SOMA Therapy has counselors who can help those with autism as well as caregivers who have an autistic family member. Schedule an appointment today.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a range of conditions that affect development, both mental and physical. Autism is part of the broader group of developmental disabilities, which also includes learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, and other neurological disorders. Many autistic people are diagnosed later on in life and some aren’t diagnosed at all. This page contains information about ASD, the varying symptoms, and how it affects people at different ages.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a range of conditions that affect development, both mental and physical. It is not a behavior problem.
People with ASD can have difficulty using speech to communicate, forming close relationships, or playing and learning in ways that other children do. They may have intense reactions to certain sounds or textures or take too much time doing a task that other children can do easily. Some people with ASD are able to live independently while others need more support throughout their lives.
Although people with ASD share some similar behaviors and social challenges, they often have different strengths, interests, and needs which makes it difficult to predict the challenges they will face throughout life.
Many autistic people are diagnosed later on in life and some aren’t diagnosed at all. This can be for a number of reasons, including the fact that many doctors are not trained to recognize autism spectrum disorder and often fail to spot it. Even if you have received an official diagnosis, you may still feel confused about it and what it means for your life moving forward.
One thing that can help is receiving an official “Diagnostic Report.” These reports include detailed descriptions of autistic behaviors in children as well as adults so that parents and professionals can better understand what’s going on with their child or loved one. They also explain how these behaviors might impact their development over time; this will allow doctors to recommend appropriate treatment plans based on the needs of each person’s particular case scenario.” Full assessments and diagnostic reports are often completed by a psychologist or psychometrist.
ASD affects more than just behavior and often shows up early in life, but not every person develops ASD or learns they have it at the same age or time in their lives.
It’s important to note that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a spectrum. People with ASD have different levels of ability and can be affected in many different ways. It’s not just one thing, but a combination of symptoms that make up the diagnosis.
The definition of ASD has changed over time as scientists learn more about it and how it affects people. The most recent definition was released by the American Psychiatric Association in May 2013, and it includes five categories:
• Social communication challenges
• Restricted interests or repetitive behaviors
• Sensory issues like sensitivity to noise or touch
• Difficulty relating to others’ feelings or points of view
Conclusion
While it can be difficult to understand autism spectrum disorder, we hope that this article has helped you gain a better understanding of the disorder. It’s important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to autism spectrum disorder and its varying forms; not everyone with ASD will have all of these symptoms or experience them at the same time or intensity. Instead, each person on the spectrum has their own unique set of needs and abilities that must be recognized by those around them—including parents, teachers, caregivers and doctors alike.
To learn more about Autism Spectrum Disorder and the different treatment options in our Wichita community, call Soma Therapy at 316-201-6047 or fill out our contact form.