Autism spectrum disorder is a type of speech and behavioral disorder that is congenital or negatively affects a person’s quality of life throughout their entire life. Early diagnosis and rehabilitation are very important in autism, which is called a mental disorder. It manifests itself in recurring behavioral symptoms in the first 3 years of life.
There is no treatment method that allows you to completely overcome autism. You can only minimize the consequences of the disorder that prevent a person from leading a quality life and socializing in society. At this stage, various drug treatments and rehabilitation methods are very useful.
What is autism
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is not a disease, as is commonly believed, but a complex of neurological developmental disorders that affect a person’s socialization, communication, and behavior.
Symptoms vary greatly depending on the type and severity of ASD and usually appear before age 2. People with autism typically need a strict routine that is repeated day after day. Even small changes can trigger anxiety or tantrums. Often people with ASD are hypersensitive to sounds, smells and tastes.
To diagnose autism, consultations with several specialists are required: a psychologist, a neurologist, a therapist, or a pediatrician.
ASD is not a disease, so there is no cure for it. It is important for people with this disorder to adapt to life in society and learn to manage their emotions. Behavioural, educational and family therapy are very helpful in this.
What are the types of autism?
1. Asperger's syndrome
This syndrome is a complex of neurological disorders. It is characterized by difficulties in communicating with people. This type of autism does not cause regression in language and mental development. People with this disorder do not have weaknesses in grammar, vocabulary, and verbal skills. However, weaknesses in the visual and perceptual areas may be observed.
2. Childhood disintegrative disorder
Children with this disorder develop normally for at least 2 years. However, with the onset of the disorder, accumulated knowledge is quickly lost. In this type of autism, along with a lag in mental skills, there is a delay in mental development.
3. Atypical autism
In addition to difficulties with speech, continuous speech, there are problems in social life and developmental disorders. Symptoms appear at an early age. However, in some cases, it is not possible to make a complete diagnosis. Problems can also be resolved by receiving a good education. The most suitable type of autism for treatment is atypical.
4. Riet syndrome
This is a genetic autism spectrum disorder that occurs in girls. In addition to occurring in the first 5 months after birth, the growth of the head is slowed. But this manifests itself in obsessive hand movements. Over time, personal skills regress. This disease, which occurs with conditions such as drug addiction and attention deficit, can respond positively to behavioral training and special therapy.
Causes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Most cases of autism spectrum disorder do not have a specific cause. It is believed that autism can be caused by certain genetic disorders, exposure to toxic substances, environmental factors, and many other causes. Possible causes of autism:
- ✓ Genetic mutations or inherited genetic conditions;
- ✓ Exposure to toxic substances during pregnancy;
- ✓ Complications during birth or low birth weight;
- ✓ Advanced parental age at the time of conception;
- ✓ Prenatal exposure to certain medications or infections;
- ✓ Imbalance in brain chemicals (neurotransmitters);
- ✓ Environmental factors affecting brain development;
- ✓ Sibling or family history of autism spectrum disorder;
- ✓ Abnormalities in brain structure or function;
- ✓ Unknown or multifactorial causes in most cases;
- Taking anticonvulsants (in particular, valproic acid) during pregnancy;
- Rubella vaccine during pregnancy;
- Prader-Willi syndrome, a rare genetic disorder associated with chromosomal abnormalities. The disease manifests itself as obesity, mental retardation, underdevelopment of the hands and feet, and abnormalities in the formation of the genitals.
Often, mutations that later lead to autism occur spontaneously during fetal development, rather than being inherited from parents.
What are the symptoms of autism?
A child born with autism is no different from a healthy baby. Of course, this is true for the first months. This happens after a certain period. After birth, the child does not encounter any abnormal situations for some time. But as the child begins to grow, symptoms of autism appear.
Symptoms of autism are found when examining three areas. Symptoms of autism are manifested in repetitive behavior, communication and social interaction. Children with autism have most of the following symptoms;
- ✓ Difficulty making eye contact or engaging in social interaction;
- ✓ Delayed speech or lack of verbal communication;
- ✓ Limited response to name or verbal cues;
- ✓ Preference for playing alone rather than with peers;
- ✓ Repetitive movements such as hand-flapping or rocking;
- ✓ Strict adherence to routines or resistance to change;
- ✓ Intense interest in specific topics or objects;
- ✓ Unusual sensory responses (e.g., overreacting to sounds or textures);
- ✓ Difficulty understanding emotions or social cues;
- ✓ Lack of imaginative or pretend play;
- ✓ Lack of gestures and facial expressions.
- ✓ They do not respond when their name is called or called by name.
- ✓ There is insensitivity to the interests of people, family members.
- ✓ There may be a delay in the development of language and speech skills.
- ✓ May show no interest in games or activities.
- ✓ May act insensitive and indifferent to toys.
- ✓ May overreact to changes and what is being done.
- ✓ They can attribute different purposes and qualities to the objects around them.
- ✓ Has difficulty changing the tone of voice when speaking.
- ✓ May be hypermobile or completely immobile.
- ✓ May exhibit increased sensitivity to factors such as sound, light, pain and smell, which can be perceived by the five senses.
- ✓ May show intolerance to some situations.
- ✓ They may show more interest in some unusual items than necessary.
Autism symptoms start to appear between the ages of 6 months and one year. There are two different types of autism symptoms. First, we can talk about social communication and interaction symptoms of autism. It is assumed that the child recognizes his family, makes eye contact and listens when called. But a child with autism does not respond to these situations. Another type of autism symptoms is repetitive movements and behavior. These are movements such as rolling over, rocking.
Early Diagnosis Matters
Don’t delay. Early detection and intervention can greatly improve long-term outcomes.
Have questions about symptoms or therapy? Contact Everts Psychiatry & Family Medicine for expert guidance.
Call: (469)-868-6250Risk factors for developing autism
The exact causes of autism are unknown, but researchers believe that certain factors increase the risk of developing it. Risk factors for developing autism:
- ✅ Family history of autism: In families where there is already a child with ASD, the risk of having a second child with the same disorder is 18% higher than in families with children without such a disorder.
- ✅ Obstetric complications: Arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, threatened miscarriage, breech presentation, premature birth, preeclampsia, massive uterine bleeding before or after birth.
- ✅ More than 4 births
- ✅ Age of parents: The risk increases if the mother is over 35 and the father is over 50.
How does a child with autism feel?
Autistic people are very unique, first of all because they really hear, see and feel reality differently. Due to genetic disorders, their brain is hyperactive and simply does not have time to analyze everything that surrounds the child. Therefore, the world is perceived fragmentarily and distorted.
Perception disorders can lead to a child confusing a raised finger with a pen, not responding to his name, but flinching if a car passes by. Most often, sensory confusion occurs in relation to touch. A child may not tolerate the touch of soft fabric or warm water, but he enjoys touching a prickly sweater or a spruce branch.
How is autism diagnosed?
Doctors cannot diagnose autism by blood or urine tests or brain imaging, meaning there are no normal or abnormal processes in the body’s fluids and tissues that doctors can use for diagnosis. Diagnosis is based on clinical observations and behavioral characteristics.
Doctors usually begin to notice symptoms of autism around age 2 and can make a diagnosis at that time. However, with good clinical observation, doctors can detect symptoms even in a one-year-old child. It is impossible to detect autism in the womb. Therefore, when a family is diagnosed with autism, the question often arises as to how to treat autism. Symptoms of autism are determined by month as follows:
Age Range | Developmental Observation |
1st month | They usually do not look at the face. |
2nd month | Do not see a smile. |
2–3 months | Does not follow any object with their eyes. |
2–6 months | Does not respond to vocal stimuli and external factors. |
3–6 months | Understanding and perceptual skills are not developed. |
4–7 months | Does not recognize facial expressions. |
At 6 months | Does not write or express thoughts. |
At 7 months | Does not imitate speech sounds or what he hears. |
8–10 months | Prefers caregivers. |
At 12 months | Responds to separation from caregiver. |
12–24 months | Does not point, does not respond to calls, does not use appropriate gestures and facial expressions. |
👉 If your child has these symptoms of autism, it is necessary to undergo an examination by a specialist for an early diagnosis. The child should be examined by a specialist and begin treatment.
Treatment of autism
The earlier a person is diagnosed with autism, the greater the chances of improving their quality of life. Special early intervention programs have been developed for this purpose. As a result, the child not only learns skills and socializes better, but also gets rid of so-called accompanying difficulties such as problematic behavior.
Treatment of autism in children
To help a child with ASD adapt to life in society, it is necessary to overcome key deficits – develop social skills, flexibility, learn to regulate emotions and take care of themselves independently. A special feature of the programs for teaching children with ASD is the mandatory participation of the family. Adaptation is needed not only for the child, but also for his relatives.
Research shows that assistance programs started at an early age lead to good results. For example, in the US 20-30 years ago, more than 70% of children with ASD spoke poorly or did not speak at all by the time they started school. With the advent of assistance programs, only 25% speak poorly.
Specialists use different methods to alleviate the manifestations of ASD and help the child. In each case, an individual therapy program is created. Tools for individual ASD therapy programs:
- ✓ Behavioral therapy (e.g., Applied Behavior Analysis – ABA);
- ✓ Speech and language therapy;
- ✓ Occupational therapy;
- ✓ Sensory integration therapy;
- ✓ Social skills training;
- ✓ Play therapy and structured play activities;
- ✓ Parent training and family counseling;
- ✓ Educational support and individualized learning plans;
- ✓ Medication management (when necessary);
- ✓ Regular developmental assessments and progress tracking.
Behavioral therapy (ABA, or applied behavior analysis)
Behavioural therapy is a program that uses specific technologies and teaching methods. It gently changes a child’s behaviour by helping him understand what happens before and after certain actions. The goal of ABA is to identify the child’s natural desires and use them in the learning process.
The learning process consists of several independent blocks. Thus, all complex skills, including speech, creative play, the ability to look into the eyes and even brush teeth, are broken down into small subtasks – actions. Each subtask is learned with the child separately, then they are connected in a chain, forming a complex action. For example, auditory perception and attention are developed using the ABA method as follows:
- ✓ Uses structured techniques to shape behavior through repetition and reinforcement;
- ✓ Helps the child understand the connection between actions and consequences;
- ✓ Focuses on identifying and using the child’s natural motivations in learning;
- ✓ Breaks down complex behaviors into manageable, teachable steps;
- ✓ Teaches each subtask individually before combining them into complete skills;
- ✓ Supports development of everyday functions like speech, eye contact, and hygiene routines;
- ✓ Applies targeted methods to build auditory perception and attention.
If the child fails or doesn’t like it, the teacher or parent does not give any assessment.
According to the ABA program, teachers and parents reward the child for positive (desirable) behavior, focus on successes and do not react to negative (undesirable) behavior.
Treatment of autism in adults
As a rule, in adulthood, people with ASD can be full members of society, but they require supportive therapy to control associated conditions such as increased anxiety, irritability, insomnia. Medicines to support people with ASD:
- ✓ Neuroleptics to suppress aggression and especially autoaggression;
- ✓ Antidepressants and sedatives for depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety;
- ✓ Medications for insomnia.
Doctors also can treat ASD in adulthood using cognitive behavioral psychotherapy.
Alternative medicine methods such as acupuncture, massage, or breathing exercises have not been shown to be effective in many studies, but they also do no harm if used as directed.
However, diets that are considered beneficial for people with autism, such as gluten-free, casein-free, or high in omega-3 fatty acids, may be potentially dangerous. Diets can only be recommended by a doctor if there is a real need for them, such as gluten intolerance, lactose intolerance, etc.
Everts Psychiatry & Family Medicine - Autism Treatment
At Everts Psychiatry & Family Medicine clinic in Duncanville, TX, we offer high-quality autism diagnostics using modern methods and technologies. Our autism diagnostic center is equipped with advanced equipment and caring staff specialized in neurology and psychology.
Autism diagnostics at our center includes a wide range of procedures and tests aimed at early detection and accurate classification of this disorder in children, adolescents and adults. We perform differential diagnostics of autism, helping to distinguish its symptoms from other neurological or psychological conditions, such as alalia or other forms of speech disorders.
One of our priority tasks is early diagnosis of autism in children. We understand that the earlier the disorder is identified, the earlier we can begin corrective measures and provide support to families. Our defectology specialists conduct a comprehensive assessment of the child’s development and provide professional assistance in determining the presence of autism.
Along with diagnostics, we offer individualized autism correction programs that are tailored to the needs of each patient. We strive to provide not only accurate diagnostics, but also effective treatment aimed at improving the quality of life of our patients and their families.
🧠 Neuropsychologist
Our neuropsychologists conduct neuropsychological testing, give recommendations, assignments, exercises, and conduct training to develop memory, attention, and internal speech.
🖐️ Occupational therapist
Our occupational therapists conduct diagnostics of hand function, develop precise hand movements, psychomotor coordination, identify reasons for limitations in self-care, learning, everyday life, and play. Adapts the child’s environment so that it becomes developing and supporting the necessary skills; conducts sensory system training, helps cope with autostimulation.
🏃 Physical therapist
At our Everts Psychiatry & Family Medicine clinic, our physical therapists conduct diagnostics of motor control, motor abilities, coordination, conduct stretching – stretch training, balance training, psychomotor control training when walking, teach walking, standing up, sitting down, crawling, etc.
🗣️ Speech therapist
Our speech therapists conduct diagnostics of speech, swallowing, breathing. Trains articulation, vocal breathing, pronunciation, speech, conversation, social communication. Conducts speech therapy massage, exercises, articulation gymnastics, finger training, etc.
🎲 Therapeutic teacher
Identifies problems with learning and play activities, teaches skills through games, develops play activities according to age, lays the foundation for self-care, learning in kindergarten and school.
🧘 Consulting psychologist
Provides consultations to parents, works with chronic stress, mental fatigue, anxiety, helps to return the resource for solving life’s problems, and finds a resource for rest.
🎯 Sensory Integration Specialist
Conducts diagnostics of the disorder in children before the start of the recovery or rehabilitation period, which includes issues related to the sensory systems: vestibular, olfactory, visual, tactile, gustatory, proprioceptive. This allows for the development of an individual intervention program for each child, in the process of which the main sensory systems that the child strives or learns to perceive, analyze and respond to will be involved.
Frequently Asked Questions About Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
What is autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?
Autism spectrum disorder is a group of neurological developmental conditions that affect communication, behavior, and social skills. It typically appears in early childhood and varies in severity and symptoms.
What are the early signs of autism in children?
Common early signs include delayed speech, lack of eye contact, repetitive behaviors, limited interest in social interaction, sensitivity to sound or textures, and not responding to their name.
How is autism diagnosed in children and adults?
Autism is diagnosed through behavioral assessments and developmental screenings conducted by professionals such as pediatricians, psychologists, and neurologists. There are no blood or imaging tests for diagnosing autism.
At what age can autism symptoms be detected?
Symptoms of autism can begin to show between 6 months and 3 years of age. In many cases, professionals can reliably diagnose autism by the age of 2.
Can autism be cured completely?
There is no cure for autism. However, early diagnosis, individualized therapy, and support programs can significantly improve quality of life and help individuals with ASD lead fulfilling lives.
What are the different types of autism?
Autism types include Asperger’s syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, atypical autism, and Rett syndrome. Each type has unique characteristics and may require different approaches for support.
What causes autism spectrum disorder?
Autism can be caused by genetic factors, prenatal exposure to certain substances, birth complications, environmental influences, or brain development abnormalities. In most cases, the exact cause is unknown.
Who is at higher risk of developing autism?
Risk factors include family history of autism, parental age over 35, premature birth, low birth weight, and complications during pregnancy or delivery.
How does autism affect sensory perception?
Many individuals with autism experience sensory sensitivities. They may be over- or under-sensitive to light, sound, smell, touch, or taste, which can affect daily functioning and behavior.
What therapies are used to treat autism in children?
Treatment options include ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis), speech therapy, occupational therapy, sensory integration, play therapy, and parent training. A tailored combination is often most effective.
Is autism treatment different for adults?
Yes. Adult autism treatment focuses on managing co-existing conditions like anxiety, depression, or insomnia, and may include cognitive behavioral therapy and medications when necessary.
What role does family support play in autism treatment?
Family involvement is crucial. Training and support for parents and caregivers enhance therapy outcomes and improve the child’s social and emotional development.
Where can I get my child tested for autism?
You can schedule a professional evaluation at Everts Psychiatry & Family Medicine in Duncanville, TX, where specialists provide early diagnosis, personalized therapy, and supportive care for individuals with autism.
👉 Book an appointment here
