Autism spectrum disorder is far from a single, definitive condition; instead, it can have an array of effects on speech, language development, social relationships, and more. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1% of the population is currently diagnosed with autism, and it’s on the rise, with one in 54 children likely to receive a diagnosis.
At Northeast Health Services, we tailor treatment plans to your individual needs and can provide individual therapy for children and adults, family support, medication, and more. Call us today at 508.794.8711 or fill out a quick form to learn more about the care we provide in the greater Boston area and across Massachusetts.
Note that, while many of our therapists and psychiatric providers are well versed in supporting the neurodivergent community with therapy and psychiatry services, Northeast Health Services does not offer autism assessments or diagnoses. For assessments and other specialized services, such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, or sensory integration, our team is happy to provide referrals and coordinate care.
Potential Signs & Symptoms of Autism
Autism is a spectrum, so the signs and symptoms can fluctuate greatly from person to person. In some cases, behavioral and developmental differences may become apparent in infancy. Other people, especially those born female, may not receive an autism diagnosis until adulthood, as it can often be mistaken for social or generalized anxiety.
Signs of Autism in Children
Signs of autism in children can include:
- Speech delays or remaining nonverbal
- Sensory sensitivity (sensitive to sounds, smells, or textures)
- Difficulty with eye contact
- Walking on tiptoes
- Rocking
- Hand flapping
- Difficulty engaging in play with others
- Obsession with routine
- Extreme anxiety, especially around plan changes
- Fixation on an object or toy
Signs of Autism in Adults
Signs of autism in adults can include:
- Fixation on one or two favorite subjects or topics
- Difficulty reading social cues and interacting in social situations
- Poor emotional regulation
- Difficulty relating to and building relationships with others
- Trouble understanding jokes, sarcasm, or figurative language
- Difficulty accepting change
- Fixation on subjects with complex details
- Sensory sensitivity
- Flat affect
- Developing and following strict routines
Are you or a loved one dealing with autism-related symptoms?
At NEHS, we know how difficult it can be to find empathetic, individualized care. The experts at our clinics across Massachusetts can treat some of the more difficult aspects of living with autism and figuring out how to cope in a neurotypical world while encouraging the positive traits. Call us at 508.794.8711 or fill out a brief form to get started.
Note that, while many of our therapists and psychiatric providers are well versed in supporting the neurodivergent community with therapy and psychiatry services, Northeast Health Services does not offer autism assessments or diagnoses. For assessments and other specialized services, such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, or sensory integration, our team is happy to provide referrals and coordinate care.
What Causes Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism is multifaceted, and while it’s impossible to pinpoint an exact cause, research has suggested that genetic, environmental, and biological components are all contributing factors.
A person’s risk for autism is increased by several factors, including:
- Family history: People with an immediate family member on the autism spectrum, like a parent or sibling, are more likely to have autism themselves.
- Birth complications: Low birth weight, premature birth, and other birth complications increase the risk of developmental differences.
- Infections and illnesses: Newborn jaundice and some viral infections have been linked to autism spectrum disorder.
How Is Autism Treated?
Although autism should not be considered a disease that needs to be “cured,” experts have developed several therapies to help those with autism cope with unwanted symptoms and lead the most fulfilling lives possible. Treatment options for symptoms associated with autism often include skill-building therapy, play therapy for younger children, and a host of other supports depending on the person’s needs, like family therapy or music therapy.
At NEHS, we can provide a collaborative support system through therapy and medication (when necessary), offering thoughtful, educated treatments based on your unique needs. Many of our therapists and psychiatric providers are uniquely trained to provide comprehensive care to those on the spectrum.
Note that we do not offer specialized services such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, or sensory integration. Our team is happy to provide referrals for these treatments and coordinate care.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT and other behavioral therapies can help people learn skills and behaviors that otherwise don’t come as naturally, plus an experienced therapist can provide a bridge with parents or partners for greater relational understanding.
Play Therapy
Play and social interaction can be challenging for children with autism. Play therapy allows people with autism to play in a controlled, supportive environment and learn social skills within the play setting.
Medication
Certain symptoms of autism like irritability, aggression, and impulsivity can be treated with medication. Additionally, autism can come with co-occurring disorders like anxiety or depression. If symptoms are impacting your daily life, a psychiatric professional can help determine whether medication could be appropriate depending on your unique needs.
Family Therapy
Involving the whole family in therapy can boost communication, help family members collaborate on problem solving, and give other siblings a chance to share any struggles they may have and develop coping skills as well.
Other Therapeutic Interventions
A mental health professional can help you determine what other therapy types might be helpful and can make referrals to different specialists as needed. This could include speech therapy for communication needs, music or art therapy for help with expression, and sensory integration therapy for help with sensory processing.
Note that some of these services, like sensory integration and speech therapy, aren’t available in our NEHS clinics; but our experts can provide referrals to other trusted providers in your area.
What’s the Outlook for People With Autism?
Autism is not a disease to be “cured,” though many autistic people benefit from extra support in order to thrive in a neurotypical world. Through developing a care plan that emphasizes the strengths of the person first, our specialists can help people with autism develop tools and coping skills to help manage day-to-day stressors and symptoms.
Finding Autism Treatment with Northeast Health Services
Northeast Health Services is committed to helping people in the greater Boston area and across Massachusetts gain access to life-transforming mental health care. Our clinics provide comprehensive services, with individual therapy, family support, and more unique modalities for those with autism. Contact us today at 508.794.8711 or fill out a brief form to find out how we can help you or loved one thrive.
Note that, while many of our therapists and psychiatric providers are well versed in supporting the neurodivergent community, Northeast Health Services does not offer autism assessments or diagnoses. For assessments and other specialized services, such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, or sensory integration, our team is happy to provide referrals and coordinate care.
FAQs About Autism
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How can I deal with autism?
One of the best things you can do is learn more about how your brain works and figure out the rhythms and supports that could help you thrive. There are many autistic creators online who share about their experiences, so seeing how they’ve structured their life and what supports work for them could be a great place to start.
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I’ve been diagnosed with autism; what's next?
Coping with an autism diagnosis can feel both liberating and overwhelming. On one hand, you may finally feel relief in having an explanation for some of your traits, but on the other hand it’s easy to look back and realize all the ways you weren’t supported. For some, an autism diagnosis can also bring up negative emotions and worries. Working with a neurodiversity-affirming therapist can be integral in helping you navigate these emotions and develop a plan for long-term support.
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How do I best support my autistic child?
Children with autism can benefit from getting affirming mental health care, as well as having their parent advocate for them at school to ensure they’re getting the supports they need to thrive. Doing this work for your child can be stressful, so it’s also important that you find your own mental health support to manage your emotions and stressors.
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Can a child with autism live a normal life?
Many autistic children can live fulfilling lives, especially with proper support early on. Learning certain skills and communication techniques in therapy can make a huge difference in helping a child live a full life within broader society. However, in severe cases, a child with autism may always need extra support, and might never become verbal or able to live on their own.
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What is the treatment for high functioning autistic adults?
While every human is different and a wide variety of therapies can be helpful, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often thought of as one of the most helpful treatments for autistic adults. CBT can help someone see the patterns of thinking and behavior that may not be beneficial, then learn to find new thought patterns and behaviors.
Of note, the term “high functioning autism” is somewhat outdated and not commonly used in the community. You might find your care provider or information online talking about “Level 1 Autism” instead of using the term “high functioning.”
The most important factor in finding treatment for level 1 autism is that you find a therapist who is neurodiversity affirming and will help you work from your strengths instead of trying to “fix” you.
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Is autism a disability?
Technically, yes, autism is a developmental disability. However, many neurodiversity advocates highlight that much of what disables autistic people is society’s expectation for them to act in certain ways. Additionally, the autism community is quite diverse, so each person’s support needs will be unique.