Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects an individual’s behavior and ability to communicate. 1 out of 54 children in the United States have ASD. The word “spectrum” references the wide variety of symptoms and levels of severity among people diagnosed with ASD.

How to Diagnose ASD?

How to Diagnose ASD?

It is not uncommon for higher-functioning children with ASD to receive an official diagnosis in elementary school or sometimes later. Diagnoses can be made even into adulthood. Regardless of when an individual is diagnosed, it is important to remember that each individual can think and learn differently.

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Development Milestones

Development Milestones

Pediatricians routinely screen children for ASD during wellness visits that document a series of “milestones” that neurotypical children should meet during their development.

Individual Differences

Individual Differences

Autism is not a one-size-fits-all diagnosis and there is still much to learn about ASD and how it impacts a person or family differently. The spectrum is wide; some people have more severe symptoms while others are more high-functioning. Autism also looks different in males and females.

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[ONLINE QUIZ]

Is Your Child on the Autism Spectrum?

Learning if your child has autism is the first step to providing the care and guidance they need to thrive. By answering a few simple questions in our quiz, parents can determine if their child would benefit from an autism diagnosis while learning more about the resources that can help.

What Does Autism Feel Like?

What Does Autism Feel Like?

Of course, like any condition, many people experience ASD differently. However, there are established symptoms and behavioral traits that many individuals with ASD share in common. Those on the severe end of the spectrum may experience most or many of the symptoms identified below, while those that are moderately affected or “high-functioning” may be able to communicate more effectively and live more independent lives.

Here are common symptoms and behavioral traits associated with ASD:

Communication

  • Difficulty understanding intentions of others
  • Difficulty understanding one’s emotions
  • Challenge expressing emotions
  • General difficulty with verbal or non-verbal communication (looks different depending on severity)

Emotional

  • Feeling overwhelmed in social situations
  • Anxious or sad feelings
  • Seeking emotional safety from others (may result in codependency)
  • Need to feel safe
  • The need for personal space (appropriate social distance from others)

Behavioral

  • Avoidance of eye contact or extreme eye contact
  • Not “fitting in” or other times victims of bullying
  • Repetitive behaviors or mannerisms (i.e. Repetitive touching of an object)
  • Heightened focus on specific tasks (i.e. organizing objects, lining up toys in a specific order, ritualized patterns of ways of doing things.
  • Narrow or extreme focus in particular subject or objects
  • Sensory  issues (light, sound, touch, pain, etc.)
  • Obsessive compulsive tendencies

Explore Programs

Explore Programs

Learn more about how our programs can help individuals living with anxiety and depression.

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Meditation

For anxiety and depression, mindfulness improves overall mood by helping individuals to focus on the present moment, improving sleep, attention, concentration, and interpersonal relationships.

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Yoga

For individuals with anxiety and depression, yoga can help promote a tranquil sense of self that is free from the judgment or apprehension that can make it challenging for anxious and depressed individuals to function in their daily lives.

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Nutrition

Multivitamin and mineral supplements (vitamin D, vitamin B complex), foods rich in probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants can make up for the nutritional deficiencies that are common in people with anxiety and depression.

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Music

Science has shown that music can release serotonin within the brain, facilitating relaxation and a sense of calm that allow anxious and depressed individuals to express themselves through music.

Holistic
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Holistic
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