Are you worried that you may have Autism?

Do you often avoid eye contact or not respond when spoken to?

Do you wonder if you are exhibiting signs of repetition or obsession?

Autism awareness is at an all-time high, widely discussed by the medical community, media outlets, concerned parents, and society in general. While autism may appear to be more widespread today than decades ago, experts believe the increase in diagnoses is due to greater awareness of autism and its signs and symptoms.

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 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, intimate relationships or to 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.

Please contact us today to schedule an appointment.