What Is ASD?
Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) struggle with social communication, restricted interests and repetitive behavior. Most people with ASD lack “theory of mind” (the ability to understand what others are thinking or feeling). The term “Asperger’s,” which described highly intelligent people on the autism spectrum, was officially discontinued in 2013. ASD is considered a developmental disorder. Although it persists across the lifespan, it is usually diagnosed when children are fairly young. It is also considered a spectrum disorder because individuals with this diagnosis can have a wide range of symptoms at various levels of severity. People with ASD are also frequently diagnosed with other conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. The rates of ASD diagnosis have rapidly increased in the past decade but only 1% to 2% of the population has this disorder. Males are four times more likely to be diagnosed than females. Higher rates of diagnoses may be due to less stigma about this condition and increased knowledge about ASD in females and “high functioning” autism.
Subtypes of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
The older subtypes of Autistic Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder-NOS (PDD-NOS) have been eliminated.
Common Symptoms
Social Communication
- Makes limited eye contact with others
- Difficulty with social conversation (“chit chat”)
- Often talks at length about own interests
- Limited ability to “read” others’ facial expressions, tone of voice, or body language
- May speak with flattened affect or unusual tone/affect
Restricted/Repetitive Behaviors
- Repeating certain words or phrases
- Demonstrates an intense interest in certain types of information (e.g., train schedules)
- Becomes extremely upset by changes in schedule or need to transition
- Bodily rocking or moto tics (e.g., repeatedly touches side of nose)
- Unusual sensitivity to light, sound, or touch
Diagnosis and Treatment
ASD is usually diagnosed by a psychologist or a qualified medical professional such as a developmental behavioral pediatrician. Assessment typically includes a detailed review of the person’s developmental history (including speech development), direct testing and observation of symptoms, and a review of rating scales completed by others who know the individual well. Since 2013, evaluators rate severity (“level of needed support”) when making the diagnosis. Treatment is usually comprehensive and ongoing. This can include individual and family therapy, medication management, occupational and/or speech and language therapy, educational accommodations and, for adults on the spectrum, job coaching and housing assistance.
Therapy
Many of our psychologists provide therapy to individuals with ASD and their families. In particular, Dr. Sandra Burkhardt and Dr. Emily Roth specialize in providing assessment and therapy services to individuals with ASD. Caregiving to individuals on the spectrum can be challenging. Our psychologists offer informed clinical support to everyone in the person’s caregiving network.
Medication Management
Two of CRG’s medical providers, Jason Rowland, M.D. (child and adolescent psychiatrist) and Carolyn Krueger, APRN, PMHNP-BC (psychiatric nurse practitioner), specialize in medication management with individuals on the spectrum. Medications often help minimize the anxiety and executive functioning difficulties that many people with ASD experience.
Group Services
A number of CRG providers run social skills groups for children and teens. Many of the students who participate are on the spectrum. These groups help young people develop friendship skills, communication skills, greater self-awareness and self-confidence. Contact our front office for more information about groups run by CRG psychologists such as Dr. Nathan Larson, and Dr. Sarah Norris. Dr. Sandra Burkhardt also runs a free educational group for the parents/grandparents of youth on the spectrum. These groups meet throughout the academic year at CRG. Please click here to learn more about these groups.
Postsecondary Options
David Parker, Ph.D., CRG’s postsecondary disability specialist, helps individuals with high-functioning autism/Asperger’s explore postsecondary options. This can include specialized programs for students on the spectrum or disability services and related community supports for students who have the ability to attend online or traditional colleges.
Our Providers
We are here to help you find a specialist to meet your needs. Click the button below to see a listing of our providers.
Additional Resources
At CRG we offer a variety of webinars, events and articles that will help you find the information you need. Click the button below for a complete listing of related resources.
External Links
Autism Society of America
OASIS @ MAPP
Autism Society of Indiana
