Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted and repetitive behaviors. This informational page aims to provide insights into ASD, its symptoms, diagnosis, and available resources.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts, as well as restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.

Persistent Deficits in Social Communication and Social Interaction:

  • Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity, such as difficulty initiating or responding to social interactions.

  • Deficits in nonverbal communicative behaviors used for social interaction, such as poorly integrated verbal and nonverbal communication, abnormalities in eye contact and body language, or deficits in understanding and using gestures.

  • Deficits in developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships, ranging from difficulties in adjusting behavior to suit various social contexts to difficulty in sharing imaginative play or making friends.

    Restricted, Repetitive Patterns of Behavior, Interests, or Activities:

  • Stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, use of objects, or speech (e.g., echolalia, repetitive questioning).

  • Insistence on sameness, inflexible adherence to routines, or ritualized patterns of verbal or nonverbal behavior (e.g., extreme distress at small changes, difficulties with transitions).

  • Highly restricted, fixated interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus.

  • Hyper- or hypo-reactivity to sensory input or unusual interests in sensory aspects of the environment (e.g., apparent indifference to pain or temperature, adverse responses to specific sounds or textures).

Common Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • Difficulty in social interactions and communication, such as challenges in understanding social cues, maintaining eye contact, and engaging in reciprocal conversations.

  • Repetitive behaviors or interests, such as hand-flapping, rocking, or intense fixation on specific topics or objects.

  • Resistance to change or insistence on sameness in routines or environments.

  • Sensory sensitivities or difficulties, including heightened sensitivity to lights, sounds, textures, or tastes.

  •  Difficulty understanding and expressing emotions, as well as challenges in empathizing with others' perspectives.

Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder

Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder can be difficult because there is no medical test or blood test to diagnose the disorder. Doctors look at the child’s developmental history and behavior to make a diagnosis.

Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder involves a comprehensive evaluation often conducted by a multidisciplinary team including psychologists, pediatricians, and other specialists. This assessment should include a thorough developmental history, parent/caregiver descriptions of the child’s development, observation of behavior, standardized assessments, and screenings for coexisting conditions.

What age can you diagnose autism?
Autism can sometimes be detected at 18 months of age or younger. By age 2, a diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered reliable.

Early intervention is crucial for addressing symptoms and promoting optimal outcomes. To learn more about the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, here is a helpful and informational article from the CDC!

Autism Spectrum Disorder Treatment and Supports

Behavioral approaches:

Behavioral approaches are focused on modifying behaviors through understanding the antecedents and consequences surrounding the behavior. One evidence-based behavioral intervention for individuals with ASD is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which aims to reinforce desired behaviors while discouraging undesired ones to enhance various skills. Progress is carefully monitored and evaluated.

Developmental approaches:

Developmental approaches aim to enhance specific developmental skills, such as language proficiency or physical capabilities, as well as broader interconnected developmental abilities. These approaches are frequently integrated with behavioral interventions. Some common developmental interventions include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and sensory integration therapy.

Educational Support:

Individualized education plans (IEPs) or 504 plans can provide accommodations and supports to address the unique learning needs of children with ASD. Specialized educational settings, such as inclusive classrooms or autism support programs, may also be beneficial.

social relational approaches:

Social-relational treatments aim to help children with autism develop better social skills and form emotional connections with others. Some of these treatments involve parents or peer mentors.

parent training

Providing parents with resources, guidance, and support is essential for effectively managing the challenges associated with raising a child with ASD. Parent training programs can teach strategies for promoting communication, managing behavior, and fostering social skills development.

Available Resources

At Tampa Pediatric Psychology, we offer autism testing and evaluations, parent training for kids with autism, and individual therapy for children and parents specializing in autism.

If you're seeking effective treatment and guidance for your child, don't hesitate to reach out to our team of licensed child psychologists today. Tampa Pediatric Psychology is ready to support you and your family in any way we can.