Psychology and Therapy for Children with Autism, Aspergers and PDD
Autism Spectrum Disorders, also called Pervasive Development Disorders, are a group of disorders with similar features. Included in this spectrum of disorders are autistic disorder (autism), Asperger’s Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder, not otherwise specified. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) present with deficits in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, repetitive behaviors or interests, and may present with unusual responses to sensory experiences. Since these disorders are usually diagnosed early in a child’s development, they are referred to as developmental disorders. Some children have severe deficits in these areas and some have mild deficits.
If your child or teen is affected by any of these conditions, we can help.
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Autism
The symptoms of autism can usually be detected as early as 18-months old and include delays in one or more of the following three areas:
- Impairment in Communication: Both verbal (delay in or lack of development ospoken language; inability to initiate or sustain conversation; repetitive use of language) or non-verbal communication (poor eye contact, lack of relational communication such as smiling or gestures that promote communication)
- Impairment in Social Interaction: Failure to develop age appropriate peer relationships, lack of social or emotional reciprocity, inability to hold a conversation, lack of spontaneous play with others and preference for solitary play
If your child or teen is affected by any of these conditions, we can help.
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Routines or Repetitive Behaviors (stereotyped behaviors):
Repeating words or actions, inflexible adherence to routines or behaviors, preoccupation with objects or parts of objects, repetitive mannerisms (e.g., finger or hand flapping or twisting)
If your child or teen is affected by any of these conditions, we can help.
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Asperger’s Disorder:
Asperger’s Disorder is similar to Autism in that there are often social delays as well as repetitive and restricted patterns of behavior; however, children who are diagnosed with Asperger’s Disorder do not demonstrate language delays and often have average to above average intelligence.
If your child or teen is affected by any of these conditions, we can help.
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Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD):
CDD is a condition similar to autism but appears after a period of normal development, usually around the age of 3 or 4-years old. Typically, in children who are diagnosed with CDD, language, engagement and interest in social environment, and self care abilities are dramatically diminished or lost after a period of normal development. Following the dramatic loss of skills, children diagnosed with CDD resemble children with autism.
If your child or teen is affected by any of these conditions, we can help.
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Pervasive Development Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified (PDDNOS):
Children who are diagnosed with PDD, NOS present with significant problems with communication, play and some deficits with social interaction. However, their ability to engage with their environment and socialize is often not severe enough for a diagnosis of autism. Early intervention is imperative for prognosis of all of these developmental disorders.
At Equilibria Kids, we have early childhood specialists who can help support you and your child and help your child develop skills and specific coping mechanisms. In addition, we help parents find appropriate community resources to aid in early intervention.
If your child or teen is affected by any of these conditions, we can help.