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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopment disorder that typically starts in early childhood and is a lifelong condition. ASD affects how a person perceives the world around them. While some with ASD may have mild symptoms, others can have more severe challenges. Book an appointment with one of our therapists specializing in autism spectrum disorder to start treatment today.

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 36 children have been identified with ASD. 

ASD is a neurodevelopment disorder that affects brain development and function specifically in areas related to: 

  1. Social Interaction: Difficulty interacting and understanding social cues.  
  2. Social Communication: Challenges making friends or sharing interests with others.
  3. Repetitive Behaviors: Intense interests in specific topics and repetitive behaviors or routines.  

As a spectrum disorder, ASD symptoms, presentation, and severity can vary significantly. ASD encompasses a range of challenges related to social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. People with ASD can have a wide span of strengths and abilities. They might excel in areas like visual thinking, problem-solving, or memory.

Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Here are some common symptoms of ASD across different areas that you may see in people with ASD: 

Social Interaction:

  • Difficulty making eye contact
  • Problems with turn-taking in conversation
  • Limited facial expressions or gestures
  • Difficulty understanding social cues like jokes or sarcasm
  • Preferring to be alone
  • Challenges with developing and maintaining friendships

Communication:

  • Delayed speech development
  • Echolalia (repeating words or phrases heard from others)
  • Difficulty expressing needs clearly
  • Taking things very literally
  • Monotone voice or unusual speech patterns

Repetitive Behaviors and Interests:

  • Repetitive movements like hand flapping, rocking, or pacing
  • Repeating words or phrases 
  • Lining up objects in a specific order
  • Strong attachment to routines and difficulty with changes
  • Intense focus on particular interests and becoming very knowledgeable about them

Sensory Processing:

  • Overreactions to loud noises or bright lights
  • Aversion to certain textures or tastes (picky eating)
  • Unusual sensitivity to touch or smells

Emotional Regulation:

  • Meltdowns or tantrums in response to frustration or overwhelming situations
  • Difficulty calming themselves down
  • Intense emotions that seem difficult to manage

The core symptoms of ASD tend to emerge during early brain development, which is why diagnosis typically happens in early childhood. Although ASD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition, some adults with undiagnosed ASD might mistake their social awkwardness for developing ASD later in life.

Living a Normal Live with Autism

Individuals with ASD can live a fulfilling life with the right support and understanding of their unique strengths and challenges. 

While there is no “cure” for ASD, there are effective interventions that help individuals focus on their strengths and manage their unique challenges. Psychologists recognize the vast experiences within ASD. What works for one person may not work for another. 

Living a fulfilling life with ASD can involve:

  • Self-Awareness: Learning about ASD and identifying your triggers. 
  • Strategies for Daily Life: Developing routines to provide comfort and structure, social skills training, and self-care. 
  • Capitalize Your Strengths: Identifying your strengths, finding your niche, and building a support network. 
  • Seek Support: Don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends, family, therapists, or support groups. Having a strong support system can make a big difference.

Autism and ADHD

Studies suggest that 50 to 70% of individuals with autism spectrum disorder also present with comorbid attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 

Both ADHD and ASD exist on spectrums, so the symptoms and severity can vary significantly in individuals. Some symptoms, like difficulty concentrating or social awkwardness, can be seen in both conditions. A mental health professional can help differentiate the two. 

ADHD and ASD occur together frequently, share some cognitive features, and have a slight overlap in genetic and environmental influences. Diagnosing ADHD and ASD involves a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified mental health professional specializing in these conditions.

For example, while both can involve challenges with focus and social interaction, understanding the differences between a neurodevelopmental syndrome or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is crucial for proper diagnosis and support.

While the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) is a valuable tool for mental health professionals, considering individual experiences when diagnosing and managing ASD and ADHD is essential. 

Autism Risk Factors

ASD is considered to have a strong genetic element, but it’s not a simple genetic condition like a disease that may be caused by one gene. ASD is complex and the causes of it are not fully understood. ASD risk factors include: 

  • Genetics: Having a sibling or parents with ASD and certain genetic conditions. 
  • Prenatal and Perinatal Factors: Older parents at the time of pregnancy and certain medications taken during pregnancy can be risk factors for ASD.

How a Therapist Can Help With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Therapists can play an important role in supporting people with ASD and their families. Here are some ways they can help: 

  • Social Skill Development: Therapists can help individuals with social skills training, help navigate social situations, understand social cues, and build relationships. 
  • Communication Enhancement: Mental health professionals can help improve verbal and non-verbal communication skills. 
  • Emotional Regulation: Therapists can equip individuals with the skills to manage emotions, identify triggers, and develop coping mechanisms.  
  • Sensory Processing: Therapists can help individuals with ASD understand and manage sensory sensitivities. 
  • Family Support: Therapists can help provide guidance to support families with individuals with ASD. 
  • Behavioral Management: Help to develop positive strategies to cope with challenges associated with ASD. 

A comprehensive approach for ASD includes the individual’s specific needs across different challenges, including social communication, behavior, sensory processing, and emotional regulation. 

Several well-researched interventions have demonstrated effectiveness in treating ASD. Your therapist may use approaches like: 

  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Breaks down skills into steps and uses rewards to teach new behaviors in individuals with autism.
  • Speech-Language Therapy: Helps improve communication skills, including speaking, understanding language, and social communication, for those with autism.
  • Family Therapy: Supports families with autistic loved ones by improving communication and coping mechanisms within the family unit.
  • Social Skills Training: Teaches individuals with autism skills they need to interact effectively with others, like conversation starters and understanding social cues.
  • Sensory Integration Therapy: Helps people with autism process sensory information from their surroundings more comfortably by using activities to address sensory sensitivities.

When to Contact a Qualified Therapist

ASD can present challenges across multiple aspects of life. Therapy for autism spectrum disorder can be beneficial for both children and adults. 

Social communication and interaction difficulties, along with repetitive behaviors and sensory sensitivity, are common signs of ASD. These challenges can be difficult to manage and significantly impact day-to-day life. If you recognize these signs in yourself or your child, seeking professional help from a therapist experienced in ASD can be incredibly beneficial. Early intervention for children is crucial, as it can significantly improve their development and overall well-being.

At Thriving Center for Psych, we understand the unique challenges faced by individuals with ASD. Our team of qualified therapists utilizes evidence-based approaches to create personalized treatment plans that address your needs and goals. We offer a supportive environment where you can feel comfortable exploring challenges and developing strategies to navigate them effectively. 

Contact Thriving Center for Psych today to learn how our therapists can help you or your child.