Autism Spectrum Disorder | Autism Treatment Details

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An Overview

Autism is a complex neurobehavioral condition that includes impairments in social interaction and developmental language and communication skills combined with rigid, repetitive behaviors.

DIAGNOSE

Early diagnosis can make a huge difference in the lives of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. But it’s not always easy to make an ASD diagnosis. There’s no lab test for it, so doctors rely on observing the behaviors of very young children and listening to the concerns of their parents.
ASD has a very wide range of symptoms. Some people who are “on the spectrum” have severe mental disabilities. Others are highly intelligent and able to live independently.
Wherever your child falls on the spectrum, getting an autism diagnosis is a two-stage process, and it starts with your pediatrician.

Autism is a spectrum disorder characterized by:

- Impairments in social interaction
- Impairments in communication
- Presence of restricted, repetitive behaviors (RRBs)

Autistic Disorder
Asperger’s Disorder (with Language)
PDD-NOS (Not Otherwise Specified)
Rhett’s Disorder
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

Autism is a spectrum disorder characterized by:

- Impairments in social interaction
- Presence of restricted, repetitive behaviors (RRBs)

No/poor eye contact
No/poor response to name
No/poor imitation skills
Repetitive movements with objects
Abnormal posturing of body, arms, hands or fingers
Echolalic speech (Repetitive Speech)
No social smile by 6 months
No imitation of sounds/ smiles/facial expressions by 9 months
No babbling by 12 months
No imitation of gestures (pointing/waving/reaching) by 12 months
No words by 16 months

Head banging
Hand flapping
Non-communicative
Non-verbal
“Own world”
Echolalic speech

Psychiatric – Anxiety / Depression / OCD / Oppositional defiant disorder
Behavioural – Disruptive / Irritable / Aggressive / Self injurious
Sensory disturbances – Tactile / Visual / Auditory sensitivity
Oro-motor problems
Intellectual Disability
Neurological – Epilepsy / Tics
Gastrointestinal – GERD / Constipation
Sleep disturbances

Skill-Based Interventions
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

- Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
  - Stimulus – Response – REWARD
  - Useful in developing motor skills, imitation & play, language, emotional expressions, academics
  - Reduction of self-stimulatory & aggressive behaviours
- Functional Communication Training (FCT)
  - Replacing disruptive behaviour with appropriate communication

- Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)
  - Devices & tools to compensate for communication deficits
  - Sign language / picture cards / electronic devices

- Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
  - Exchanging picture paired with verbal label for the item
  - Also provides opportunity for social contact