Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism is a scary word. If you’ve made it here, you are likely very concerned about the future of your child – his dreams and his prospects of achieving them. Maybe you’ve read all the online literature you could find, or talked to a clinician, only to wind up with more questions than when you began.
It’s possible you’ve been through several different therapies with your child already, and the thought of beginning the process again is just too much. Take a deep breath. You have options, and we are here to help you understand them. The first step in that process is to understand what your child is facing.
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or simply Autism, is a disorder with many challenges that occur on a spectrum of severity. These include things like social disorders and sensory issues, and trouble with speech and nonverbal communication.
It is estimated that Autism affects about 1 in 60 children (1 in 37 boys) and occurs in every ethnic, racial and economic group. Symptoms usually present by the age of 2 or 3 and, while ASD can be a lifelong disorder, early detection and intervention can be life-changing with a few children recovering from this diagnosis. For this reason, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children be screened for autism.
While the exact causes are not known, social and communication issues are at the heart of autism behaviors.
The Signs And Symptoms Of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Although symptoms and their severity vary from individual to individual, most children with Autism display some of the following symptoms:
- Stress and anxiety that results in little to no eye contact when communicating
- Auditory processing abnormalities
- Lack of awareness or delayed responses when spoken to
- Trouble understanding another person’s point of view
- Facial expressions or body movements that are uncharacteristic of what is being discussed
- The inability to imitate the facial expressions of others
- Displaying facial expressions and body movements that are inappropriate
- Unusual repetitive behaviors such as repeating a word or phrase (called echolalia)
- Being hypersensitive or unusually insensitive to sensory stimulation – such as light, sound, the touch of clothing, taste, etc. in some creating a limited diet
- Apraxia of speech and difficulty forming words
- Becomes highly upset by changes to routines
Have You Noticed Signs Of Autism In Your Child?
If you or your pediatrician suspect that your child displays signs of autism, it is essential to take additional diagnostic steps quickly. The early detection and treatment of autism spectrum disorder can mean a world of difference for your child and for you.
Because Autism Spectrum Disorder has such a wide range of symptoms and severities, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for your child. We know that that fact alone can be daunting. You want the best for your child, and that includes the best therapies. That’s where we come in.
Our unique approach treatment is the result of decades of experience. Our clinicians will tailor a plan that is unique to the needs of your child, and one that addresses his or her specific strengths and weaknesses.