massachusetts Department of Mental Health
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-mental-health
Public mental health services for adults, youth, and families.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
988 https://988lifeline.org/
National crisis line with 24/7 support in Spanish.

Starting Is Also a Form of Care

Choosing the right mental health care does not always mean having all the answers. Sometimes, it simply means asking the right question.

• For some, it will be talking to a therapist.
• For others, joining a support group.
• For many, that first step may be as simple as taking an online screening.

In a world where time, access, and stigma remain barriers, starting—even imperfectly—is already an act of care.

Editorial Note

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. For personalized medical guidance, please consult a licensed healthcare professional.

By Romina Wilmot
Founder, My Health Fair

There are moments in a professional life that feel less like an achievement and more like a return to where it all began.

Moments that remind us where we started, why we do this work, and how far we’ve come.

Careforth joining My Health Fair is one of those moments for me.

In 2010, I was a young mother taking my first steps in the world of community health.

Long before I imagined creating a statewide health fair, before becoming a founder, and before My Health Fair existed as a community health education platform.

My entry point was the Adult Foster Care (AFC) program, a service funded by MassHealth that, at the time, very few families knew about or understood.

And yet, that program completely changed the direction of my life.

Where It All Began

In 2010, I joined the largest Adult Foster Care program in the state.

My role seemed simple, but in practice it had a profound impact:

Helping families understand a program designed to support caregivers—often family members—who provide daily care to their loved ones at home.

My responsibilities were diverse:

• Building collaborative relationships with hospitals, insurers, and healthcare providers.
• Leading and coordinating a team of community ambassadors.
• Working with multicultural populations across the state.
• Developing partnerships with community organizations.
• And above all, educating families who had never heard about the AFC program.

It was community work in its most authentic form.

I spent my days in the field—at churches, senior centers, hospitals, health fairs, and community meetings.

My goal was to explain a program that could change a family’s life, yet remained an unknown benefit for many.

That experience deeply shaped the way I understand community health.

A Career Built on Relationships and Representation

One of the achievements I remember most from that time was the expansion of the program into new territories.

This was possible thanks to a multicultural outreach strategy centered on education, trust, and representation.

I learned very quickly that when you meet people in ways that are culturally, linguistically, and emotionally aligned, you build something far more powerful than information.

You build relationships.

I also discovered something important about myself.

I loved using local media to reach more people.

I enjoyed creating health fairs that brought services directly to families.

I valued building relationships with community partners.

And I deeply appreciated the balance between professional and family life that allowed me to raise my daughters while building a career with purpose.

But most of all, I remember the satisfaction of helping a family access a program that could ease their burden and improve their quality of life.

Those early years taught me the importance of networks, partnerships, and community trust.

They also planted the seed for what would eventually become My Health Fair.

Why Careforth’s Participation in My Health Fair Is So Meaningful

Today, years later, My Health Fair has become a statewide platform that connects organizations, healthcare providers, and community partners to offer accessible and culturally relevant health education.

Every organization that participates in our fairs brings tremendous value.

But Careforth’s presence holds special meaning for me.

Careforth is one of the leading organizations supporting caregivers through the Adult Foster Care program and other related services.

Their work directly impacts families facing some of the most challenging caregiving responsibilities.

In addition, at a time when significant changes are taking place within MassHealth that may affect programs like AFC and other community services, it is essential that families have access to clear and reliable information.

Careforth’s presence at My Health Fair means:

• Families can speak directly with experts in their own language.
• Caregivers can learn about support resources they may not have known existed.
• Communities can better understand how public policy changes may affect them.
• And we can bring visibility to a program that has supported thousands of families across Massachusetts.
• For me, it also means closing a circle that began more than 14 years ago.

Honoring Caregivers

Adult Foster Care is much more than a program.

It is a lifeline for many families.

It recognizes the work, love, and sacrifice of caregivers who are often women, immigrants, and members of diverse communities.

They are the backbone of home-based care, frequently balancing work, family, and caregiving responsibilities with very little recognition.

A Moment of Reflection as a Founder

As the founder of My Health Fair, I often reflect on the experiences that shaped me.

The long days in the field.

The conversations with families.

The community health fairs where I explained the AFC program to anyone willing to listen.

I also remember the partnerships with community media outlets that helped us deliver information to people in their own language and in places where they could truly access it.

Those experiences didn’t just prepare me for this work.

They inspired me to create it.

That’s why when I say having Careforth at My Health Fair is meaningful, I say it because it connects my past with the present and reaffirms the reason I built this platform:

To make health education accessible, culturally relevant, and grounded in community trust.

Looking Toward the Future

As My Health Fair continues to grow as a health education platform available 24/7, I am proud to welcome Careforth as a partner.

I am proud to know that families can access the information they need at any time—especially in moments of change.

And it fills me with pride to see how the work that began in 2010 continues to evolve to serve our community in new ways.

This is more than an announcement.

It is a celebration of growth, purpose, and community.

And it reaffirms something I have always believed:

When work is rooted in purpose, it always finds a way to return, grow, and continue serving the community.

About Romina Wilmot
Romina Wilmot is the founder of My Health Fair and a leader in community health education in Massachusetts. Her work focuses on closing information gaps and connecting families with essential health resources. With more than a decade of experience working with multicultural communities—and a previous career in Fortune 500 companies—she combines strategy, communication, and community leadership to promote equitable access to health information and services.

By My Health Fair
Medically reviewed by Dr. Yudi Quintero, oral health specialist

In recent years, vaping has become increasingly popular among teenagers and young adults.
Many people perceive it as a “less harmful” alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes.

However, health professionals and medical organizations are raising concerns about the real effects vaping can have on both oral and overall health.

Is vaping safer than smoking cigarettes?

Although some people believe vaping is a safer alternative to smoking, health experts warn that it is not a risk-free option.

E-cigarettes may contain nicotine, heavy metals, and chemical substances that can harm the lungs, mouth, and other organs.

What does e-cigarette vapor contain?

Many people think vaping produces only “water vapor,” but the reality is different.

E-cigarette aerosols may contain substances that affect the body, such as:

• Formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, substances associated with cancer risk
• Heavy metals such as nickel, lead, and chromium
• Ultrafine particles that can penetrate body tissues
• Nicotine, a highly addictive substance

When liquids such as propylene glycol and glycerin are heated in vaping devices, they can form additional chemical compounds that may irritate or damage cells.

Source: Massachusetts Hispanic Dental Association

How does vaping affect oral health?

Dentists and oral health specialists are observing increasing effects related to vaping, including:

• Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis)
• Dry mouth (xerostomia)
• Increased risk of cavities
• Chronic inflammation in oral tissues
• Delayed healing after dental treatments

Dry mouth is particularly concerning because saliva plays an essential role in protecting against bacteria and preventing tooth decay.

Effects on the body: beyond the mouth

Vaping aerosols may also cause biological changes in the body, including:

• Chronic inflammation
• Oxidative stress
• Damage to cellular DNA

Although research is still ongoing, experts warn that the lack of long-term evidence does not mean vaping is safe.

A growing problem among teenagers

One of the greatest concerns is the rise of vaping among young people.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• More than 2.1 million middle and high school students in the United States reported using e-cigarettes in 2023.

Many teenagers become dependent on nicotine quickly, which can affect brain development.

In Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has identified youth vaping as a public health priority due to its growing presence in school communities.

Why is vaping especially dangerous for teenagers?

Nicotine can affect brain development in adolescents and young adults.

In addition, many vaping devices contain high concentrations of nicotine, which can lead to addiction very quickly.

Can vaping cause cancer?

Some studies suggest that e-cigarette vapor may contain carcinogenic substances and produce cellular changes associated with the development of cancer.

Repeated exposure to these substances may have cumulative effects over time, especially when use begins at an early age.

The good news: quitting vaping has benefits

Stopping vaping can lead to significant improvements in health:

• Improves gum health
• Helps partially restore saliva production
• Reduces inflammation in the body
• Lowers future health risks

For teenagers and young adults, quitting nicotine can also improve concentration, sleep, and overall well-being.

Part of this educational information is based on prevention materials developed by the Massachusetts Hispanic Dental Association to promote awareness about the impact of vaping on oral health.

Resources to quit vaping or smoking in Massachusetts

If you or someone in your family wants to quit vaping or tobacco, these resources can help:

Massachusetts Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Program
1-800-QUIT-NOW
quitnow.net/massachusetts

Smokefree Teen
teen.smokefree.gov

Truth Initiative – Quit Vaping Program
truthinitiative.org

American Lung Association
lung.org

CDC – Information about e-cigarettes
cdc.gov/tobacco

Visit the Massachusetts Hispanic Dental Association table at My Health Fair

Oral health professionals will be sharing information about:

• Vaping and oral health
• Prevention of dental diseases
• Resources to quit tobacco
• Tips to protect the health of teenagers and families

Important Notice for Readers

The information provided in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be interpreted as professional advice, diagnosis, or medical treatment. For any questions or concerns regarding your personal health, we strongly recommend consulting a physician or another qualified healthcare professional.

Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/e-cigarettes, https://www.mass.gov/tobacco-prevention, https://www.ada.org