What Is Autism?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder often find that skills like social interaction and social communication are not intuitive. They frequently thrive on routines and may exhibit sensory processing differences and repetitive behaviors.
Symptoms of Autism
Because autism is a spectrum disorder, its symptoms will vary from child to child. One person may experience a severe deficit that another person may not have at all. The following are some of the more common symptoms:
- exhibiting strong visual and auditory learning skills
- communicating in an expressionless voice
- not adapting well to transitions or changes in schedules or routine
- dominating the conversation with one preferred topic
- not tracking with a discussion
- avoiding eye contact
- not comprehending other points of view
- using gestures, facial expressions, and movements out of context to the conversation
- reacting less or more strongly than others to sensory stimuli
- wandering mind when people are talking
- repeating certain phrases, behaviors, or words (Autism Spectrum Disorder, n.d.)
ASD Therapy for Children
Because autism looks different for each child, practitioners tailor therapy to the presenting symptoms and their severity. Some of the following therapies are used:
- applied behavior analysis (ABA)
- speech therapy
- occupational therapy
- physical therapy
- Qigong Sensory Therapy (QST)
Please note, sometimes people with autism have other exceptionalities at the same time. Children may also have anxiety and depression, seizures and sleep disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and gastrointestinal disorders (Autism Spectrum Disorder ASD, n.d.).
Pediatric Autism Spectrum Disorder Therapy
Therapy for autism offers hope and can bring tangible changes to daily life — for your child and your family. Not sure what to do next? Call RISE Pediatric Therapies.