Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
ASD treatment for children
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) encompasses a range of conditions characterized by impaired social functioning, communication and language deficits, and a limited number of personal interests and activities that are engaged in repetitively.
Autism Spectrum Disorder begins in childhood and persists into adolescence and adulthood. In most cases, ASD can be diagnosed in the first 5 years of life. Unlike other mental disorders that demonstrate periods of remission and relapse, ASD generally follow a steady course across the lifespan.
Individuals with ASD often have other co-occurring diagnoses, including epilepsy, depression, anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Intellectual functioning in individuals with ASD is also highly variable.
Key facts
1 in 160 children has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
ASD begins in childhood and continue into adolescence and adulthood.
While some people with ASD can live independently, others have severe disabilities and require life-long care and support.
Evidence-based psycho-social interventions, such as behavioral treatment and parent skills training programs can reduce difficulties in communication and social behavior.
Interventions for people with ASD need to be accompanied by broader actions for making physical, social and attitudinal environments more accessible, inclusive and supportive.
Factors that influence ASD
Available scientific evidence suggests that there are probably many factors that increase a child’s likelihood of having an ASD, including environmental and genetic factors. Lower intellectual functioning makes it more difficult to adapt to the daily demands of life.
Managing autism
Intervention during early childhood is important to promote the optimal development and well-being of people with autism. We offer psycho-educational assessments for a variety of referral questions — this type of assessment can help determine learning disabilities and determine intellectual functioning.
Family involvement in care of people with ASD is important for successful intervention. Identifying what causes affected people both distress and well-being is an important element of care, as is finding out what environments are most conducive to better learning.
Evidence-based psycho-social interventions such as behavioral treatment and skills training programs can reduce difficulties in communication and social behavior with a positive impact on the person’s well-being and quality of life.
Next steps
If you are concerned about your child's mental health, our psychologists can help with individual therapy and parent coaching. Contact us today to book your appointment or to set up a free phone consultation.
References
World Health Organization. (2017, April). Autism Spectrum Disorders. Retrieved from World Health Organization: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/autism-spectrum-disorders/en/