Autism

Autism

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Autism is both one of the most talked about and least understood mental health disorders in the United States today. Known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), it is a condition that causes developmental delays, learning disabilities, communication problems, abnormal social skills, and behavioral problems that range from mild to severe. ASD also includes several delineations, including Asperger’s Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Pervasive Development Disorder, not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS).

It is precisely because of this wide range of symptoms that many outside of the medical community misunderstand and misinterpret autism. But because of its pervasive nature – the CDC estimates that 1 percent of the world’s population is affected by some form of autism – we are learning more and more about autism.

ASD is also prevalent and rising amongst children. A recently released CDC study conducted across 11 states shows that, amongst 4-year-olds, 1 in 64 were affected by autism. That rate (15.6 percent) is up from the 14.1 percent of the same study conducted in 2014. Boys are four times more likely to have ASD than girls.

And because of the wide range of symptoms, many people diagnosed with ASD can be highly functional. However, just because someone is functional does not mean that they are not suffering from mental health concerns. And should these concerns go untreated, ASD can lead to a higher incidence of immune disorders (allergies, asthma), diabetes, heart disease, motor disorders, cancer, obesity, schizophrenia and even suicidal thoughts and behavior. It can also come to dominate all phases of your life.

That is why it is important to obtain an early and accurate diagnosis, followed by targeted treatment – which can be supplied by qualified specialists, including child psychiatrists.

How psychiatry works to treat autism

While there is no cure for autism, traditional psychiatry can offer many treatments that maximize your child’s ability to function. And that is the key to treatment: minimizing autism spectrum disorder symptoms and supporting development and learning.

That is why it is important to intervene as early as possible, as treatment will help your child to not fall behind in school or in the development of critical social, communication, functional and behavioral skills.

Doctors are also discovering that an overwhelming number of children with ASD have at least one additional co-existing medical or psychiatric condition (70 percent) and a significant number even have two or more such conditions (40 percent). That is why it is important that a trained healthcare professional (such as a psychiatrist) assess your child so that they can take in the entirety of your child’s mental condition.

The same goes for adults who may be experiencing any ASD spectrum symptoms, as treatment can be supplied at any age.

Other mental health disorders. Teens and adults with autism spectrum disorder often experience other mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Your doctor, mental health professional, and community advocacy and service organizations can offer help.