To see how we can provide help to you or your loved one, please contact us at 833-3-AUTISM.
Diagnosis
When there are concerns about a child's lack of communication, lack of eye contact, lack of interest in other people or appropriate aged toys, and/or excessive interest in repetitive movements (spinning objects on toys or fans), it is important to pursue a medical examination by a qualified physician or licensed psychologist who is regularly diagnosing and /or working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
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The health insurance provider (for example, private insurance or Medicaid) can assist with qualified professionals that can service the child or adult with a medical visit to determine if the individual does have autism spectrum disorder.
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Unfortunately, there is not a quick medical test to diagnosis autism. Autism behavior assessments will be used with the child or adult along with the family/caregiver. An autism diagnostic evaluation may include a multi-disciplinary team of specialists including a pediatrician/family physician, psychologist, speech and language pathologist and occupational therapist.
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Treatment
It is most important to determine the priorities for the person with autism and the family when considering recommended treatment options from professionals.
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Questions to consider when choosing treatment options:
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Explain the treatment and what it will do for my child/adult.
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Is there scientific research supporting this treatment?
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What would be the schedule for the treatment? The number of hours and days a week or month?
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How much will it cost?
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How long will the treatment results last?
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How is progress measured and how will we know if there are gains from the treatment?
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How involved is the family in the treatment?
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Will this treatment assist the person in improving behavior deficits, living more independently, increasing communication with people, and/or increasing social interaction?
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Treatments and services should be designed for the person's needs and desired goals. Three of the most common treatments include behavioral interventions, occupational, and speech therapy.
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Applied Behavior Analysis Services (ABA) provides evidenced based techniques and strategies that are targeted to increasing developmental skills in communication, higher cognitive functions, social interaction, learning readiness, play and motor skills, self-management, daily living skills, and adapting environments to promote appropriate behavior and learning while discouraging challenging behavior.
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Occupational therapy services focus on enhancing participation in the performance of daily living (feeding, dressing, hand washing), instrumental activities of daily living (community mobility and safety procedures), education, work, leisure, play and social participation.
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Speech therapy services focus on receptive language to have the ability to understand words spoken to the person and expressive language which is the ability to use words to express oneself.