Autism

Are you worried your child may have autism?

Does your child avoid eye contact or not respond when spoken to?

Has your son or daughter exhibited signs of repetition or obsession?

Autism awareness is at an all-time high, widely discussed by the medical community, media outlets, concerned parents and society in general. While autism may appear to be more widespread today than decades ago, experts believe the increase in diagnoses is due to greater awareness of autism and its signs and symptoms.

Autism is a neurobehavioral disorder that envelops a spectrum of symptoms and impairments that range in severity. Autism is characterized by difficulty in communicating and interacting with others, and obsessive or repetitive behavior. Depending on how a child is communicating and interacting, autism diagnoses can start as young as two years old. It’s also not uncommon for adults to seek diagnosis if they notice symptoms in themselves or their children.

Here is a list of behavioral trends you may be observing in your child:

•   Inability to maintain eye contact, or failure to respond when spoken to or called by name
•   Rigid rules or routines
•   Isolation or avoiding social interaction
•   Repetitive or obsessive behavior, such as lining up objects or only performing tasks in a particular order
•   Involuntary or excessive behaviors such as blinking, rocking, hand flapping or finger flicking

A diagnosis of autism can help your child find solutions to symptoms that are interfering with their daily life. Autism can make it difficult for appropriate social interaction, both with verbal and nonverbal communication. Autism can also lead to difficulty making eye contact or involuntary noises that can cause problems at home, at school or with peers.

Autism can make it difficult for your child to make or maintain friendships, or to get along with family members. When children with autism mature, it can be harder for them to have intimate relationships. They may also develop repetitive, obsessive or ritualistic behaviors that interfere with their daily life.

Therapy is an amazing tool to help manage these behaviors. I can help address any of these areas of difficulty, as well as teach coping methods for anxiety that may arise for your child, you or family members.

If you’re concerned your child may be exhibiting signs of autism, a pediatrician, licensed child neurologist or psychologist can assess and evaluate them. Once diagnosed,I can help them better manage their symptoms. However, a diagnosis is not needed for me to be able to treat and help with any challenging behaviors.

Please contact me today to schedule an appointment for your child.