Autism

About one in 31 children in the United States has autism. If you or your child struggles in social situations, see the experts at Anywhere Wellness, based in Everett and Chelan, Washington, Boise, Idaho, Denver, Colorado, and Jacksonville, Florida. These skilled mental health specialists diagnose and treat autism spectrum disorder in patients of all ages. Schedule a telehealth evaluation by calling the office or booking an appointment online today. 

What is autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition affecting how the brain works and interactions with others. There’s no known cause of autism and no cure, but treatment can help people with this condition improve interactions with the world around them. If you suspect you or your child has autism, or they have a previous diagnosis, see the experts at Anywhere Wellness.

What are some signs of autism?

The following are signs of autism spectrum disorder:

• Restrictive or repetitive behaviors and interests
• Rocking, spinning, or flapping
• Difficulty socializing
• Lack of eye contact
• Lack of interest in interacting with others
• Talking about a narrow range of topics
• Having one-sided conversations
• Lack of interest in starting conversations
• Difficulty understanding body language
• Speaking in a monotone voice
• Difficulty expressing feelings
• Problems noticing social cues
• Inability to recognize sarcasm
• Difficulty building relationships
• Problems understanding personal space
• Being standoffish around other people
• Repeating phrases or words
• Being upset over changes in a routine
• Avoiding certain foods and textures
• Highly focused interests

Autism is part of a spectrum, ranging from mild to severe. 

People with this disorder might have specialized strengths. Examples include being honest and direct, going against the crowd, being able to focus for long periods, connecting with people of varying ages, and having strong nonverbal reasoning skills. 

What increases the risk of autism?

While the cause isn’t clear, the following could increase the risk of autism:

• Getting pregnant after age 35
• Having gestational diabetes during pregnancy
• Being pregnant within 12 months of another pregnancy
• Taking certain medicines while pregnant
• Bleeding during pregnancy
• Low birth weight
• Premature birth
• Reduced oxygen during pregnancy or delivery
• Family history of autism

Autism might stem from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

How is autism diagnosed?

The Anywhere Wellness experts can diagnose autism spectrum disorder by completing a psychiatric evaluation using DSM-5 criteria. 

They discuss behavior patterns, social interactions, thoughts, moods, emotions, and lifestyle habits. If clinically appropriate, they provide genetic testing to determine which medications may be beneficial for co-existing conditions like anxiety or depression. 

How is autism treated?

Autism treatment plans vary from person to person and often consist of therapy. Examples include behavior and communication therapies, educational therapy, family therapy, social skills training, and more. Medication management is also available at Anywhere Wellness. 

It’s helpful to have a regular routine, stay active, eat nutritious foods, minimize stress, and get plenty of sleep. Follow up with the Anywhere Wellness experts for superior care and ongoing support.

Schedule a telehealth autism evaluation at Anywhere Wellness by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.