Autism Spectrum Disorder

What is ASD?

Children and adults with ASD have difficulties with communication and social skills. Some are mildly impaired and function well, while others have severe disabilities and can’t communicate or even care for themselves. Because the condition has such wide-ranging effects, autism is described as a spectrum.

Some people have high-functioning autism (Asperger’s syndrome). People with Asperger’s usually have trouble understanding facial expressions and difficulties with social skills but are often highly intelligent. They frequently learn masking behaviors to fit in socially despite their differences.

What symptoms does ASD cause?

ASD can cause widespread problems of varying degrees. Common ASD behaviors include:

• Lack of eye contact
• Not reacting when spoken to
• Poor conversational skills
• Inappropriate facial expressions/gestures
• Problems understanding others’ nonverbal communications
• Intense interest in specific topics
• Distress at slight routine changes
• Increased light, sound, or touch sensitivity
• Repeating phrases and behaviors

Repetitive behaviors like rocking, flapping, hitting, and obsessively playing with a single toy are common with ASD.

Children and adults who don’t have ASD sometimes exhibit similar symptoms, so an expert assessment and diagnosis are vital. Early intervention helps children with ASD access services and treatments that help them cope far better throughout their lives.

The Neuropsychiatric Care Center specializes in treating ASD but doesn’t offer diagnostic testing.

How is ASD treated?

ASD is a part of someone’s unique makeup rather than an illness that needs curing. People with autism often have remarkable gifts and make significant contributions to their families and the broader society despite their challenges.

The Neuropsychiatric Care Center team focuses on medication management for helping children and adults manage the problems they encounter in everyday life. Every treatment plan is customized to the person’s specific needs but can include some or all of the following:

• Behavior therapies
• Communication therapy
• Speech and language therapy
• Applied behavior analysis (ABA)
• Educational therapies
• Social skills training
• Occupational therapy

No medications improve ASD’s core symptoms, but the Neuropsychiatric Care Center might recommend specific drugs that can help with particular concerns. For instance, stimulants can control hyperactivity, antidepressants reduce anxiety, and antipsychotic drugs can reduce severe behavioral problems.

Talk therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) benefit those with autism, helping them understand their differences and manage them appropriately. Parents and family members can help by learning to interact with children so that they develop better social and daily living skills.

Call the Neuropsychiatric Care Center or book an appointment online today for expert ASD treatment.