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Autism
About Autism
One of the most important things you can do as a parent or caregiver is to learn the early signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and become familiar with the typical developmental milestones that your child should be reaching.Children with autism will have symptoms from a very young age, beginning before the age of three. Some children with an ASD show hints of future problems within the first few months of life. Other children appear to develop normally until 18–24 months, then either stop gaining new skills or lose some they’ve already developed. While every child develops differently, we also know that early treatment improves outcomes, often dramatically. Reports or Feedback dates are scheduled at least 3 weeks after all documentation has been received based on the doctors availability.
At risk "red flag" behaviors that may indicate Autsim
www.AutismSpeaks.org and www.MyAutism.org identifies the following “red flags” that may indicate your child is at risk for an autism spectrum disorder. If your child exhibits any of the following, please don’t delay in asking for an evaluation:
- Avoidance of eye contact
- No response to name by 12 months
- Loss of speech, or delayed speech and language skills
- No back-and-forth gestures such as pointing, showing, reaching or waving by 12 months
- No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by 6 months or thereafter
- No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions by 9 months
- Has difficulty talking about feelings of their own or other people’s feelings
- No spontaneous play of “pretend” games (such as pretend feed a doll) by 18 months
- Repeats words or phrases over and over (echolalia)
- Gets upset by minor changes in routine or environment
- Has obsessive interests
- Demonstrates hand flapping, body rocking, or spinning in circles
- Has unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look or feel
Screening Guidlines
Current American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines call for screening all toddlers at 18 and 24 months, the age at which existing screening methods are best able to identify children with autism. More recently developed psychological testing now allows for detection as early as 12 months of age. Early detection of autism allows for early intervention with behavior therapies that can improve long-term outcomes.
Pierce K, Carter C, Weinfeld M, et al. Detecting, Studying, and Treating Autism Early: The One-Year Well-Baby Check-Up Approach. Journal of Pediatrics.
How can a Psychologist help with Autism
A clinical psychologist who specializes in ASD can assist in early identification of risk as well as be an essential part of a child’s treatment team. A clinical psychologist can help with:
- Reducing aggressive and self-harm behaviors
- Regulating your child’s emotional anxiety
- Enhancing verbal and non-verbal communication skills
- Fostering reciprocal social interaction
- Improving social skills with peers
- Identifying and coping with environmental triggers
- Teaching adaptive skills to develop independence
- Reducing ritualistic, repetitive behaviors
- Collaborating with educational systems
- Coordinate your child’s treatment team of providers
- Provide practical and emotional support for parents
Research has shown that behavioral interventions are effective for improving language, cognitive abilities, adaptive behavior, and social skills, and reducing anxiety and aggression. Brief, targeted behavioral interventions including parent-delivered practices can greatly improve social communication in toddlers and young children. Grade-schoolers and adolescents with ASD demonstrate enhancement of social skills among peers through group social skills programs. Cognitive behavioral therapy combined with social skills training is most effective for high functioning individuals, while systematic desensitization is more effective for those with significant intellectual challenges.
Dawson, G., Burner, K. Behavioral interventions in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: A review of recent findings. Current Opinions in Pediatrics. Dec 2011;23(6):616-20.