Focus on Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect lifelong development. Individuals may present with difficulty in social situations, difficulty with communication and interaction with others. Often there are fixed interests and repetitive behaviors, rigid inflexible thinking, difficulty with transitions and strict adherence to routine. These symptoms can cause difficulty in all areas of life and impact ability to function in school, work and other areas of life.
Early Intervention
Early assessment and intervention is key to accessing much needed services such as Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). Many insurance companies require a Center of Excellence Provider assessment to access covered services such as ABA therapy. I am a Center of Excellence Provider.
It is also imperative, in the school or daycare setting, to have a diagnoses which helps guide behavior plans and necessary accommodations to help your child get thru their day. Delays in assessment and accessing services can contribute to significant delays in achievement. Wait lists for assessments can be from 2 to 3 years locally.
At ADC, we aspire to bridge the gap in accessing services by providing timely assessments. We start by using standard screening and assessment tools, taking a thorough history and evaluating current presentation. After considering all relevant information we can determine a diagnoses to help get your child on the path they need for success. Medication management is another option we can provide but generally encourage environmental and non-medicated options first.
Adult Autism
Autism has gained much more attention over the last several years prompting some to wonder if they are on the Autism Spectrum as well. Women have historically been under-diagnosed due to a different presentation as well as high functioning men and women who learned to mask symptoms but still have great difficulty functioning in certain areas of life.
Sometimes just knowing if you are on the Spectrum provides a great relief, an "aha" moment where things begin to make more sense. Sometimes, it may be you have some traits or social anxiety which can mimic the presentation of Autism but can still affect your daily functioning. Elucidation of information can help give you clarity to pursue necessary treatments or approach life with a greater understanding of yourself.
Anxiety, Depression
We also offer assessment diagnoses and treatment of common mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.