Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

When parents initially receive a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the experience can be very impactful on the family. The diagnosis itself can have a multitude of ramifications; It can have an effect on the way parents feel about themselves, how they feel about their child’s future, and in many cases parents are unsure what the necessary steps are to ensure that their child receives the best possible treatment.

Speaking to a knowledgeable and supportive therapist can be very helpful as family members come to understand their child’s diagnosis and learn how to navigate the challenges of having a child with special needs.

In my work with children with ASD and their families, I have developed an array of strategies that have helped parents feel more confident about the way they parent their child. From small things such as speaking in a soft tone to bigger changes such as allowing a space in the home for relaxation, my clients have benefitted greatly from the type of specialized knowledge that I am able to bring to my sessions.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopment condition characterized by the presence of 2 main areas of difficulties: social communication/interaction skills and restricted repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities. Children with autism will struggle with “social emotional reciprocity” such as not responding when their name is called, or when they do not know when and to what extent information sharing about themselves is appropriate. Often times children with ASD speak very loudly; they might be over excited or under excited about their experiences and can encounter a multitude of sensory unpleasant situations that dampen the way they live their lives.

In addition, children with ASD struggle with changing routines and might be overly focused on specific objects or themes such as airplanes or space. Often, they experience “meltdowns” when objects are out of order or routines change. They also might engage in arm flapping, rocking or spinning.

Signs of ASD are noticed fairly early on in a child’s development. When a child fails to meet developmental milestones, an initial developmental screening followed by a comprehensive evaluation will provide the information needed to determine a diagnosis. Comprehensive Evaluations can be provided by Developmental Pediatricians, Child Neurologists and Child Psychiatrists or Psychologists.

Here are a couple of additional resources:

Autism Society – offers information in English and Spanish and provides great resources for family members on all topics relating to Autism.
NIMH – The National Institute of Mental Health provides up to date information on Autism and other mental health conditions. It also offers opportunities for participation in clinical trials.
Autism Speaks – another great resource for families and individuals struggling within the Autism spectrum. Also lists local events and other ways to advocate for individuals living with Autism.

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