AUTISM Q & A
What is autism?
Autism is a group of complex neurodevelopmental disorders that affect your ability to think, feel, communicate, and interact with others. It typically presents in early childhood.
Autism is referred to as a spectrum disorder due to the varying symptoms and levels of disability, as well as to encompass a number of disorders that have autistic traits. Examples are Asperger syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), and childhood disintegration disorder.
The severity of autism varies significantly, but all of the disorders have some degree of difficulty with social interaction, a need for consistency with surroundings and activities, and repetitive behaviors that affect daily life.
What are the Symptoms of Autism ?
Symptoms of autism vary depending on the degree of the disorder. Common symptoms in young children include:
Regression of language skills at an early age
No responding when their name is called
Lining up toys or objects
Symptoms that may indicate autism later in life include:
Inability to make friends
Difficulty carrying on a conversation
Preoccupation with objects or subjects
How Autism Treated?
Autism treatment is aimed at managing symptoms, and it includes medication, behavioral therapy, and education. Because each person with autism presents differently, there’s no one-size-fits-all treatment.
Behavioral and educational therapy works to teach children social and language skills and proper behaviors in a highly structured and intense format. Dr. Erickson provides behavioral analysis along with counseling for the family.
Dr. Erickson may prescribe medication to help manage anxiety, depression, or obsessive compulsive behaviors for the person with autism.
What is psychiatric disorders are linked to Autism?
Many children and adults with autism also have psychiatric disorders, including:
Attention deficit disorder/attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder
Obsessive compulsive disorder
Managing mental health issues that appear in people with autism may lessen symptoms and improve quality of life.
However, it’s important to note that there’s an overlap between symptoms of autism and other mental health disorders. For example, people with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia may also have episodes of social inappropriateness. Getting help early may increase the likelihood that you get the right treatment and decrease the risk of a misdiagnosis
