Autism

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Understanding Autism

Early Signs and Key Insights

Difficulties in non-verbal and verbal communication, social interactions, and play activities are all common with Autism. Autism is a bio-neurological-developmental disability, and it usually manifests before the age of 3 years old. It is hard to diagnose Autism before the age of 24 months. Autism is more common in boys than in girls. There are a few early signs of autism that parents can look out for in their children, such as an absence of “typical” behaviors. For example, an autistic infant may not want to be cuddled and may not look at their mother when they are being fed. Autism varies from person to person, but here are some early signs to be aware of:

Not responding to their name or to a familiar voice
Does not make noises to get attention
Does not make eye contact (Does not smile when being smiled at by an adult).
Does not seem to hear when someone is talking to them
Lacking basic social interaction

Speech and Language Challenges in Autism

Identifying Communication Barriers for Early Intervention

Autism can also be related to some speech and language difficulties. Here are some signs that may lead to an autism diagnosis:

Repeats the same words over, and over again.
Does not understand simple instructions or questions.
Has a hard time sharing their needs or what they want to others.
Refers to themselves in third person.
Speech and language are delayed.

Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors in Autism

Recognizing Patterns for Better Understanding and Support

Restricted and repetitive behaviors are also common with individuals on the Autism spectrum. Here are some examples to look for:

Head banging and hand flapping
Spinning in a circle and rocking back and forth
Repeating words or noises
Snapping or flicking fingers
Excessively watching moving objects
Uncalled for scratching
Flicking the light switch on and off

Autism is a disorder that we have become more aware of. Although, there is no cure for autism, therapy can significantly help with the wide variety of symptoms that are present. Early intervention of autism is important. At Psychological Assessment and Treatment Services we work with a wide range of ages of individuals on the autism spectrum. No two cases of autism look the same, which is why we will tailor therapy to each individual’s needs. We will work collaboratively with the individual and the family to make therapy as beneficial as possible.

Autism Evaluations

Introduction to Autism and Its Symptoms

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a guide created by the American Psychiatric Association that healthcare providers use to diagnose mental disorders, people with ASD often have:

Difficulty with communication and interaction with other people
Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors
Symptoms that affect their ability to function in school, work, and other areas of life

Autism is known as a ‘spectrum’ disorder because there is wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience.

Autism Evaluation Process

Utilizing the ADOS-2 for Comprehensive Autism Assessment

Our office utilizes the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule–Second Edition) to assist in the classification of Autism. The evaluation of Autism or autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has the following elements:

Obtaining a thorough background history of the child’s medical, birth, developmental, family, school, intervention, history
Findings of previous developmental screenings
Parent/caregiver interview
Child observation and interactions
Evaluation using more than one standardized instrument (as clinically indicated)
Administration and interpretation of the ADOS-2 or the Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised (ADI-R)

For more information about ASD, visit:

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/ autism
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Autism-Spectrum-DisorderInformation-Page
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/autism-spectrum-disorder-communicationproblems-children
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/autism
Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee https://iacc.hhs.gov“

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