MeRT and innovative new treatment in Frisco, Texas.
MeRT offers hope for individuals with neurological conditions, promising a brighter future. MeRT is a non-invasive neurotherapy that uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition that affects brain development and leads to difficulties in social interaction and communication. The disorder is characterized by limited and repetitive patterns of behavior. The term "spectrum" in autism spectrum disorder refers to the wide range of symptoms and severity. Autism spectrum disorder, which starts in early childhood, can lead to difficulties in social interactions, school performance, and work. Children often exhibit symptoms of autism within the first year,but experience regression between 18 and 24 months of age, showing symptoms of autism.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) On Autism
1. What Is Autism?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is described as a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally appear in the first 2 years of life.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a guide created by the American Psychiatric Association that health care providers use to diagnose mental disorders, people with ASD often have:
- Difficulty with communication and interaction with other people
- Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors
- Symptoms that affect their ability to function in school, work, and other areas of life
2. What Are Some Common signs and symptoms Of Autism?
The list below gives some examples of common types of behaviors in people diagnosed with ASD. Not all people with ASD will have all behaviors, but most will have several of the behaviors listed below.
Social communication / interaction behaviors may include:
- Making little or inconsistent eye contact
- Appearing not to look at or listen to people who are talking
- Having difficulties with conversation
- Displaying facial expressions, movements, and gestures that do not match what is being said
- Having an unusual tone of voice that may sound singsong or robot-like
- to predict or understand other people’s actions
- Difficulties adjusting behaviors to social situations
- Difficulties sharing in imaginative play or in making friends
Restrictive / repetitive behaviors may include:
- Repeating certain behaviors, such as repeating words or phrase
- Intense interest in specific topics, such as numbers, details, or facts
- Overly focused interests, such as with moving objects or parts of objects
- Becoming upset by slight changes in a routine and having difficulty with transitions
- Sensitive to sensory input, such as light, sound, clothing, or temperature
- May also experience sleep problems and irritability.
- People on the autism spectrum also may have many strengths, including:
- Being able to learn things in detail and remember information for long periods of time
- Being strong visual and auditory learners
- Excelling in math, science, music, or art
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Social Disorder (or Social Anxiety Disorder)
3. How is ASD diagnosed?
Health care providers diagnose ASD by evaluating a person’s behavior and development. ASD can usually be reliably diagnosed by age 2. It is important to seek an evaluation as soon as possible. The earlier ASD is diagnosed, the sooner treatments and services can begin. Diagnosis in young children is often a two-stage process.
It is important to accurately detect and diagnose children with ASD as early as possible, as this will shed light on their unique strengths and challenges. Early detection also can help caregivers determine which services, educational programs, and behavioral therapies are most likely to be helpful for their child.
Diagnosis in older children and adolescents
Caregivers and teachers are often the first to recognize ASD symptoms in older children and adolescents who attend school. The school’s special education team may perform an initial evaluation and then recommend that a child undergo additional evaluation with their primary health care provider or a health care provider who specialize in ASD.
A child’s caregivers may talk with these health care providers about their child’s social difficulties, including problems with subtle communication. For example, some children may have problems understanding tone of voice, facial expressions, or body language. Older children and adolescents may have trouble understanding figures of speech, humor, or sarcasm. They also may have trouble forming friendships with peers.
Diagnosis in adults
Diagnosing ASD in adults is often more difficult than diagnosing ASD in children. In adults, some ASD symptoms can overlap with symptoms of other mental health disorders, such as anxiety disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Adults who notice signs of ASD should talk with a health care provider and ask for a referral for an ASD evaluation. Although evaluation for ASD in adults is still being refined, adults may be referred to a neuropsychologist, psychologist, or psychiatrist who has experience with ASD. The expert will ask about:
- Social interaction and communication challenges
- Sensory issues
- Repetitive behaviors
- Restricted interests
4. What treatment options are available for ASD?
Treatment for ASD should start promptly after diagnosis. Early treatment for ASD is crucial for reducing difficulties and enhancing strengths and skills in individuals.
There is no single best treatment for ASD due to the wide range of issues that people with ASD may face. It is important to work closely with a healthcare provider to find the right combination of treatment and services.
Medication
A health care provider may prescribe medication to treat specific symptoms. With medication, a person with ASD may have fewer problems with:
- Irritability
- Aggression
- Repetitive behavior
- Hyperactivity
- Attention problems
- Anxiety and depression
Behavioral, psychological, and educational interventions
People with ASD may be referred to a health care provider who specializes in providing behavioral, psychological, educational, or skill-building interventions. These programs are often highly structured and intensive, and they may involve caregivers, siblings, and other family members. These programs may help people with ASD:
- Learn social, communication, and language skill
- Reduce behaviors that interfere with daily functioning
- Increase or build upon strengths
- Learn life skills for living independently
New Innovative treatment for Autism
A recent study published in Child Psychiatry & Human Development in November 2022 found that the use of MeRT in children aged 3-9 years old with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) led to significant improvement in ASD symptoms, particularly sleep troubles and quality of life. MeRT offers hope for individuals with neurological conditions, promising a brighter future. MeRT is a non-invasive neurotherapy that uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain. MeRT is a treatment that combines repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) with quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) to create personalized treatment plans for individuals seeking to improve their well-being.
5. Where Can I Find More Information About Autism?
- Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network : This CDC-funded program collects data to better understand the population of children with ASD.
- Biomarkers Consortium - The Autism Biomarkers Consortium for Clinical Trials (ABC-CT) : This Foundation for the National Institutes of Health project seeks to establish biomarkers to improve treatments for children with ASD.
Many services, programs, and other resources are available to help people with ASD. Here are some tips for finding these additional services:
- Contact your health care provider, local health department, school, or autism advocacy group to learn about special programs or local resources.
- Find an autism support group. Sharing information and experiences can help people with ASD and their caregivers learn about treatment options and ASD-related programs.
- Record conversations and meetings with health care providers and teachers. This information may help when it’s time to decide which programs and services are appropriate.
- Keep copies of health care reports and evaluations. This information may help people with ASD qualify for special programs.
6. Do You Know Which Significant Cities Compassionate Psychiatric Services Offer Its Mental Health Services To?
Compassionate Psychiatric Services range from anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, trauma, eating disorders to numerous other mental health conditions and are offered to all our patients in the following city locations: Dallas, The Colony, Richardson, Flower Mound, Lewisville, Prosper, Irving and Arlington
