As our understanding of autism spectrum disorder grows, so do treatment options and early intervention programs for children and young adults. Approximately 1 in 54 children are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says. Autism often accompanies other physical and mental health conditions, thus complicating treatment. You may be wondering if your child is on the autism spectrum. It’s crucial to know the symptoms of autism so that you can seek out treatment. When you are looking for autism care in Westchester County, NY, you are on the right track to get your child the help they need.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Defined
When we think about the meaning of autism, it’s critical to think of it as a range of symptoms that can go from mild to severe. It’s not like diabetes or other health conditions where you have it or you don’t. You can have autism in degrees and be on one side of the spectrum or the other. For example, on the one side, you may have a child who is non-verbal and severely autistic. On the other side, you may have a child who can talk and read fluently but doesn’t understand innuendo, subtleties, or humor. The common thread between these two is a difficulty with communication. It also highlights the challenges that the autistic person will have in the realm of social interactions. By getting your child in an autism spectrum disorder treatment program in NY, they will have better opportunities for future success.
Symptoms of Autism
The symptoms of autism are as follows:
Social Skills Struggles
As noted above, social skills are a challenge that autistic children face. It can manifest in a variety of ways. Some kids are rigid in the way they play with toys. Therefore, it makes it hard for them to enter into group play easily. They may not understand imaginative play that well and need prompting. They also may not see things from other points of view. All of these issues will be worked on.
Communication Difficulties
Children with autism may have challenges communicating. Whether it’s with using the right words, talking obsessively about one topic, or repeating the same word or phrase (echolalia), a therapist will work with them on this.
Unusual Interests or Behavior
Have you noticed your child is obsessed with maybe one topic? This can be frustrating for others at times because they’ll talk it about all the time.
Co-occurring Disorders
Children who are on the autism spectrum also have other co-occurring conditions, such as ADHD, anxiety, impulsiveness, chronic gastrointestinal disorders, and sensory processing disorder.
Get Started on the Journey for Treatment
Discover help for your child by contacting an autism treatment center for targeted intervention for autism. It will make a big difference in your child’s life.
Compassionate autism therapists will provide various strategies through the treatment program that will make life more enjoyable for everyone. Your child will be one step ahead in life as they make their way through the program.
This enables your child to have more self-confidence and better experiences with others. You’ll both witness many results, such as:
- Reduction in symptoms
- Improved cognitive functioning
- Enhanced living skills
- Strengthened social skills and interactions
- Better ability to function and participate in the community
Autism therapy programs will also give parents that much-needed assistance they need to deal with their children. At a reputable autism treatment center, you can expect to find resources to assist in the learning process.
Don’t let your child’s autism spectrum disorder diagnosis interrupt the flow in life. Now that you know more about the symptoms of autism, you can reach out to a qualified autism spectrum disorder treatment and get the help you need today.