AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
The range and severity of symptoms can vary widely. Common symptoms include difficulty with communication, difficulty with social interactions, obsessive interests, and repetitive behaviors. Early recognition, as well as behavioral, educational, and family therapies may reduce symptoms and support development and learning.
"When you meet one person with autism, you have met one person with autism."
The following are some signs of autism, however not all signs may be present in every child.
Children with autism spectrum disorder have difficulty with speech and language. Often, they start talking late.
The following are some signs of autism, however not all signs may be present in every child.
Children with autism spectrum disorder have difficulty with speech and language. Often, they start talking late.
The following are some signs of autism, however not all signs may be present in every child.
Basic social interaction can be difficult for children with autism spectrum disorder. Many kids on the autism spectrum can appear to live in their own world at times, aloof and detached from others.
The following are some signs of autism, however not all signs may be present in every child.
Children with autism spectrum disorder are often restricted, inflexible, and even obsessive in their behaviors, activities, and interests.
While not part of autism’s official diagnostic criteria, children with autism spectrum disorders often suffer from one or more of the following problems:
Sensory Problems - Many children with autism spectrum disorders either under react or overreact to sensory stimuli. At times they may ignore people speaking to them, even to the point of appearing deaf. However, at other times they may be disturbed by even the softest sounds. Sudden noises such as a ringing telephone can be upsetting, and they may respond by covering their ears and making repetitive noises to drown out the offending sound. Children on the autism spectrum also tend to be highly sensitive to touch and to texture. They may cringe at a pat on the back or the feel of certain fabric against their skin.
Emotional Difficulties - Children with autism spectrum disorders may have difficulty regulating their emotions or expressing them appropriately. For instance, your child may start to yell, cry, or laugh hysterically for no apparent reason. When stressed, he or she may exhibit disruptive or even aggressive behavior (breaking things, hitting others, or harming him or herself). The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities also notes that kids with ASD may be unfazed by real dangers like moving vehicles or heights, yet be terrified of harmless objects such as a stuffed animal.
Uneven Cognitive Abilities - ASD occurs at all intelligence levels. However, even kids with normal to high intelligence often have unevenly developed cognitive skills. Not surprisingly, verbal skills tend to be weaker than nonverbal skills. In addition, children with Autism spectrum disorder typically do well on tasks involving immediate memory or visual skills, while tasks involving symbolic or abstract thinking are more difficult.
BCBS of LA requires an Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Assessment be provided to authorize ABA therapy. This assessment must include the following: ADOS, Adaptive testing (ex. Vineland), and Cognitive testing (ex. Battelle, Mullen)
*St. Nicholas Center for Children is not affiliated with these facilities. We were informed that they are in-network providers with BCBS. Please verify this information when you contact them. For a complete list of in network providers please contact your Insurance Carrier. This list is for informational reference use only, and is not a recommendation of care.
**St. Nicholas Center is not affiliated with Counseling Services of SWLA. They have a cash price for the assessment and we are unaware if they participate in any insurance networks.
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