Understanding Spectrum Disorders
Spectrum Disorder and Your Family
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder services offered in Doylestown and King Of Prussia, PA
Piecing Together the Puzzle
Autism Support Starts Here
It can be overwhelming if you suspect you or your child may have an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Searching for the right professional to guide and diagnose neurodivergence can feel never-ending and confusing. The diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder can be made through a complete and thorough assessment by a Psychiatrist, Developmental Pediatrician, or Neuropsychologist. A comprehensive evaluation will help answer your questions and provide a personalized plan for you and/or your child.
Putting the Puzzle Pieces Together
Signs & Symptoms of Autism
As the name suggests, Autism Spectrum Disorder can display a wide range of characteristics. These signs and symptoms can range from mild features to profound developmental delays. If you feel like some of the signs or symptoms listed below describe behaviors you're seeing, or if your child's pediatrician mentioned the possibility of ASD, we suggest reaching out to P.S. Psychiatry to talk to a trained professional.
Avoiding Eye Contact: The individual (you or your child) tends to purposely avoid eye contact with others, including those close to them.
Delayed Speech and Communication Skills: There is a significant delay in verbal and overall communication skills that last beyond the typical developmental milestones.
Reliance on Rules: Adherence to rules and routines are important, and a lack of rules may lead to adverse emotional and behavioral reactions.
Being Upset by Minor Changes: Minor deviations from expectations or schedules causes significant emotional dysregulation.
Sensory Sensitivity: There is an extreme sensitivity to one or multiple sensory stimuli. This can include touch, taste, smell, noise, or sight.
Difficulty Understanding Others’ Emotions: Perceiving another person’s emotions (both conceptually and visually) is difficult. This can lead to misunderstandings and inappropriate responses.
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Treatment Options
We understand that navigating Autism Spectrum Disorder can feel overwhelming, but P.S. Psychiatry is here to help guide you. Below are a few options that your P.S. Psychiatry provider might discuss with you.
Evaluation: A formal Autism Evaluation (also called an assessment) is critical in obtaining a formal diagnosis and appropriate support.
Therapy: Talking with a licensed therapist is a great place to understand your Autism diagnosis.
Nutrition: Nutritionists and dietitians are a wonderful resource to ensure your body gets all the nutrients it needs.
Q
I think my child is on the spectrum. Who do I go to to have them formally diagnosed?
For the most comprehensive diagnosis, a neuropsychologist should conduct an evaluation. Once completed, the neuropsychologist can explain the results and recommendations for support and overall treatment plan.
Q
Once I find out my child is on the spectrum, are there medications they can take to help them?
When your child is diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, you can consult with your P.S. Psychiatry provider to help you manage some of the symptoms of ASD. However, no medication is currently indicated to treat an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Q
My child is on the spectrum, and I am burnt out and feel I need some medication for depression and anxiety. Is this normal?
You are not alone. It is normal for parents of children diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder to worry a great deal and have some apprehension and sadness. It’s also common to feel exhausted and overwhelmed. Many parents, just like you, engage in their therapy and speak with a provider for medication management. If you’d like to talk with someone, one of our P.S. Psychiatry providers can discuss options and evaluate whether or not prescribing medication is appropriate.
Q
Can the psychiatrist write a note for special accommodations at school for my child on the spectrum?
Although your P.S. Psychiatry provider can write a note, they may not be the best choice. Typically the Neuropsychologist who did the testing for the diagnosis can collaborate with the school for accommodations. If your child is in therapy, their therapist may work with the school to share their observations and request special accommodations. At times the school may also ask that your family doctor be the contact with the school.
Q
What is the difference between Aspergers Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Asperger Syndrome Disorder is a previously used diagnosis on the autism spectrum. In 2013, it became part of one Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) umbrella diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Though the diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome Disorder is no longer used, many previously diagnosed people still identify strongly and positively with the diagnosis.
Q
Should my child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder go to a special school?
Children diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder predominantly attends mainstream academic institutions. While different districts and schools have various programs and staff, the public school system is generally very attuned to the needs of those on the Autism Spectrum.
Q
Will my child’s spectrum disorder characteristics change as they get older?
A child does not grow out of autism. However, early intervention is crucial in helping your child learn various skills that will help them throughout life. It is possible that for some on the spectrum, with early enough support, they will be able to live an independent life.
Q
My husband and I are splitting apart because of the demand and sadness around having a child with a spectrum disorder. Is divorce common among parents of kids with spectrum disorder?
The researchers from Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins University found that parents of children with autism split up as often as parents who don’t have an autistic child.
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