Autism Spectrum Disorders

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Autism Spectrum Disorder, commonly referred to as ASD, is a group of complex neurodevelopmental disorders that impact how individuals communicate, interact socially, and behave. (1) The term “spectrum” refers to the wide range, or spectrum, of strengths, symptoms, challenges, and skills that vary tremendously in their presentation. The most obvious signs of autism tend to appear between the ages of 2 and 5, but it may be diagnosed as young as 18 months of age. (1) Early assessments and diagnosis of developmental challenges are essential to improved treatment outcomes from early intervention.

Erin Badour and the NeuroZone team are among California’s leading cognitive specialists. If you are interested in learning more about your or your child’s autism and exploring the options available, please schedule a consultation with our team. Our locations in Culver City, Santa Monica, and Redondo Beach offer comprehensive care and therapy for several different developmental and cognitive challenges, and we can help you or your child achieve the results you want to see. Contact us online by submitting our online contact form, or call any of our locations directly to arrange your free consultation.

About Autism Spectrum Disorders

There are great variations in the symptoms we associate with ASD. Every individual on the spectrum will show varying types and varying degrees of challenges with social skills, communication skills, repetitive behaviors, and other behavioral characteristics. The symptoms of autism cannot be explained or attributed to any intellectual disability or developmental delay. Knowing a child’s normal early developmental milestones and what skills are expected to surface at what age can assist in the early determination of a possible spectrum delay. (2) Some key developmental milestones in babies and toddlers could be a red flag for concerns.

BY 6-9 MONTHS:

  • Minimal smiling, or a lack of warm and joyful expressions toward others
  • Limited or no eye contact
  • Minimal vocal play, smiles, or other nonverbal signs of communication

BY 12 MONTHS:

  • Minimal to absent early babbling
  • Limited to absent use of gestures to communicate needs and wants
  • No response when their name is called
  • No “real” words

OTHER SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS AT ANY AGE:

  • Difficulty relating to others, a disconnect from loved ones, and a preference to be alone
  • Abnormal or inappropriate emotional responses
  • Uses mostly nonverbal communication or demonstrates continued language delays
  • Avoids eye contact with others
  • Inappropriate use of objects such as toys
  • Peculiar repetitive body movements, such as hand flapping
  • Repeats words or whole phrases over and over again
  • Difficulties with adapting to change
  • Sensory challenges, which result in extreme reactions to sounds, lights, tastes, touch, and textures
  • Emotional outbreaks
  • Unusual or unexplained fear or nervousness

Types of Autism Spectrum Disorder

The disorders that are now categorized as Autism Spectrum Disorders include autism, Asperger’s Syndrome (AS), and Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). There has been great debate about how to define autism. (2) Generally speaking, autism is a developmental disorder that is characterized by a broad range of difficulties in the areas of social interaction, communication, and behavior. The classification systems used describe various clinical features and specify that a certain number of these features or criteria must be present for the diagnosis to be valid. (3)

CLINICAL FEATURES OF AUTISM:

  • Onset of the condition before age 3
  • Delay or abnormal functioning in social interaction, such as eye gaze and facial expression
  • Delay or abnormal functioning in language skills used in social interactions and symbolic/imaginative play
  • Impaired communication skills, such as a lack of speech production, failure to initiate or sustain conversations, or repetitive use of language
  • Restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities are manifested
  • Executive Dysfunction
  • Sensory processing and sensory integration deficit
  • Attention deficits specifically with joint attention
  • Deficits in emotional regulation
  • Auditory processing deficits

ASPERGER’S SYNDROME (AS):

Asperger’s is distinguished from autism primarily based on the preservation of language and cognitive capacities in the first 3 years of life. It is often characterized as a milder form of autism with salient features of higher cognition, higher language skills, and more social motivation until adolescence and adulthood, when social disabilities interfere with everyday life. Language acquisition of individuals with AS is often precocious, where some children begin to speak before learning how to walk.

CLINICAL FEATURES OF ASPERGER SYNDROME (AS):

  • Onset of Symptoms: Occurs later in childhood, with language acquisition skills and cognitive skills developing appropriately in early childhood.
  • Social Functioning: Attachment patterns with family seem normal, with minimal signs of a social disability. The disability becomes more apparent outside of the home in groups where they become awkward and will approach others in inappropriate or eccentric ways.
  • Communication Patterns: Speech patterns have noticeable attributes such as poor prosody, fast rate of speech, and poor fluency. Speech may be tangential and quite circumstantial.
  • Confined Interests: Will compile large amounts of factual information about a topic that will often dominate the content of social exchanges. These are often referred to as “special interests.”
  • Motoric Challenges: Delayed acquisition of motor skills requiring coordination, such as riding a bike, catching a ball, and climbing on play structures.
  • Anxiety: This is one of the most common coexisting conditions that impacts individuals with AS.
  • Depression: Another one of the most common coexisting conditions that impacts individuals with AS.

PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS (PDD-NOS):

Pervasive Developmental Disorders – Not Otherwise Specified became the diagnosis used for children and adults who did not meet the criteria for other Autism Spectrum Disorders, such as classic autism or Asperger’s Syndrome. Individuals diagnosed with PDD-NOS have deficits that are very similar to autism in that the symptoms usually arise during the first years of life. However, the symptoms are often in a milder form, and the prognosis for progress is better than it is for those diagnosed with autism. The social, communication, behavioral, and emotional characteristics are also similar to those found with autism. The difference is that the severity and the scope of deficits in these areas do not meet the restrictive criteria of autism, Asperger’s, Rett’s, or childhood disintegrative disorder.

CLINICAL FEATURES OF PDD-NOS:

  • Milder form of autism
  • Social delays
  • Communication and language deficits, especially pragmatics and social conventions of language
  • Difficulties understanding the expression of emotions
  • Behavioral deficits such as emotional outbursts and tantrums
  • Perseverations (excessive repetition of a thought, phrase, or action)

Benefits of Clinical Help for ASD

Identifying ASD issues early on can help many children live easier lives. When undergoing treatment at NeuroZone, some of the advantages our patients see through therapies include:

  • Improved communication skills: Specialized therapies can adeptly enhance verbal and nonverbal communication abilities.
  • Greater social interaction: Individuals can learn how to effectively engage and collaborate socially with peers, gaining confidence in forming relationships.
  • Reduction in repetitive behaviors: Various therapeutic approaches assist in managing and reducing unwanted repetitive behaviors, promoting a smoother transition through daily tasks.
  • Enhanced learning abilities: Tailored education plans can facilitate improved academic performance by addressing individual learning styles.
  • Support for families: Programs focused on family support provide guidance and community connections, ensuring that caregivers feel empowered and informed.
  • Better sensory processing: Therapies can teach coping strategies for sensory overload or under-responsiveness, leading to decreased anxiety in everyday situations.
  • Development of daily living skills: Adaptive skills training helps individuals become more independent in daily life responsibilities.
  • Management of coexisting conditions: Focused interventions can also address co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), improving overall health and well-being.

Candidacy and Personal Consultations

Anyone who exhibits symptoms that align with ASD is eligible for a consultation with Erin Badour and the team of experts at NeuroZone. Because many of these symptoms can arise from other conditions, it is important to receive a diagnosis from trained professionals. Autism Spectrum Disorders can be difficult to diagnose because the signs and symptoms of ASD often overlap with the signs and symptoms of a variety of other disorders and conditions. Autism Spectrum Disorders frequently co-occur with other developmental delays, learning disabilities, psychiatric conditions, and medical conditions. Some of the most common of these are ADHD, nonverbal learning disorders, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorders, sensory disorders, intellectual disabilities, hearing impairments, developmental language disorders, speech impediments, visual impairments, developmental coordination disorders, and more.

If you would like to explore autism treatment options, please schedule a consultation with Erin Badour and the team at NeuroZone. This appointment is an opportunity for our team to meet with you or your child, evaluate the symptoms present, and diagnose the condition. Schedule your consultation today by submitting our online contact form or calling any of our Southern California offices directly.

Procedure

With the increased knowledge and research about Autism Spectrum Disorders, there is a broad array of treatments that directly address the different aspects of ASD. Behavior intervention and cognitive-behavioral interventions will address emotional regulation and other behavioral issues.

Given the broad scope of deficits in ASD, treatment often requires a team approach, involving professionals from a variety of disciplines, including speech pathology, psychology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and behavior therapy, among others. Treatment approaches will focus on individual deficits. For instance, the speech pathologist will address the speech, language, and communication deficits, while the occupational therapist will work on sensory integration and sensorimotor functions. Behavior intervention and cognitive-behavioral interventions will address emotional regulation and other behavioral issues.

By evaluating your or your child’s unique symptoms, we can develop a comprehensive treatment plan that helps them cope with the challenges they are presented with.

Risk Factors and Potential Causes of ASD

The literature on the causes and risk factors for Autism Spectrum Disorders is extensive and points to many different possibilities. It is difficult to determine exactly what causes Autism Spectrum Disorders because of the vast combination of issues that are at play in healthy childhood development. Much of the work done in this area classifies risk factors into three prominent categories: environmental, biological, and genetic. Some of the well-established factors or risks of autism include:

  • Genetic or chromosomal abnormalities or conditions
  • Presence of other medical conditions, such as neurofibromatosis
  • Inheritance within families, such as brothers, sisters, twins, or parents with ASD
  • Maternal hypothyroidism
  • Maternal thalidomide use
  • Maternal valproic acid use
  • Maternal cocaine or alcohol use (although it is important to note that Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and ASD are two different disabilities)
  • Exposure to heavy metals and other toxins in the environment

Results

With early intervention and comprehensive support, many individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders can flourish. Improvements in social interaction, communication skills, and daily living competencies can lead to enhanced quality of life.

Parents often report noticeable growth in their children’s ability to engage with peers, express themselves clearly, and participate in various activities successfully, ushering them toward greater independence.

Expectations must remain realistic; progress occurs over time and requires continued effort from families and educators alike. At NeuroZone, we celebrate every success in this profound journey toward improved outcomes.

Cost of Autism Treatment in Los Angeles

The cost of autism treatment will vary depending on the symptoms present and what therapies are incorporated into treatment. In many cases, autism treatment is a lifelong process, so an exact price figure can be hard to gauge. However, receiving these treatment processes is beneficial and can help patients and their parents live happy lives without unnecessary stress.

We encourage you to schedule a consultation with Erin Badour and the team of experts at NeuroZone today to discuss your or your child’s autism treatment options. If you have any further questions, please call any of our offices directly.

FAQ

What is autism?

Autism is a broad term that covers a variety of neurological developmental disorders marked by difficulties in socialization, communication, and displays of interest in both play and activities surrounding daily life.

How is autism diagnosed?

Autism diagnosis involves a comprehensive approach consisting mainly of observational assessments, interviews, and standardized testing, all conducted by qualified professionals.

Can autism be cured?

Currently, there is no cure for Autism. Treatment approaches focus on addressing challenges and supporting skill development rather than completely curing the condition.

What are the typical symptoms of autism?

Symptoms can include challenges with social interaction, delayed speech and language skills, rigid thinking patterns, and sensory sensitivities.

Is early intervention important in autism treatment?

Yes, early intervention is crucial. Studies have shown that significant progress can result when tailored programs are initiated early, yielding positive behavioral changes.

References

  1. Mughal S, Faizy RM, Saadabadi A. Autism Spectrum Disorder (Regressive Autism, Child Disintegrative Disorder). PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525976/
  2. Hodges H, Fealko C, Soares N. Autism spectrum disorder: Definition, epidemiology, causes, and clinical evaluation. Translational Pediatrics. 2020;9(1):55-65. doi:https://doi.org/10.21037/tp.2019.09.09
  3. World Health Organization. Autism Spectrum Disorders. World Health Organization. Published November 15, 2023. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/autism-spectrum-disorders