Autism is a neurobehavioral disorder with four distinct autism diagnoses, all enveloping a spectrum of symptoms and impairments that range in severity. Autism is characterized by difficulty in communicating and interacting with others and obsessive or repetitive behavior. Depending on how a person is communicating and interacting, autism diagnoses can start as young as two years old. It’s also not uncommon for adults to seek a diagnosis if they notice symptoms in themselves or their children.

A Clinical Psychologist can help with an evaluation and assist with providing you with strategies to best manage the symptoms and embrace the strengths that autism can provide. We’d recommend speaking with our office if you’ve noticed any of the following behavioral trends:

•     Inability to maintain eye contact or failure to respond when spoken to or called by name
•     Rigid rules or routines
•     Isolation or avoiding social interaction
•     Repetitive or obsessive behavior, such as lining up objects or only performing tasks in a particular order
•     Involuntary or excessive behaviors such as blinking, rocking, hand flapping, or finger flicking

A diagnosis of autism can help you find solutions to symptoms that are interfering with your daily life. Autism can make it difficult for you to interact socially, both with verbal and nonverbal communication. Trouble making eye contact or involuntary noises can also be irritating. Additionally,  it is difficult for you to make or maintain friendships and intimate relationships or get along with family members.

Therapy and some medications are available to help manage and control these behaviors. Psychotherapy can help address compulsions or a lack of social skills, as well as teach coping methods for anxiety.

If you’re concerned that you may be exhibiting signs of autism, come in for a neuropsychological evaluation. We can assess and evaluate you and provide valuable treatment recommendations and resources.