About one in 31 children and one in 45 adults has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a condition that can make social interactions awkward. At Avant Medical Consulting in Dublin, Ohio, board-certified psychiatrist Jordan Spellman, MD, helps minimize symptoms in people with autism to overcome everyday challenges in social situations. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or booking a visit online today.
ASD, commonly referred to as autism, is a condition affecting how the brain works and often causes unique behaviors, especially in social situations. Early signs of autism are repetitive motions, monotone speech, and a lack of eye contact. There’s no cure for autism, but therapy and support can help you or a loved one overcome challenges, enhance communication, and improve social skills.
The following may indicate you or your child has autism:
While people with autism may struggle in certain situations, they often have specific strengths.
For example, they may go against the crowd, express thoughts directly, focus well on things they’re interested in, have strong nonverbal reasoning skills, or connect with people of all ages.
The cause of autism spectrum disorder isn’t clear, but risk factors for developing it may include:
People with autism might have a coexisting condition, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), anxiety, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or depression.
Dr. Spellman completes a comprehensive consultation and medical review using DSM-5 criteria to diagnose autism.
He assesses your or your child’s medical history, medications, thoughts, behaviors, moods, lifestyle, and social skills. He determines if you or your child has ASD, another mental health condition, or multiple mental health concerns and tailors a treatment offering lasting success.
A personalized autism treatment plan may consist of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), other forms of psychotherapy, medication management, or referrals for education or work support. It’s helpful to establish a routine, stay active, minimize stress, eat nutritious foods, and have a strong social support network.
You or your child should see Dr. Spellman routinely for therapy to overcome challenging social situations. He follows up to ensure any treatment is effective and provides emergency psychiatry care when appropriate.
Schedule an autism evaluation at Avant Medical Consulting by calling the office or requesting a visit online today.