Autism Spectrum Disorder, formerly sometimes known as Asperger’s Disorder, is a social-developmental disorder that causes a delay that may affect a child’s overall social, emotional, and academic functioning. Non-Verbal Learning Disorder is classified as a learning disorder with unique features, but similar deficits in social functioning. Many children or teens may display features of Autism Spectrum Disorder including deficits in social functioning, immature communication, rigidity in thinking, and preoccupation or intense focus on idiosyncratic interests.

However, because Autism is a diagnosis that occurs on a spectrum (hence the name Autism Spectrum Disorder), there is a continuum symptoms and severities. Some may not experience severe symptoms at all and they may be subtle. Some children or teens with developmental disorders may appear extremely high functioning in some areas, yet exhibit noticeable impairments in particular areas of social functioning, emotional responsiveness, or interpersonal insight.

Children with these developmental disorders present with a range of exhibited symptoms. Some non-neuro-normative children or teens may more actively seek out companionship with others but have increased difficulty establishing effective friendships with peers. Other children or teens may prefer to withdraw or may become overly excited or anxious when with other peers and may prefer to spend more time alone. Children or teens with Autism Spectrum symptoms are at risk for mood disorders often associated with difficulties in adjusting to social, emotional, or academic demands.

Parents may struggle with what and when to tell their children about specific deficits that they may have. Sharing this type of information can be helpful in assisting the child in understanding their own unique struggles, but can also lead to children feeling self-conscious and different than others.

 

Signs and Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder May Include:

• Deficits in social skills and normal social interaction with peers

• Communication difficulties including nonverbal communication such as eye contact, rhythm in conversation, appropriate voice tone and loudness

• Difficulty in establishing friendships and healthy peer relationships

• Inflexibility, black-and-white or rigid thinking

• Difficulty with perspective taking

• Concrete thinking

• Intense or unusual focus on a particular interest or topic

• Sensory issues

• Unusual or odd behaviors

 

Therapy

Therapy can be an important component to the overall treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders and other Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Therapy can help in building social and emotional skills that may be lacking, as well as helping the child to gain insight into particular areas of deficits. Therapy can be important in helping a child to feel comfortable and in control of some of the unique challenges they may be facing. It is not uncommon for children with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder to feel discouraged or depressed with the increased challenges they face in addition to the differences that they may feel they have with other children.

Therapy can help the child or teen cope with anxiety, as well as frustrations associated with adjustment. Behavioral management is also a common treatment for children and teens with spectrum and developmental related disorders.

 

Therapeutic goals typically include:

• Build social skills and tools to be more effective and spontaneous in social situations

• Develop the ability to participate in reciprocal communication with peers

• Increase insight into how behaviors are perceived by others and increase ability to understand the perspective of others

• Gain insight into black and white and rigid thinking and strategies to overcome inflexible thinking

• Become aware of obsessive thinking and strategies to reduce obsessive thinking and impulsiveness

• Build self-esteem and address adjustment issues and depressive symptoms

• Help parents implement effective behavioral plans to increase compliance and reduce anxiety in the home