Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a general term for a complex disorder of brain development. The disorder is characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, repetitive behaviors, and/or restricted interests. With the May 2013 publication of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-V), the other related disorders (e.g., Asperger’s Syndrome) were merged into a single diagnosis of ASD.1 The term “spectrum” refers to the wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of impairment or disability that people with ASD can have. Some children and adults are mildly impaired by their symptoms, while others are severely impacted.2 Parents should keep in mind that many professionals continue to use the subtypes in describing symptoms, such as Asperger’s Syndrome or PDD-NOS, but these are no longer official diagnostic categories.
There are many different types of treatments available for Autism Spectrum Disorder. For example, auditory training, discrete trial training, vitamin therapy, anti-yeast therapy, facilitated communication, music therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and sensory integration. The different types of treatments can generally be broken down into the following categories: behavior and communication approaches, dietary approaches, medication, and complementary and alternative medicine.
Screen your child here and call our office if you would like to schedule an appointment to discuss the results or for further testing.
- http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism
- http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/index.shtml
- Image: Klinger, L., Dawson, G., Burner, K. &Crisler, M. Autism Spectrum Disorder.In E.J. Mash & R.A. Barkley (Eds.), (2014). Child Psychopathology, 3rd Guildford Press.