The autism diagnosis criteria require an evaluation by a certified medical professional. Symptoms of autism typically begin during early childhood and gradually become more severe. Autism disorder treatment programs in Westchester, NY focuses on improving psychosocial skills and addressing developmental delays by using Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), medications, and therapy.
Autism Diagnosis Criteria
To meet the autism diagnosis criteria, communication problems with others must exceed what the average individual experiences. Symptoms can include an inability to express emotions or thoughts with others or disinterest in engaging with peers. Communication skills have to be inferior to peers. Repetitive behaviors may include actions like an inability to adjust to a change in routine or environment or regularly becoming fixated on unique or abnormal objects.
There are four major subtypes of autism and, since it’s a spectrum, the severity of symptoms in autism disorders varies significantly. Some autism disorders are mild, while others can be disabling. An early intervention program in Westchester, NY can diagnose children as young as eighteen months old.
Early intervention treatment can limit the severity of symptoms while improving social, interpersonal, and communication skills.
There are five main autism diagnosis criteria, which are:
- Social communication and interaction deficiencies in multiple environments
- Repetitive and restricted behavior or interests
- Symptoms that begin during early childhood development
- Symptoms interfere with daily life
- Absence of an intellectual or global developmental disability
The autism diagnosis criteria require that symptoms diminish your ability to connect with others, as communication deficiencies make social relationships difficult. Symptoms can appear before the age of one. Since the autism diagnosis criteria are based on behavioral observations as opposed to a blood test or medical imaging when you notice symptoms of autism it’s important to schedule a consultation and evaluation.
How Autism is Treated
Autism treatment programs in Westchester, NY provides comprehensive evidence-based ABA autism treatment. While autism is incurable, treatments like an early intervention program or targeted intervention program can help develop valuable coping skills that limit the severity of symptoms.
Autism treatment uses techniques like ABA to help reduce symptoms and strengthen cognition and conflict resolution skills.
Treatment for autism can also include:
- Speech therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Animal-assisted therapy
- Physical therapy
- Anger management
A targeted intervention program in Westchester, NY improves children’s cognitive social, and language skills while encouraging them to interact with one another in socially meaningful interactions.
Learning how to manage negative emotions, especially anger, is another theme during autism treatment. Tantrums and angry outbursts are common among individuals with autism because autism makes it difficult to express your needs to others, which makes anger management highly effective in managing symptoms.
Prognosis
Although autism is incurable, treatment can help limit the impact symptoms have on your daily. Communication deficiencies may make socializing more difficult, but therapy provides the skills and tools necessary to learn how to interact and engage with others. Many individuals with autism can overcome symptoms and live independently.
Medications are sometimes used to treat specific symptoms. Autism treatment seeks to diminish the barriers created by communication deficiencies. Understanding how to express and share emotions and thoughts with others can result in social isolation, which is an unfortunate consequence of severe developmental delays.
Autism isn’t an intellectual disability but rather a condition that impacts behavior, communication, and psychosocial development. Social skills can always be learned, although early treatment is the biggest factor in projecting long-term outcomes. Recognizing symptoms of autism at a young age improves treatment outcomes, as it takes time to learn successful ways to manage autism symptoms. The sooner symptoms are addressed, the more effective treatments like ABA are for those who meet an autism diagnosis criteria.
