ASD Explained in Depth
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is important because it helps us recognize the unique challenges and strengths that people with ASD have.
ASD is a complex disorder that affects how people communicate, interact with others, and experience the world around them. It’s called a spectrum disorder because it manifests differently in each person, with a wide range of abilities and challenges.
Let’s examine ASD in more detail and consider how it can impact people at different levels of functioning. Contact us today or continue reading to learn more.
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disability that affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, and experiences the world around them. Children with ASD may experience delays in social skills and communication and engage in behaviors that interfere with their ability to interact with their environment. It is important to note that each child with autism has their own unique strengths and interests.
Additionally, it’s essential to recognize that autism is a spectrum, which means that each child with this diagnosis is unique and may have a range of abilities and challenges. No two children with autism present in the exact same way; therefore, their treatment needs to be tailored to their specific needs.
In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association revised the way autism was diagnosed with the release of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The DSM-5 combined categories started using the term “autism spectrum disorder” instead of various diagnoses that were used to categorize different types of autism. The autism spectrum now includes conditions that used to be thought of as separate, like:
This change shows that ASD truly is a “spectrum” and includes a range of characteristics and needs among people with autism.
As parents, understanding ASD can help us support our children better. Early intervention, such as behavioral therapies like applied behavior analysis, can make a big difference in helping children with ASD thrive. It’s also important to approach everyone with empathy, patience, and acceptance.
Understanding autism spectrum disorder symptoms can help parents and caregivers provide the best support for their children.
Here are some common signs to look for:
Recognizing these signs early on can lead to timely interventions and support that can significantly benefit children with ASD in their development and daily lives.
The cause of autism is still unknown. What we do know is that every child develops differently, and some children with autism spectrum disorder have unique traits influenced by a mix of things, including:
The important thing to remember is that autism spectrum disorder looks different for everyone. Understanding these factors helps us appreciate the diverse ways children with ASD experience the world. This knowledge allows us to support their individual needs and growth better.
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) outlines three levels of autism to help understand the level of support an individual might need. It’s important to remember that these are not diagnoses but rather a way to describe needs and can help medical professionals and families decide the best course of treatment at the time of diagnosis. It is important to note that each child will present differently and may have characteristics from a few of the levels.
Children at this level are still developing their social and communication skills but do not need a high level of support. They can express their needs and wants clearly but might need extra support understanding nonverbal cues or initiating conversations. They often have strong interests and enjoy routines that provide comfort and a sense of predictability, and they may experience some difficulty with transitions from one activity to another.
Children at this level express themselves in unique ways and show deficits in verbal and non-verbal communication. They might be working on forming complete sentences or navigating social situations that can feel overwhelming. Their passions and preferred routines are strong, and they may repeat actions they find comforting or interesting, and those repetitive behaviors may interfere with daily functioning. Due to increased difficulty coping with change, these children thrive with extra support in daily activities and social settings, allowing them to connect and participate in their own way and benefit from support to assist with changes to their environment and schedule.
Children at this level have unique ways of expressing themselves and might rely more on nonverbal communication to share their wants and needs. They may be non-verbal communicators who need support in determining a mode of communication. Social situations can be complex; understanding expectations can take time and repeated practice. They require a lot of support in daily activities and show a higher level of restrictive behaviors or inflexibility to change. Still, with assistance and support in their environment, they can thrive and participate in ways that work best for them. With ongoing support and interventions, they can continue to develop their communication, social interaction, and self-care skills.
It’s important to remember that every child is unique, and those with autism spectrum differences will have their own individual strengths and areas of need. By understanding these differences, we can better support our child’s needs and celebrate their unique way of experiencing the world.
Understanding how each child may present differently across autism spectrum disorder can help parents and caregivers provide appropriate support and understand when they should reach out for support or an evaluation.
More Obvious Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder:
Less Obvious Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder:
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with a wide range of symptoms. Treatment options for ASD typically focus on addressing specific symptoms, improving quality of life, and promoting independence. Here are some common treatment approaches for ASD:
Choosing the right mix depends on the individual’s needs, but these options offer a comprehensive approach to managing ASD symptoms and improving quality of life.
At Bierman Autism Centers, we are dedicated to creating a meaningful impact on the lives of children with autism spectrum disorder and their families. We strive to provide comprehensive support and resources for all families.
Through evidence-based interventions such as applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy, we aim to promote positive outcomes and foster independence for individuals with ASD.
We encourage you to contact us today to learn more about our services.
