Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Some signs of ASD may be apparent at an early age, while others only become recognized later in life. The symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include:

• Difficulty with social interactions, such as difficulty communicating and making friends
• Intense or repetitive interests that can lead to a detailed knowledge of a subject or an unusual focus on objects or topics. This may include being fascinated by numbers, symbols, lists, charts, computers, train schedules or anything else that has order to it. An intense interest in letters or numbers is very common.
• Individuals with ASD may also have problems with daily living skills, such as personal hygiene and dressing appropriately for the weather.
• Difficulty carrying out a conversation can be another sign of ASD. Affected children may not understand the “give-and-take” nature of a conversation, resulting in one-sided interactions.
• ASD can also affect language development. Children with ASD may have delayed language or not speak at all. Some children do not produce expressive language (output) until later than usual, while others repeat phrases verbatim without understanding what they are saying. Sometimes individuals will mix up pronouns, for example saying “you” instead of “I”.
• Individuals with ASD also may engage in repetitive movements, such as rocking their body or flapping their hands. Repetitive behaviors are another general sign of autism. They may develop routines and become upset if these daily patterns are changed or disrupted.

ASD is generally diagnosed during childhood and is a lifelong condition. There is no single test to diagnose ASD. Instead, ASD is diagnosed after a physical exam, discussion of your child’s medical history, a review of symptoms, and ruling out other conditions that cause similar physical symptoms.

Official Autism testing is typically conducted by a psychologist who evaluates the patient in a variety of social and play settings, and interviews may be conducted with teachers, or other relevant adults. Oftentimes, multiple observation sessions are required to determine if ASD is present and to what extent.

We do not conduct this extensive psychological testing for Autism at Florida Family Psychiatry but will conduct a preliminary examination to determine if this intensive psychological testing should be pursued further and we provide medical and psychiatric medication management for patients with Autism.

There is no cure for ASD, nor is there a single treatment. Your child’s treatment plan will be focused on reducing symptoms in order to increase your child’s ability to function, develop, and learn.

For the best treatment outcomes, early intervention during the preschool years is recommended. Typically, you can expect to work with a team of professionals to get your child the right treatment. Treatments for ASD can include: behavioral and communication therapies, education therapy, family therapy, possible speech and/or occupational therapy, and medications to help reduce psychiatric symptoms.