Alexander Center > Common Conditions > Autism spectrum disorders

Common conditions

This section includes conditions that can be evaluated and treated by Alexander Center professionals.

	[ hide list ] A B C | D E F | G H I | J K L | M N O | P Q R | S T U | V W | X Y Z Asperger's disorder Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Auditory processing disorder Autism spectrum disorders   Bed-wetting, soiling Bed-wetting (enuresis) Behavioral problems Childhood apraxia of speech Chronic motor tic Developmental disorders Developmental dyslexia Emotional disorders Fluency disorder, stuttering Habit disorders Learning disorders Mathematics disorder Mixed receptive and expressive language disorder Pervasive development disorder Phonological disorder Psychophysiological disorders Soiling (encopresis) Speech, language disorders Tic disorders Tourette's syndrome Written expression disorders No conditions are available for this section.

Autism spectrum disorders

The term autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) represents a broad range of developmental conditions that affect communication, social interaction and behavior. Children who have autism often begin speaking at older ages, and want to be alone instead of being or playing with other children.

About one in 150 children are diagnosed with an ASD.

Symptoms

With ASDs, the following apply.

• Spoken communication and body language are difficult to understand. Children are slow to learn the link between words and facial expressions or postures. This missing link can make the social world confusing and overwhelming.
• Children tend to have repetitive behaviors (head banging, hand flapping) or intense interest in one subject (baseball statistics, animals, trains).
• Children may be underreactive or overreactive to sound, textures or tastes.
• Children’s ability to learn may or may not be affected. Some children who have ASD have significant learning difficulties, while others are academically advanced.

Tests, treatment

In all cases of ASDs, early detection and treatment are key to positive outcomes. Treatment for ASDs occurs in two steps.

The first step will involve your primary care doctor determining a problem exists with your child’s development during a “well child” checkup. The checkup should include a developmental screening test. If it does not, be sure to request one. 

If your doctor suspects ASD, your child then will be evaluated by the Alexander Center team, including a psychologist, medical doctor and speech therapist. Other professionals who deal with ASDs also may be involved.

Children with possible ASDs need medical and educational evaluations, so your child also should be assessed through your school district.

Treatments are comprehensive and may include highly structured, organized programs that involve parents working with therapists and teachers. Additional interventions may be recommended for your child, including speech therapy, occupational therapy and medication.

See also Asperger’s disorder and pervasive developmental disorders – not otherwise specified

Services

Academic tutoring 
Medical assessment 
Medication management
Speech and language services 
Therapy