Author: Dr. Ryan Holley

As a clinician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder, I often meet with parents who begin their first session with me by asking, “What is Autism?” In order to answer this question, I first acknowledge that Autism is not really a single condition; rather, it is a spectrum of difficulties that can surface in a variety of ways over time. I also let parents know that Autism results from various atypical neurological processes occurring within the brain. These neurological differences originate at birth, although external symptoms may not fully begin surfacing until social demands heighten with age.

Children struggling with Autism Spectrum Disorder tend to experience deficits in verbal communication, social awareness, visual-spatial and sensory processing, as well as emotional regulation.

If you are concerned that your child or someone you know is struggling with an undiagnosed form of Autism Spectrum Disorder, please consider the following common signs and symptoms:

Deficits in Social Communication and Social Interaction:

1. Difficulties initiating, participating in, or ending conversations. Related struggles are often defined by an inability to flexibly and spontaneously begin conversations as well as a tendency to talk excessively about areas of personal interest without knowing when to stop. In addition, conversations can feel one-sided, and lack a reciprocal or back and forth quality.

2. Difficulty recognizing facial expressions, understanding the body language of others, and maintaining eye contact. Roughly 70% of all social communication is nonverbal. People with Autism often struggle in their ability to utilize/interpret physical gestures while communicating. Similarly, it is common for someone with Autism to demonstrate little or no eye contact while interacting with others.

3. Difficulties developing, making sense of, and maintaining peer relationships. People with Autism may be unable to adjust their behaviors to meet the demands of differing social contexts. For example, taking turns while playing with others. It is also common for individuals struggling with Autism to sometimes appear unaware of, or lacking in interest in, others.

4. Standing too close to others during social interactions. Some individuals on the Autism Spectrum struggle to understand the concept of “personal space.” As a result, these individuals may come very close to your face while talking.

5. Difficulty understanding humor or metaphors. Individuals on the Autism Spectrum tend to interpret jokes or metaphors in a very concrete way. For instance, the saying, “She’s really on the ball.” Someone with Autism Spectrum may literally think that someone is standing on a ball.

Restrictive and Repetitive Behaviors or Interests:

1. Hand flapping or rocking in place during periods of excitement or overwhelm.

2. May repeat or echo words and phrases that others state. For example, after cleaning up, a mother may tell her son “We’re all done!” If the son then repeats this phrase multiple times, it is considered to be echolalia, a trait that is synonymous with Autism.

3. Atypical (idiosyncratic) use of specific words and phrases. For example, someone might repeatedly say “it broked” when something has broken or “Why because?” when asking a question.

4. Atypical responses or unusual preoccupations to specific sounds, textures, lights, or smells. It is common for individuals with Autism to demonstrate strong emotional reactivity to particular sources of sensory stimulation. For example, screaming and covering one’s ears in response to hearing a siren. Other examples of sensory preoccupation include, excessive touching, smelling, or visually inspecting an object. People struggling with Autism may also appear indifferent to feelings of physical pain or temperature as well.

5. Rigid adherence to routine or daily ritual. Often manifests as an insistence on sameness and inflexible adherence to routine. Minor shifts in routine can provoke an extreme emotional response. Someone with Autism may have difficulty with transitions, need to eat the same food daily, or insist on taking the same route to particular locations when in transit.

6. Excessive preoccupation with a very specific area of interest. People with Autism often possess very specific (stereotyped) areas of personal interest that they might focus on excessively. These may include, but are not limited to: trains, dinosaurs, aliens, toasters, coins, etc.

If you believe that your child is struggling with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, you may be asking yourself, “What can I do to help?”

Early Intervention is the best predictor of positive outcomes later in life. The earlier that parents identify and provide supports, the better the outcomes are likely to be.

Supportive interventions include:

Neuropsychological Evaluation: SVPS offers comprehensive neuropsychological and developmental evaluations for individuals that present with Autism Spectrum related struggles. Completing an evaluation will provide families with an in-depth understanding of their child’s strengths, areas for growth, potential diagnoses, and a wealth of supportive recommendations.

Weekly Individual Therapy: Therapy aims to help children with Autism strengthen basic social skills, improve emotional regulation, and above all, increase their ability to connect with caregivers during times of need. Clinicians will also work collaboratively with parents and families to ensure that adequate supports are being implemented at home and within the classroom environment.

Group Therapy: SVPS holds weekly Social Skills groups for children and adolescents with Autism. These groups are designed to strengthen communication skills and social problem solving.

Speech and Language Therapy: SVPS collaborates with a number of speech/language pathologists in the area, and can provide referrals upon request. Participating in speech therapy can strengthen a child’s ability to articulate words and communicate effectively with those around them.

Occupational Therapy: SVPS also collaborates with a number of occupational therapists in the area, and can provide referrals upon request. Occupational therapy can be utilized as an exceptional means to help your child improve sensory processing and emotional regulation skills.

Psychiatric Medication Evaluation: Clinicians at SVPS consult and collaborate with a variety of psychiatrists in the area. Should medication evaluation be required, appropriate referrals can be provided upon request.

If you are interested in one or more of the services listed above, please contact our clinic’s Intake Department at (630) 571-5750 x224 or complete our online form.