Autism Spectrum Disorder (2)Autism Spectrum Disorder is the most prevalent disorder being diagnosed today.
Autism Spectrum Disorder as described by by the ‘National Institute of Mental Health” is the name for a group of developmental disorders. ASD includes a wide range, “a spectrum” of symptoms, skills and levels of disability.” Identifying ASD behaviors in infants and children mostly falls on parents and doctors. Early detection and intervention is very important. It is essential to begin Occupational and Speech Therapy and sometimes PT, at the first signs of developmental delay. A child can begin these interventions before having a diagnosis of ASD. CTC understands all the variables of this disorder that influence development. Every child has skills and strengths that make them unique. Our therapists recognize this and build upon these skills, while facilitating new skills essential for development. Parents will learn how they can support the development of these newly acquired skills in their own home. Let CTC’s team of therapists help your child reach their optimal potential, call us today to set up an evaluation. Please see the Signs and Symptoms below from the “National Institute of Mental Health” or visit their website at NIMH.nih.gov
Other resource websites include autism.com and autismspeaks.org

Restrictive / repetitive behaviors may include:

  • Repeating certain behaviors or having unusual behaviors
  • Having overly focused interests, such as with moving objects or parts of objects
  • Having a lasting, intense interest in certain topics, such as numbers, details, or facts.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (2)Social communication / interaction behaviors may include:

  • Getting upset by a slight change in a routine or being placed in a new or overly stimulating setting
  • Making little or inconsistent eye contact
  • Having a tendency to look at and listen to other people less often
  • Rarely sharing enjoyment of objects or activities by pointing or showing things to others
  • Responding in an unusual way when others show anger, distress, or affection
  • Failing to, or being slow to, respond to someone calling their name or other verbal attempts to gain attention
  • Having difficulties with the back and forth of conversations
  • Often talking at length about a favorite subject without noticing that others are not interested or without giving others a chance to respond
  • Repeating words or phrases that they hear, a behavior called echolalia
  • Using words that seem odd, out of place, or have a special meaning known only to those familiar with that person’s way of communicating
  • Having facial expressions, movements, and gestures that do not match what is being said
  • Having an unusual tone of voice that may sound sing-song or flat and robot-like
  • Having trouble understanding another person’s point of view or being unable to predict or understand other people’sactions.