Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

What is autism spectrum disorder?

Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means that it affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a term referring to several autism related conditions: Autistic Disorder, Classic Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise (PDD-NOS).

Young adults with autism process information in a different way in the brain. They find it more difficult to process and organize large pieces of information. Specifically, they are challenged by putting pieces of information in a large picture. Because of that they experience the world differently than people who don’t have autism and can have a hard time with everyday activities.

What are the 5 disorders on the autism spectrum?

There are 5 types of disorders in the autism spectrum. The 5 disorders of the autism spectrum include:

• Asperger’s Syndrome: While the term Asperger Syndrome – now also known as Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder – is still being used very often, the official diagnosis changed to Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder. Typical for this syndrome are normal or above-normal intelligence, strong verbal skills, but being challenged in social communication.
• Rett syndrome: Recently Rett Syndrome is not being used as a term anymore. It refers to a syndrome which was primarily diagnosed by girls. First signals can be seen at the early age of 6 months old. Typical for this syndrome are struggles with social communication and gross and fine motor skills, repetitive hand and arm flapping.
• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder: Known for this type of autistic disorder is the way children seem to be developing themselves normal like their peers, untill they lose at the age of 3-4 over the course of a few months important skills they already learned, like language, social, motor and other skills. From speaking phrases gradually, they abruptly lose the ability to communicate.
• Kanner’s syndrome: Also known as Classic Autistic Disorder, the symptoms of this type of disorder are the most familiar to most people. They include struggles with communicating and understanding other people, having a hard time engaging in eye contact, and hypersensitivity to stimuli, like light, noise, smell, taste or touch.
• Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD-NOS): Typical is the delay in development in social and communication skills, and unusual social behavior. Mostly, the first symptoms are recognized by the age of 3 years old. The child can receive this diagnosis when the child experiences difficulties in learning and their behavior, but they don’t fulfill any of the other diagnostic criteria for the above-mentioned autisme disorders.

The effect of Autism Spectrum Disorders on young people

Most young people with a form of autism experience new challenges and responsibilities when transitioning into adulthood. Transition from childhood to adulthood can be one of the most challenging times for all adolescents, but for young adults with ASD these challenges are often much bigger. ASD symptoms can affect and change their ability to function in social settings. Many struggle with coping with these challenging times, unless they are guided in the right way.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) symptoms & signs

How can you recognize Autism Spectrum Disorder? Most of the time autism is diagnosed in early childhood, as symptoms become appearante before the age of three.

Some common autism symptoms include:

• Difficulty with social interaction, such as making eye contact or understanding certain social cues.
• Repetitive behavior and restricted interest.
• Difficulty with verbal and nonverbal communication.
• Difficulty dealing with stimuli, leading to feeling overwhelmed.

Treatment of autism spectrum disorder

There is no cure for autism, but there are a variety of treatment options available that can help individuals with autism manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Common treatments include behavioral therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy or medication.

The Grange Youth Clinic treats autism with therapy forms focusing on behavior. Autism is mostly part of a dual diagnosis, whereas we’ll focus in the treatment on both diagnoses. Young people learn how to cope with ASD and its challenges.

Using medication for ASD

Some young people are already taking medication for autism, such as methylphenidate or dextroamphetamine. Our staff strives to treat one without the influence of certain drugs or medication.

Together with the young adult and their family we’ll draw up a treatment plan, which will be guided by our psychiatrists and caretakers who are available 24/7 at the premises. The safe environment and team of specialists of The Grange Youth Clinic makes our location a safe space to stop with medication and learn how to deal with ASD in a beneficial way.

Need help? Contact us

ADD is a serious and common health condition, which can affect anyone at any age. If you would like to register a young adult or young adult (aged 18-25) for a treatment at The Grange Youth Clinic, please complete our intake form and we will contact you to schedule a personal intake interview. Our therapists have experience working with individuals from all walks of life and will help you overcome your problems and find hope for the future.