What is autism spectrum disorder? This is a condition that affects the development of the brain. It influences how individuals think and interact with other people. The disorder causes problems in communication and social interaction. A person with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) portrays repetitive and limited patterns of behavior. The term ‘spectrum’ used in naming the disorder refers to how the symptoms appear at a wide range and with severity. A targeted intervention program in Westchester, NY helps children improve their cognitive, language, and social skills, while encouraging them to interact in socially meaningful ways. The intervention services aim to encourage children to make deliberate and frequent efforts to engage with others.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
This disorder involves separate conditions joined together. These conditions include childhood disintegrative disorder, autism, a certain form of pervasive developmental disorder, and Asperger’s syndrome. The disorder starts in early childhood and progresses in adulthood, making it hard for the patient to function well in society. A child finds it difficult to cope in school or at work for the older victims. Most children start showing the symptoms of ASD during their first year. A few children develop normally during their first year. They then begin portraying symptoms of the disorder between 18 and 24 months. There is no known cure for the disorder at the moment. Early treatment makes a big positive difference in the lives of children.
Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Some symptoms start showing during early infancy. These symptoms include lack of response to their name, reduced eye contact, or indifference to caregivers. Some children develop normally during the first few years or months of their life. They later become aggressive and withdrawn. Some lose the language skills that they had acquired before. These signs usually appear by the age of 2 years. Every child struggling with the autism spectrum disorder has a unique level of severity and pattern of behavior. This ranges from low to high functioning.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Treatment Programs
Some children with the disorder experience difficulty in learning. Others have levels of intelligence that are lower than normal. Surprisingly, some children may have very high intelligence levels but find it hard to communicate and apply their knowledge in everyday life. Since every child has unique symptoms, it is sometimes difficult to determine severity. Severity depends on the level of impairments and the way they affect the ability to function. Autism spectrum disorder treatment programs in Westchester, NY provide evidence-based ABA autism spectrum disorder treatment to help your child with autism succeed. Autism spectrum disorder treatment programs include:
- parental services program
- social skills work program
When to Seek the Help of a Doctor
Babies grow at their own pace. Most of them do not follow the timelines available in parenting books. Children with autism spectrum disorder show abnormal delays in their development compared to other children. You need to talk to a doctor if you suspect your child may have some delays in their development.
What is autism spectrum disorder and how does it differ from other developmental disorders? Some symptoms of autism spectrum disorder may be a sign of other developmental disorders. An early intervention program in Westchester, NY helps children to develop better and even get off the spectrum when they grow older. The doctor should recommend developmental skills if the child shows symptoms of ASD.
You should see a doctor if your child shows the following signs:
- Fails to respond with a happy or smile expression by 6 months
- Doesn’t coo or babble by 12 months
- Doesn’t mimic facial expressions or sounds by 9 months
- Loses social skills or language skills at any age
- Doesn’t wave or point by 14 months
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? Find Out by Consulting a Physician
All children are different. You should seek the help of a doctor if you suspect your child has symptoms of ASD. Getting to know, ‘what is autism spectrum disorder’ will help you prevent it and treat it early enough. Take a step to find the best autism disorder treatment program that is best for your child.