Autism

Around 1 in every 36 children is Autistic (also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD) in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). At Pediatric POST in Crystal Lake, Illinois, the team helps navigate their experiences as Autistic individuals through evidence-based techniques, such as floortime play therapy.  Call the office today or schedule an appointment online to find an experienced therapist who provides comprehenvsive care for Autism. 

What is Autism?

Autism is a developmental disability that affects how a child communicates, behaves, and interacts with others. As a spectrum disorder, Autistic traits can vary widely. Some children have less pronouced traits and can maintain their independence, while others require lifelong support. A thorough evaluation and care plan is essential to support Autistic children as they age.

At Pediatric POST, the mental health team takes a multimodality approach to Autism that incorporates DIRFloortime® play therapy for social, emotional, and behavioral growth.

What are the signs of Autism?

Early traits of Autism may develop around age one, but most children exhibit symptoms around ages two, three, or by the time they start school. While traits vary, many Autistic children show signs such as:

• Discomfort maintaining eye contact
• Discomfort adapting to changes in their routine
• Differences in socializing
• Delayed verbal communication
• Repetitive behaviors
• Difficulty managing their own emotions and interpreting others
• Poor motor skills or coordination
• Missing or misunderstanding social cues
• Sensory hypersensitivity (bright lights, loud noises, etc.)
• Differences in play such as lining up toys in a certain pattern

While some Autistic children experience delayed language development, others never communicate through spoken words. That’s why the team develops individualized care plans for Autistic children.

What causes Autism?

There is no single cause of autism, but certain factors can increase a child’s likelyhood of being Autistic. These factors include:

• Having older parents
• Having a close relative who is Autistic
• Having certain genetic conditions
• Having a low birth rate

How is Autism diagnosed?

While no lab test can diagnose Autism, the Pediatric POST team can perform multiple screenings to evaluate signs of the condition. Common screenings for autism include:

• Psychological evaluation
• Cognitive assessment
• Physical exam
• Developmental screening

Having speech, occupational, and physical therapists on-site allows the team to provide autism screenings and therapies under one roof.

What are the therapies that may help Autistic individuals?

Pediatric POST practices a play-based approach to care that encourages children to take an active role in their care. The team creates an interactive environment that may combine traditional forms of therapy, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), with DIRFloortime play therapy, group therapy, and other forms of engaging care.

Call Pediatric POST today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about autism.