Autism Spectrum Disorders
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) comprise a range of developmental disorders that are characterized by social impairments, communication difficulties, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior.
There are three different types of ASDs:
Autistic Disorder (or “classic” autism)
This is what most people think of when hearing the word “autism.” People with autistic disorder usually have significant language delays, social and communication challenges, and unusual behaviors and interests. Many people with autistic disorder also have intellectual disability.
Asperger Syndrome
People with Asperger syndrome usually have some milder symptoms of autistic disorder. They might have social challenges and unusual behaviors and interests. However, they typically do not have problems with language or intellectual disability.
Pervasive Developmental Disorder–Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS or “atypical autism”)
People who meet some but not all of the criteria for autistic disorder or Asperger syndrome may be diagnosed with PDD-NOS. People with PDD-NOS usually have fewer and milder symptoms than those with autistic disorder. The symptoms might cause only social and communication challenges.
Possible Causes of ASDs:
Scientists aren’t certain about what causes ASDs, but it’s likely that both genetics and environment play a role. Researchers have identified a number of genes associated with the disorder. Other studies have found biochemical and structural irregularities in various regions of the autistic brain. While such findings are intriguing, they are preliminary and require a great deal of further study. The theory that parental practices are responsible for ASDs has long been disproven. There is also no credible evidence indicating that childhood vaccinations cause autism.
How are ASDs treated?
There is no single best treatment for all children and adults with ASDs. However, well-planned, structured teaching of specific skills is very important. Some people respond well to one type of treatment, while others may have a negative response or no response at all to the same treatment.
Educational/Behavioral Interventions
Therapists use highly structured and intensive skill-oriented training sessions to help children develop social and language skills, such as Applied Behavioral Analysis. Family counseling for the parents and siblings of children with an ASD often helps families cope with the particular challenges of living with a child with an ASD.
Medications
Doctors may prescribe medications for treatment of specific autism-related symptoms, such as inattention, impulsivity, sleep problems, anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or severe behavior problems.
Other therapies
There are many nontraditional/alternative therapies available, though many of them have not been supported by scientific studies and some have caused harm to children with ASDs. Parents should be cautious about implementing treatments that have not been found effective by careful clinical research.
What we offer to patients with Autism that other offices may not offer to patients are:
1. Vineland 3 Comprehensive
2. Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS®-2)
3. WPPSI, WISC-IV, WISC-V
All 3 of the above are now required by Tricare to be approved for services.
There are three different types of ASDs:
Autistic Disorder (or “classic” autism)
This is what most people think of when hearing the word “autism.” People with autistic disorder usually have significant language delays, social and communication challenges, and unusual behaviors and interests. Many people with autistic disorder also have intellectual disability.
Asperger Syndrome
People with Asperger syndrome usually have some milder symptoms of autistic disorder. They might have social challenges and unusual behaviors and interests. However, they typically do not have problems with language or intellectual disability.
Pervasive Developmental Disorder–Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS or “atypical autism”)
People who meet some but not all of the criteria for autistic disorder or Asperger syndrome may be diagnosed with PDD-NOS. People with PDD-NOS usually have fewer and milder symptoms than those with autistic disorder. The symptoms might cause only social and communication challenges.
Possible Causes of ASDs:
Scientists aren’t certain about what causes ASDs, but it’s likely that both genetics and environment play a role. Researchers have identified a number of genes associated with the disorder. Other studies have found biochemical and structural irregularities in various regions of the autistic brain. While such findings are intriguing, they are preliminary and require a great deal of further study. The theory that parental practices are responsible for ASDs has long been disproven. There is also no credible evidence indicating that childhood vaccinations cause autism.
How are ASDs treated?
There is no single best treatment for all children and adults with ASDs. However, well-planned, structured teaching of specific skills is very important. Some people respond well to one type of treatment, while others may have a negative response or no response at all to the same treatment.
Educational/Behavioral Interventions
Therapists use highly structured and intensive skill-oriented training sessions to help children develop social and language skills, such as Applied Behavioral Analysis. Family counseling for the parents and siblings of children with an ASD often helps families cope with the particular challenges of living with a child with an ASD.
Medications
Doctors may prescribe medications for treatment of specific autism-related symptoms, such as inattention, impulsivity, sleep problems, anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or severe behavior problems.
Other therapies
There are many nontraditional/alternative therapies available, though many of them have not been supported by scientific studies and some have caused harm to children with ASDs. Parents should be cautious about implementing treatments that have not been found effective by careful clinical research.
What we offer to patients with Autism that other offices may not offer to patients are:
1. Vineland 3 Comprehensive
2. Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS®-2)
3. WPPSI, WISC-IV, WISC-V
All 3 of the above are now required by Tricare to be approved for services.