Child Autism Treatment
It is an incredible statistic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that autism now affects one in 150 children – and almost one in 94 boys. This complex developmental disability usually appears in the first three years of life and is often characterized by three distinct behaviors:
- Difficulty with social interactions
- Problems with verbal and non-verbal communication
- Unusual or repetitive behaviors
Autism is the most common of the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Other disorders include Asperger Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and Pervasive Developmental Disorder.
Scientists and researchers continue to look for an indisputable cause of ASDs. As their work continues, significant progress is taking place in the diagnosis and treatment of spectrum conditions.
The specialists at Nulton Diagnostic and Treatment Center are regional leaders in the diagnosis and treatment of ASDs. Our comprehensive approach is tailored to meet a child’s individual needs and often includes the latest therapies to help diminish symptoms. The result? Children struggling with this complicated condition begin to strengthen the skills they need to succeed in school, at home and in their community.
Diagnosis
The specialists at Nulton Diagnostic and Treatment Center are part of a multidisciplinary team that can provide an accurate and timely diagnosis for your child. In addition to our psychiatrists and psychologists, the team may include your child’s pediatrician or family doctor, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech/language therapists and social workers.
Because there are no medical tests to confirm ASDs, these experienced professionals rely on keen and repeated observation, coupled with nationally accepted criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – 4th Edition.
Based on this criteria, the team will examine several aspects of your child’s physical and emotional health, including developmental delays or disabilities, fine motor skills, muscle strength and coordination, repetitive behaviors and communication skills. Their efforts are rooted in common warning signs for ASDs, which can include:
- Lack of, delay in or inability to talk or sustain a conversation
- Repetitive use of language or motion, such as hand-flapping
- Little or no eye contact
- Lack of interest or an inability to make friends
- Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play
- Preoccupation with select objects or subjects, such as rotating fan blades
- Strict adherence to certain routines or rituals
Behaviors that are associated with ASDs can sometimes apply to other medical conditions, too. If this is suspected, medical tests may be ordered to confirm or rule out these conditions.
Once an ASD diagnosis is confirmed, your child can be referred to Nulton Diagnostic and Treatment Center to begin treatment.
Treatment
lthough autism and other ASDs cannot be cured, they can be treated. In fact, treatable symptoms can improve as children grow older, setting the stage for some to go on to lead healthy, normal lives.
To give your child the best chance possible, our specially trained team of specialists takes a multi-pronged approach to treatment. Individualized treatment plans can include:
- Educational therapy to help children strengthen their social and language skills
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), an intensive one-on-one therapy that helps reduce problem behaviors tied to ASDs
- Family counseling to help parents and siblings learn how to cope with the challenges of autism
- Family education to make sure that therapies used during treatment are in place at home, too
- Medication management, when necessary, to help reduce anxiety, depression, attention deficits or behavioral conditions associated with ASDs
In addition, Nulton Diagnostic and Treatment Center offers innovative telemedicine services to treat children with ASDs. Using real-time videoconferencing technology, families can consult with specialists from Recognized Institutes as needed – without leaving the community. Treatment and additional counseling services are also available via this telemedicine program.
Resources
Members of our team are available to answer any questions you may have about Autism Spectrum Disorders and what to expect from the condition as your child grows. For additional general information, you can also visit these web sites:
National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development