Conditions We Work With
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder 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, symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life. People of all ages, races, ethnicities, sexes, and economic backgrounds can be diagnosed with ASD.
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), people with ASD often have:
- Difficulty with social 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
Autism is known as a "spectrum" disorder because people with autism have a range of characteristics, needs, strengths, and challenges. Although ASD can be a lifelong disorder, treatments, services, and supports can improve a person's health, well-being, and daily functioning.
Strengths of People with ASD
People on the autism spectrum often 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
People with ASD may also experience sensory differences — being more or less sensitive than others to sensory input such as light, sound, clothing, or temperature — as well as sleep problems and irritability.
Signs and Symptoms of ASD
Not all people with ASD will have all behaviors, but most will have several of the behaviors listed below. Symptoms fall into two main categories.
Social Communication & Interaction
- Making little or inconsistent eye contact
- Appearing not to look at or listen to people who are talking
- Infrequently sharing interest, emotion, or enjoyment of objects or activities
- Not responding or being slow to respond to one's name or other verbal bids for attention
- Having difficulties with the back and forth of conversation
- Often talking at length about a subject of interest without considering social cues
- Displaying facial expressions, movements, and gestures that do not match what is being said
- Having an unusual tone of voice that may sound flat or lacking tonal variation
- Having trouble understanding another person's point of view
- Difficulties adjusting behavior to different social situations
- Difficulties sharing in imaginative play or in making friends
Restrictive & Repetitive Behaviors
- Repeating certain behaviors or having unusual behaviors, such as repeating words or phrases (echolalia)
- Having a lasting intense interest in specific topics, such as numbers, details, or facts
- Showing 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
What Causes ASD?
Researchers do not know the primary causes of ASD, but studies suggest that a person's genes and aspects of their environment may affect development in ways that lead to ASD. Some factors associated with an increased likelihood of developing ASD include:
- Having a sibling with ASD
- Having older parents
- Having certain genetic conditions (such as Down syndrome or Fragile X syndrome)
- Having a very low birth weight
Not everyone who has these factors will develop ASD.
Early Diagnosis Matters
ASD can usually be reliably diagnosed by the age of 2. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children receive screening for autism at their 18- and 24-month well-child visits.
The earlier ASD is diagnosed, the sooner treatments and services can begin — which can make a meaningful difference in outcomes for children and families.
Treatments and Services
Interventions, services, and supports for ASD are most effective when they begin as soon as possible after diagnosis. Because people with ASD have a wide range of needs, there is no single best approach.
Interventions & Services
Behavioral, psychological, educational, occupational, physical, or speech-language therapy may be recommended. These programs may help people:
- Learn social, communication, and language skills
- Manage behaviors that interfere with daily functioning and well-being
- Increase or build on personal strengths
Ready to Get Answers?
Hope Springs Behavioral Consultants offers comprehensive ASD evaluations for children and adults in Iowa City and the surrounding area. Contact us to schedule an evaluation or to learn more about your options.
