Autism Spectrum

Autism Spectrum: a serious neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs a child's ability to communicate and interact with others. It also includes scope of repetitive behaviors, interests, and activities. These issues cause significant impairment in social, occupational, and other areas of functioning in daily life.

Studies show that autism is four to five times more common among boys than girls. An estimated 1 out of 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls are diagnosed with autism in the United States. Autism Spectrum Disorder is estimated to affect more than 2 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide.

The DSM 5 has categorized Autism Spectrum into 3 levels:

Level 1 "Requiring support": Without supports in place may have a hard time communicating with others,and initiating social interactions. May have problems with organization and switching from one task to another.

Level 2 “Requiring substantial support”: Difficulty with verbal and nonverbal social communication skills; social impairments noticed even with supports in place. Difficulty coping with change and frequent noticeable repetitive behaviors.

Level 3 “Requiring very substantial support”: Severe deficits in verbal and nonverbal social communication skills causing impairments in functioning. Very limited social interactions, and minimal response. Extreme difficulty with coping and repetitive behaviors, to the point impacts many areas of daily life.

Some Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder per the Mayo Clinic:

Behavioral: inappropriate social interaction, poor eye contact, compulsive behavior, impulsivity, repetitive movements, self-harm, or persistent repetition of words or actions
Developmental: learning disability or speech delay in a child
Cognitive: intense interest in a limited number of things or problem paying attention
Psychological: unaware of others' emotions or depression
Also, common: anxiety, changes in voice, sensitivity to sound, or tic

Counselors:

Berks County:

Thriveworks Counseling and Coaching-Reading Treatment Facility - 610-816-6232
PVC Consultant, Pierre Cooper - 484- 648-2738
Diversified Family Interventions, Pamela Spellman – 610-365-4607
Emotional Wellness LLC, Mrs. Denise Heifer -610-850-9199 ext. 100

Lehigh County:

Tanya R Shankweiler- 484-517-4544
Sara Kahler- 610-850-9219
Timothy C DeMott- 610-915-8745
Barbara Cohen- 610-756-1248

Programs/Services:

Berks County:

Leigh County:

WEBSITES:

Books:

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time: A Novel by Mark Haddon

The Reason I Jump: by Naoki Higashida

Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew: Updated and Expanded Edition: By Ellen Notbohm

Thinking Person's Guide To Autism: by Shannon Des Roches Rosa, Jennifer Byde Myers, Liz Ditz, Emily Willingham and Carol Greenburg

References:

Black, D. W., & Grant, J. E. (2014). DSM-5 TM guidebook the essential companion to the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fifth edition. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing.

Autism Spectrum . (n.d.). Retrieved February 27, 2017, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/