What is Autism?
What is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a range of complex neurodevelopment disorders, characterized by social impairments, communication difficulties, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior. Autistic disorder, sometimes called autism or classical ASD, is the most severe form of ASD, while other conditions along the spectrum include a milder form known as Asperger syndrome, the rare condition called Rett syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (usually referred to as PDD-NOS). Although ASD varies significantly in character and severity, it occurs in all ethnic and socioeconomic groups and affects every age group.
Characteristics of Autism
Characteristics
of Autism
- Seem to develop normally until 18-24 months
- Not respond to their name by 12 months
- Not point to an object to show interest by 14 months
- Not play ‘pretend games’ (such as pretend to “feed” a doll) by 18 months
- Avoid eye contact and want to be alone
- Have trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings
- Have delayed speech and language skills
- Repeat words or phrases over and over (echolalia)
- Give unrelated answers to questions
- Get upset by minor changes
- Have obsessive interests
- Flap their hands, rock their body, or spin in circles
- Have unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look or feel
My child has been diagnosed. What is the next step?
Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy can be part of a comprehensive treatment program for a child with an ASD. Talk to your pediatrician about referring for a formal speech, occupational or physical therapy evaluation with Kids Korner.
Contact Information
Contact Information
N. McAllen Clinic
S. McAllen Clinic
1400 E. Ridge Rd., Ste 1
McAllen, TX 78503
Phone: 956-502-5466
Fax: 956-502-5469
Weslaco Clinic
910 E. 8th St. Ste. 7
Weslaco, TX 78596
Phone: 956-447-3565
Fax: 956-994-3888
Contact Information
North McAllen Clinic
520 E. Dove Ave.
McAllen, Texas 78503
Phone: 956-630-6300
Fax: 956-630-3443
South McAllen Clinic
1400 E. Ridge Rd., Ste 1
McAllen, Texas 78503
Phone: 956-502-5466
Fax: 956-502-5469
Weslaco Clinic
910 E. 8th St. Ste. 7
Weslaco, TX 78596
Phone: 956-447-3565
Fax: 956-994-3888
Kids Korner is committed to maintaining the highest standards in both our patient care and our administration by creating a friendly, family-oriented environment of people who care deeply about the well being of our patients.