3 Crucial Steps to Understanding and Addressing Autism Spectrum Disorder
1. What is ASD?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that changes how you think and process information. Neurodivergence describes an individual whose brain functions differently from what we consider “normal .” Current beliefs are that due to the unique structure and chemistry of the ASD brain, these differences are unique to these individuals. Initial diagnosis can be scary and misunderstood. ASD is becoming understood through emerging research and awareness, and early recognition in education and health fields leads to early diagnosis, compared to previous years. Surprisingly, very few professionals help treat their children or teens once diagnosed.
2. How has ASD Affected My Loved One?
According to the APA, a person diagnosed with ASD has a different way of understanding social-emotional reciprocity. Such deficiencies include interacting with others, initiating interactions, responding to others, or using interaction to show people things or to be sociable. Understanding and relating to others can be challenging, as can recognizing appropriate social boundaries and an inability to hold conversations back and forth. Additional struggles are starting, understanding non-verbal communication cues, including body language and facial expressions, and maintaining eye contact.
3. How Can I Help?
While there is no cure for ASD, early intervention and tailored support can significantly improve an individual’s quality of life. I can help with all of these struggles! I can provide individual therapy sessions, creating a compassionate, warm, and supportive environment that can transcend into other environments such as home, school, and community. Areas I would help with are through play and sand-tray therapy practice with conversation and body language skills. I can help with the practice of emotional skills, such as managing emotions and understanding how others feel, and problem-solving skills, like making decisions in social situations and dealing with conflict. I offer hope for you and your family!
Written by: Maria Blahut LAC
Edited by: Lauren Maddox
Additional Resources
- See a Therapist
- What to Expect for Your First Therapy Appointment