Autism

Autism is a complex developmental condition with a broad spectrum of symptoms. If your child shows signs of autistic behaviors, talk to Katherine Peppers, DNP, CPNP-PC, CPMHS, at Behavioral & Developmental Pediatrics in Raleigh, North Carolina. Katherine and her experienced colleagues use proven, gold-standard diagnostics to determine if your child has autism so they can receive the care they need. Call the office to learn more about autism assessments or schedule one for your child online today.

What is autism?

Autism develops in early life, causing communication and socialization issues, such as:

• Delayed speech
• Difficulties with social interaction
• Intense focus on specific objects or activities
• Inability to read people’s facial expressions
• Making inappropriate expressions
• Having few or no friends
• Preferring to play alone
• Repetitive movements like rocking and flapping

Autism has considerably different effects depending on its severity. For example, children with milder autism might be able to attend a regular school with additional support in some areas, while others are unable to speak at all and need constant care.

Because the symptoms can vary so dramatically, autism is known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Most people have a few traits typical of autism without it affecting them. However, as you move along the spectrum, life becomes increasingly challenging.

How is autism assessed?

Assessing autism is a specialized process requiring comprehensive knowledge about this condition. The Behavioral & Developmental Pediatrics staff has considerable expertise using gold standard tools like the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule second edition (ADOS-2).

ADOS-2 is an activity-based assessment for autism. It evaluates social interaction, communication skills, and other behaviors associated with ASD. Your child’s provider can use ADOS-2 for children of any age, but it isn’t suitable for those with significant problems, such as an inability to walk, blindness, or deafness. Children must also be at or above a 12-month developmental level.

An ADOS-2 assessment takes 30-60 minutes. Parents typically stay in the room with younger children during the evaluation, but adolescents usually complete it alone. Behavioral & Developmental Pediatrics uses ADOS-2 as part of a comprehensive evaluation that includes interviewing the child, talking to parents/caregivers, and asking parents and teachers to complete a specially designed questionnaire.

Their provider reviews the assessment results with you when the autism evaluation is complete. You also receive a written report.

What can I do to help my autistic child?

Autism is part of your child’s unique makeup and not something medical professionals can cure. However, you can do a great deal to support them and help them overcome their challenges.

Behavioral & Developmental Pediatrics specializes in testing rather than care and management of children with autism. However, Katherine can advise you on the best places to go for additional help and support. She has a keen interest in autism research and is currently evaluating breastfeeding’s role as a protective factor in ASD development.

Call Behavioral & Developmental Pediatrics to arrange an autism assessment or schedule a consultation online today.