Autism Spectrum Treatment

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

 

Autism is a developmental disability that can have various effects on one's daily life, impacting how individuals learn, behave and communicate. Autism is not always immediately recognizable in individuals as it does not impact how a person looks and primarily affects behaviors. Because it affects children under the age of two, autism is considered a developmental disability.

 

Autism is often difficult to diagnose as it has no physical effects on the body. Diagnosis can happen as early as 18 months but often may not happen until much later in life. It is recommended that children receive regular screenings for developmental delays during their first few check-ups. There are few well-known risk factors for a child being diagnosed with autism. However, it is believed that genetics play the largest role.

 

Symptoms of autism may affect an individual's ability to function in school, work or social settings. Individuals with autism may require special support and accommodations in school or work, but this is not always necessary. Some may experience a slight disruption to their daily life while others experience much larger challenges. Individuals with autism may need consistent support or be able to live completely independently, depending on the severity of their symptoms.

 

Autism is often considered a spectrum because it can affect everyone differently and to varying degrees. Although autism is often used as a blanket term, it is important to understand that there are various types and nuances that exist. Not everyone with autism acts the exact same.

 

Types of Autism

 

Although autism is typically generalized and referred to as one condition, there are several types and subcategories. In fact, there are three types of autism that used to be diagnosed separately but now fall under the singular diagnosis of autism. The three types are autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder - not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome.

 

Everyone may experience autism differently. Individuals with autism have unique learning, thinking, and problem-solving capabilities, which can be considered a gift or a challenge depending on the person and their situation. Understanding that there are different types and degrees of autism allows us to understand that no two people with autism are the same, meaning that care and support will look different for every individual.

 

Symptoms of Autism

 

Individuals with autism often experience challenges with social and emotional expression. An individual with autism may respond or react to things differently than a neurotypical individual. Understanding the symptoms of autism makes it easier to seek help and properly interact with a loved one who experiences it. Some common symptoms of autism include the following:

 

• Difficulty relating to other individuals or preferring to be alone altogether

• Not responding to an individual pointing at an object

• Avoidance of eye contact

• Struggling with back and forth conversation

• Talking for extended periods of time about a topic without recognizing others may not be interested

• Challenges communicating emotions and understanding other people’s emotions

• Difficulty adjusting to a change of routine

• Trouble expressing needs or desires

• Continuously repeating an action

• Unusual reactions to unfamiliar sensory stimuli

• Challenges with abstract thinking or trouble playing “pretend”

 

These symptoms are first noticeable early in childhood and are lifelong. Although these symptoms can be challenging for an individual and their loved ones, they are manageable. With the right help, treatment and support, an individual can realize their full potential and experience proper development.

 

Treatment of Autism

 

There is no cure for autism, but proper treatment and early intervention can make a large difference in maximizing an individual's quality of life. Early intervention is an important factor in improving a child's development. These interventions include speech and occupational therapy to help a child learn to talk, walk and develop social skills. Autistic children benefit most from intervention services before age three.

 

Because everyone with autism is unique, it is important that treatment uses an individualized approach. Autism spectrum therapy often utilizes the strategies of applied behavioral analysis (ABA), which applies the understanding of behaviors to real-world situations and scenarios. ABA strategies are designed to increase positive, helpful behaviors and decrease harmful, restrictive behaviors. These strategies focus on using positive reinforcement and goal setting to encourage the development of healthy skills. As a result, individuals who undergo therapy are able to develop stronger understandings of the relationship between behaviors and consequences, leading to a greater ability to understand and adapt to their environment.

 

Therapy programs can improve language and communication skills, increase attention and focus, advance social skills and reduce the occurrence of problem behaviors. Therapy programs and ABA strategies are helpful as they allow for flexible treatment that can be tailored to the needs of the individual, conducted in a group or one-on-one setting and teach tangible skills that are useful in everyday situations.

 

Autism Spectrum Therapy in Orlando, FL

 

For more information about autism diagnosis and therapy options, contact us at Spark Wellness Group in Orlando, FL. Our psychiatrists are board-certified and experienced in providing quality, thoughtful care to our clients. We understand the importance of personalized care that meets the unique needs of every individual. Email us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options.