04.Autism

04.1.What isAutism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability. It can lookdifferent for each child. It can affect day-to-day life. Children with ASD havedevelopmental differences in their communication, social interactions, andbehavior.

 ASD occurs in up to one in 44 children (or 23 per 1,000) in the UnitedStates. Males are four times more likely to have autism than females, withautism occurring in 36.5 per 1,000 males and 8.8 per 1,000 females. Symptoms ofASD can appear as early as 12-18 months of age.

04.2.What Causes Autism in Children?

The cause of ASD is not known. Scientists believe it is caused by bothgenetic and environmental factors. Vaccines do not cause autism. It is also notcaused by parenting.

04.3.Signs of Autism in Children

Signs of ASD include difficulty with social-communication and havingrepetitive behaviors or restricted interests. Some children with ASD have onlya few characteristics. Other children may have many symptoms. It is common forchildren with ASD to have behavior challenges. These challenges may includetantrums, worries, or trouble focusing. Specific signs of ASD in children are:

 Not making eye contact

Not responding to their name

Difficulty interacting socially with peers or making friends

Not pretending or socially playing

Repetitive or unusual movements such as hand-flapping or body rocking

Less use of gestures, such as pointing or waving

Repetitive or unusual language

Difficulty having a conversation with others

Unusual interests or fixations with certain objects or topics

Difficulty with changes in routine

Unusual response to sound, touch and taste. This can include trouble withloud sounds, not wanting to be touched, or dislike of certain textures offoods.

Sleep problems

There are several signs in young children that suggest they should beevaluated for autism. These include:

 Lack of eye contact

No response to name being called

Lack of babbling between 6-12 months

Lack of pointing for communication by 12 months

Not saying any words by 18 months

Loss of language at any age

04.3.Treatment forChildren with Autism

Treatment for autism may include one or more of the following:

04.3.1.Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy for autism uses evidence-based techniques to decreasechallenging behavior. These behaviors may include tantrums, aggression,destructive behavior, or self-harm. This therapy also helps with daily livingskills like toilet-training, feeding problems, and sleep problems. It can alsohelp treat anxiety and depression. Parents are very involved in the treatmentprocess. They help with goal setting and using intervention strategies.

04.3.2.Speech and Language Therapy

Speech and language therapy for autism helps improve how childrenunderstand language (receptive language) and how they speak (expressivelanguage), how clear their words are to others (sound production), and how theyparticipate in conversation (pragmatic communication). We also useevidence-based treatment techniques for patients needing augmentative andalternative communication systems, such as communication devices.

04.3.3.Occupational Therapy (OT)

Occupational therapy for autism focuses on improving skills in dailyactivities such as feeding, self-care and play/educational activities.Occupational therapy also focuses on sensory processing and integration,emotional regulation, and motor skills. We create and start with goals that areimportant to families.

04.3.4.Group Therapy

We offer group therapy to patients and caregivers to address behaviorconcerns, social skills, anxiety, communication, and sensory processing. Goals,participation, and schedules will vary based on the group.