Autism Spectrum Disorder
The National Institute on Mental Health (NIHM) notes Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the name used for a group of developmental disorders. ASD includes a wide range of skills, impairments, and symptoms on a “spectrum.”
This Autism Spectrum Disorder checklist can help identify symptoms:
- Repetitive behaviors
- Limited interests or activities
- Difficulty communicating and interacting with others
Individuals with ASD are impacted differently. Some are only mildly impaired by these symptoms while others may be severely impaired.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 1 in 68 children have been diagnosed with ASD. This includes 1 in 42 males and 1 in 189 females. Individuals diagnosed with ASD also may have other comorbid diagnoses. For example, around one-third of people diagnosed with ASD are also diagnosed with an intellectual disability. Other common diagnoses that accompany an ASD include attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety and seizures.
Early intervention and treatment can help people learn new skills to overcome difficulties. However, since ASD impacts everyone differently. There is no single best treatment. Instead, the best treatment is that which is person-centered and is designed to meet the person’s specific needs, strengths, weaknesses, and desires. SpringHealth uses a person-centered approach by designing treatment plans that place the person at the core.
NIMH: Autism Spectrum Disorder