Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) include children with difficulties understanding social interactions and with repetitive and restricted behavior and interests. Children with autism spectrum disorders usually have problems in language development and may have repetitive motor activities. They may have specific strengths in certain skills such as working with computers or puzzles, but can struggle with other skills like playing symbolically with toys or interacting with their peers.
Testing for a child with ASD may include an MRI if we are concerned about a finding on their physical neurological examination, an EEG if we are concerned for seizures, and genetic testing - especially in families thinking of having other children.
Interventions for children with ASD include behavioral interventions, known as early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI), applied behavioral analysis (ABA), speech and language therapies, occupational therapy and school based programs. Medications for children with ASD are used only if needed to help a child with specific behaviors that may be interfering with their ability to participate in family or school activities.
At NNP, several neurologists see patients with ASD. We work to help you understand this diagnosis, if it fits for your child, and we explain how we can best help him/her. We will discuss with you the resources available for you and how you can navigate them best. In certain instances, we may have your child seen at the Brain Development Network Program within the Nicklaus Children’s Brain Institute.