About Autism
You have questions. We have solutions. We're here to help you navigate what it means for your child to be on the spectrum and provide guidance on how to best support them and your family.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refer to a range of intricate brain development disorders. Individuals with Autism or ASD often face challenges in social interactions, both verbal and nonverbal communication, and may display repetitive or self-harming behaviors.
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The diagnosis of Autism and ASD is becoming more common, now impacting 1 in 54 Americans, with a higher incidence in males. While the exact causes of autism remain unclear, it is believed that a combination of genetic and environmental factors contributes to the disorder.
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The term ‘Autism Spectrum Disorder’ was officially introduced in 2013 with the release of the DSM-5 diagnostic manual. This update combined various autistic disorders under a single term, including autistic disorder, Asperger syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified. Those diagnosed with any of these conditions are often described as being “on the Spectrum.”
What are Some Signs of Autism?
Although every instance of Autism is distinct, there are several symptoms that are frequently observed in individuals on the spectrum:
Hypersensitivity to textures, sounds, lights
Obsessive interests, insisting on doing actions in the same way
Avoiding eye contact
Trouble with transitions
Delayed or limited imaginary play
Extremely picky eating habits
Cognitive impairments
Lack of joint attention
Not responding to name
Lack of social skills/desire to interact with others
Challenging behaviors
Aggressive behaviors
Unusual sleeping habits
Delay in motor skills
How Common is Autism?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that roughly 1% of the global population is affected by autism spectrum disorder, amounting to over 75,000,000 individuals. Recent statistics suggest that at least 3 million Americans are identified as being "on the Spectrum." Additionally, there has been a tenfold increase in the number of children diagnosed with ASD compared to 40 years ago, with heightened awareness, media coverage, and improved diagnostic practices all contributing factors.
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Research shows that boys are significantly more likely to develop ASD than girls, with a risk estimated to be 4 to 5 times higher. CDC statistics reveal that 1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls receive an ASD diagnosis.
What are Causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Scientific progress is occurring swiftly across numerous disciplines, particularly in genetic and environmental studies that shed light on various disorders and diseases. Despite these developments, conclusive answers remain difficult to obtain for several conditions, including autism. Nevertheless, certain factors have been associated with autism, even if they are not strictly regarded as "causes":
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A genetic susceptibility to autism
With several uncommon genetic conditions (mutations) appearing to correlate with the disorder. While some of these may directly lead to autism, many others are merely linked to autism. Research in this area is still in its infancy, and scientists continue to work on unraveling this complex puzzle.
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Several environmental factors (not related to genetics) may increase the likelihood of a child developing autism. These factors can occur before or after birth, and include:
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Older parental age at conception (both mother and father)
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Birth complications, particularly those involving oxygen deprivation
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Certain maternal illnesses during pregnancy
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Possible link between insufficient folic acid during pregnancy and increased autism risk in children
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These are all scientific theories, hypotheses, or preliminary research findings. As in any rapidly evolving scientific field, current understandings may change as new research emerges. At Pathways To Progress, our focus is on autism treatment, not determining its causes.
What Kind of Treatment Works?
Although the causes of autism remain unknown, significant progress has been made in autism treatment and therapy research. Over 30 years and hundreds of studies have explored the most effective approaches.
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We're proud that our work is evidence-based. Our staff are trained at leading institutions specializing in the most effective therapy: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Our program incorporates research-backed best practices, and we're happy to explain the rationale behind our methods.
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The following are proven strategies that help many children overcome challenges associated with autism:
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A comprehensive Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program
This is considered a "full-time" program. Extensive research demonstrates a clear correlation between the intensity of ABA therapy (number of hours per week) and improved outcomes for children with developmental delays.
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Clinical supervisors and therapists (BCBAs and RBTs) who are highly-trained and consistent.
Children with autism spectrum disorder thrive with consistent care. Experienced and dedicated professionals are crucial, and therapist continuity is a key factor in successful ABA therapy. We prioritize this stability for both our team and our clients.
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A tailored program designed to address a child's unique developmental delays
Children with autism spectrum disorder present with a range of communication abilities. Some may be non-verbal and require support developing communication skills, while others may be verbal but experience challenges with repetitive behaviors, self-harm, or social interactions. Because each child is unique, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) conducts a thorough assessment before creating an individualized intervention plan.
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Family Guidance
Family involvement is crucial to the success of any ABA therapy program. At P2P we prioritize family guidance and require bi-weekly sessions between caregivers and their child's BCBA. These sessions focus on ongoing communication and provide instruction on how to extend the skills learned at our center to the home and community.
What Should I do next?
If your child has been diagnosed with autism or autism spectrum disorder and you're interested in enrolling, please complete our brief New Client Application or contact us