Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is diagnosed based on clinical traits, focusing on social communication skills and repetitive behaviors. The spectrum ranges from nonverbal individuals with limited communication to those with strong language skills but social challenges. The DSM-5, introduced in 2013, consolidated previous diagnoses like Asperger's syndrome and PDD-NOS under ASD, broadening the criteria. Diagnosis involves evaluating social reciprocity, non-verbal communication, and understanding of relationships. It requires differences in all three areas for a diagnosis. The process can vary in duration depending on the severity of symptoms, often involving multiple assessments and input from various sources like parents and teachers. Early diagnosis is possible in severe cases, while milder cases may require more extensive evaluation. The diagnosis helps in understanding the child's needs and securing resources, but individual profiles are crucial for effective treatment plans.

The speaker has embarked on a journey to explore the possibility of being the first generation not to die by hiring a team of 30 medical professionals to measure the biological age of his organs. He follows a strict daily routine that includes prioritizing sleep, engaging in various health and wellness activities, and maintaining a plant-based diet. His routine starts with an early bedtime and waking up naturally without an alarm. He exposes himself to 10,000 Lux light, measures his body composition, and performs a series of health-related activities such as using a smart scale, applying hair serum, and doing breathing exercises. His diet consists of a carefully curated mix of nutrients, and he engages in regular physical exercise focusing on strength, cardio, flexibility, and balance. He also incorporates therapies like red and near-infrared light therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and focused shockwave therapy. Throughout the day, he maintains a balance between work and light physical activities to enhance blood flow and mental alertness. His daily caloric intake is 2250 calories, with a specific macronutrient distribution. He emphasizes the importance of a low resting heart rate for optimal sleep quality, achieving exceptional sleep metrics. His routine is designed to maximize healthspan and lifespan, making life feel amazing.

The discussion highlights the multifaceted benefits of REM sleep on different bodily functions. Firstly, REM sleep aids the respiratory system by maintaining lung tissue elasticity, thus enhancing respiratory fitness and improving oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange. Secondly, REM sleep contributes to sexual health through penile erections and clitoral engorgement, which are unrelated to dream content but improve vascular and tissue health by increasing blood flow. Thirdly, REM sleep boosts the immune system by releasing key immune factors like cytokines, enhancing the body's resilience against pathogens and infections. Lastly, REM sleep facilitates protein synthesis, crucial for both muscle repair and brain function. This process strengthens synapses, thereby improving learning and memory retention.

REM sleep plays a crucial role in releasing peak levels of testosterone in both men and women, which is vital for muscle repair, bone health, and libido. Lack of sufficient REM sleep can lead to reduced levels of this hormone. During REM sleep, the brain sends signals to paralyze voluntary muscles, preventing dream enactment and promoting muscle relaxation, which enhances blood flow and reduces joint stress, contributing to better muscle and joint health upon waking. Additionally, REM sleep halts body temperature regulation, allowing the thermoregulatory system to reset, aiding in energy conservation and improving daily temperature control. REM sleep also causes significant fluctuations in heart rate, increasing heart rate variability, which is beneficial for cardiovascular health as it exercises the heart through rapid accelerations and decelerations.