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HPA Psychiatry in Texas

Autism Treatment

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Autism Treatment

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences. We now know that there is not one autism but many types, caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental influences.
The term “spectrum” reflects the wide variation in challenges and strengths possessed by each person with autism.
Autism’s most-obvious signs tend to appear between 2 and 3 years of age. In some cases, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. Some developmental delays associated with autism can be identified and addressed even earlier. Autism Speaks urges parents with concerns to seek evaluation without delay, as early intervention can improve outcomes.

  • Symptoms

    The following "red flags" suggest a child is at risk for autism. Some children without autism have some of these symptoms, and not all children with autism show all of them. That’s why further evaluation is crucial. If your child exhibits any of the following, please see Step 2: Get your child screened.
    Possible signs of autism in babies and toddlers:● By 6 months, no social smiles or other warm, joyful expressions directed at people● By 6 months, limited or no eye contact● By 9 months, no sharing of vocal sounds, smiles or other nonverbal communication● By 12 months, no babbling● By 12 months, no use of gestures to communicate (e.g. pointing, reaching, waving etc.)● By 12 months, no response to name when called● By 16 months, no words● By 24 months, no meaningful, two-word phrases● Any loss of any previously acquired speech, babbling or social skills
    Possible signs of autism at any age:● Avoids eye contact and prefers to be alone● Struggles with understanding other people’s feelings● Remains nonverbal or has delayed language development● Repeats words or phrases over and over (echolalia)● Gets upset by minor changes in routine or surroundings● Has highly restricted interests● Performs repetitive behaviors such as flapping, rocking or spinning● Has unusual and often intense reactions to sounds, smells, tastes, textures, lights and/or colors

  • Associated medical and mental-health conditions

    The following information is not meant to diagnose or treat and should not take the place of personal consultation, as appropriate, with a qualified healthcare professional.A number of medical and mental-health issues frequently accompany autism spectrum disorder. These include:
    ● Epilepsy● Gastrointestinal problems● Feeding Sleep disturbances● Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder● Anxiety● Depression● Obsessive compulsive disorder

  • Causes

    One of the most common questions asked after a diagnosis of autism is what caused the disorder.

    We know that there’s no one cause of autism. Research suggests that autism develops from a combination of genetic and nongenetic, or environmental, influences.

    These influences appear to increase the risk that a child will develop autism. However, it’s important to keep in mind that increased risk is not the same as cause. For example, some gene changes associated with autism can also be found in people who don’t have the disorder. Similarly, not everyone exposed to an environmental risk factor for autism will develop the disorder. In fact, most will not.

    Autism’s genetic risk factors

    Research tells us that autism tends to run in families. Changes in certain genes increase the risk that a child will develop autism. If a parent carries one or more of these gene changes, they may get passed to a child (even if the parent does not have autism). Other times, these genetic changes arise spontaneously in an early embryo or the sperm and/or egg that combine to create the embryo. Again, the majority of these gene changes do not cause autism by themselves. They simply increase the risk of the disorder.

    Autism’s environmental risk factors

    Research also shows that certain environmental influences may further increase – or reduce – autism risk in people who are genetically predisposed to the disorder. Importantly, the increase or decrease in risk appears to be small for any one of these risk factors:

    Increased risk:

    Advanced parent age (either parent)

    Pregnancy and birth complications (e.g., extreme prematurity [before 26 weeks], low birth weight, multiple pregnancies [twin, triplet, etc.])

    Pregnancies spaced less than one year apart

    Decreased risk:

    Prenatal vitamins containing folic acid before and at conception and through pregnancy

    No effect on risk:

    Vaccines.

    Each family has a unique experience with an autism diagnosis, and for some, it corresponds with the timing of their child’s vaccinations. At the same time, scientists have conducted extensive research over the last two decades to determine whether there is any link between childhood vaccinations and autism. The results of this research are clear: Vaccines do not cause autism.

150 Pine Forest Dr Ste 501, Shenandoah, TX 77384(936) 270-8011moc.liamg%40yrtaihcyspaph

HPA Psychiatry © Created by DearDoc. | All rights Reserved.

150 Pine Forest Dr Ste 501, Shenandoah, TX 77384(936) 270-8011moc.liamg%40yrtaihcyspaph

HPA Psychiatry © Created by DearDoc. | All rights Reserved.