If your child recently received an autism diagnosis, you may be wondering — what is autism spectrum disorder? It’s crucial to understand autism, so you’ll be better prepared to deal with it. At an autism treatment center, you’ll have the tools and resources to move forward. Let’s take a closer look at this disorder so that you can understand more about it.
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) defines autism spectrum disorder this way:
“Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior. Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is said to be a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life.”
When a doctor diagnoses a child with autism spectrum disorder, they must have a certain set of symptoms present. Some of these symptoms include:
Communication issues
People with autism spectrum disorder have a hard time communicating with others. Some who are on the severe side of the spectrum are non-verbal, so their communication is extremely limited by hand gestures and sounds.
However, others who can speak also struggle. They have a difficult time carrying on a back-and-forth conversation. They also may have an unusual sound to their voice because they lack inflection. Some children speak very intelligently and sound too “old” for their age.
Restricted or repetitive behavior
When thinking about — what is autism spectrum disorder, another symptom that many have is either a repetitive or restrictive behavior. They may repeat the same information over and over or want to discuss the same topic repeatedly. They may like the same meal again and again or repeat the same words over and over.
When it comes to restricted behavior, they get upset when anything changes in their routine. They want things to stay the same.
Difficulty functioning in everyday life
All of the symptoms children with ASD have, make it difficult to function in everyday life. It’s crucial to find autism treatment services to provide them with the services and tools they need.
Many children on the spectrum have difficulties managing life without support services because they see and experience things so much more differently than neurotypical children.
Who Does ASD Affect?
ASD affects every race, ethnic group, and socioeconomic status. However, boys are affected at a much higher rate than girls. The reason for this is unknown.
Seek Treatment
Your child will gain considerable help from an autism spectrum disorder treatment center. A reputable treatment program will make a significant difference in how your child progresses in life.
Through therapy, your child will learn the strategies and tools for overcoming difficult challenges. Furthermore, they will learn how to cope with peer relationships.
Your child will be surrounded by compassionate therapists at an autism disorder treatment center, who will use evidence-based therapies to make sure your child moves forward with a confident mindset.
A wide range of therapies provides the foundation for autism spectrum disorder. Some of the therapies that are available include:
- Applied behavior analysis
- Social skill training for children
- Speech therapy for children with autism
- Occupational therapy
- Assistive technology
In addition, parents will learn strategies to assist at home with their child. It will also teach them what to expect when they’re dealing with situations that they may not be expecting.
Don’t let your child’s autism spectrum disorder diagnosis get in the way of a peaceful life. Now that you know more about — what is autism spectrum disorder, you can reach out to a qualified autism spectrum disorder treatment and get the help you need today.