Autism Spectrum Disorder
By: Nicholas Fastuca
What is Autism?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior.
Signs/Symptoms
These include the following:
- difficulty identifying and regulating emotions
- babbling/difficulty understanding
- repeating behaviors (hand-flapping, jumping, etc.)
- liking things in order, having things in specific way (don't like change)
- Other: trouble sleeping, seizures, pica: eating things that aren't food, sensory processing problems
Treatment Options
(Each person with autism is unique, and so is needed to be treated to specific needs)
Treatment options include the following:
- Therapists coming to house for service, or in specialized center, classroom, etc.
- Medicine
- Targeted social skills training and specialized approaches to teaching
These teachings may involve completing certain objectives, focusing on key areas. (These include social skills, language and communication, imitation, play skills, daily living and motor skills.)
Local Resources
Epic School (Educational Partnership for Instructing Children): 238 N Farview Ave, Paramus, NJ
Alpine Learning Group: 777 Paramus Rd, Paramus, NJ