TREATING AN INVISIBLE CONDITION TREATMENT AND THERAPY OPTIONS AFTER AN ASD DIAGNOSIS By
Sarah Kim Rachel Zhang
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? Contrary to popular belief, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is not a single disorder, but rather a diverse set of several neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by symptoms such as hypersensitivity to certain stimuli, delays in cognitive or social skill development, and difficulties with verbal or nonverbal communication. In order to make a diagnosis, health professionals must first observe specific delays in a child’s development. However, there are a multitude of other behaviors which may be indicative of autism; in fact, not everyone with autism spectrum disorder possesses
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characteristic traits of autism to the same degree. Due to the variability in behavior observed across different people with ASD, it can sometimes take months or years for someone to obtain a proper diagnosis. Considering this difficulty, it becomes critical to comprehend the various aspects of ASD including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and available healthcare specialists.
Types of Diagnostic Tools & The Process of Getting a Diagnosis The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that a child receive developmental
and behavioral screening during regular visits to their pediatrician or primary care physician at 9, 18, and 30 months old. In addition, the AAP also recommends that children receive specific screening for ASD at 12 and 24 months old, as well as additional screening if a child is at higher risk or exhibits behavior symptomatic of ASD. Arriving at a general diagnosis relies on two steps. First, a preliminary screening is conducted to determine if a more thorough evaluation for autism may be necessary. The screening also identifies other conditions which may be present. If the screening results in a need for further examination, the individual will be referred to a developmental specialist for a
