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What is Autism?
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. Autism is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities (Autism Society of America, 2006).
What does spectrum disorder mean?
Autism is a spectrum disorder. The symptoms and characteristics of autism can present themselves in a wide variety of combinations, from mild to severe. Although autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors, children and adults can exhibit any combination of the behaviors in any degree of severity. Two children, both with the same diagnosis, can act very differently from one another and have varying skills (Autism Society of America, 2006).
How Can CRD Help?
At Center for Rehabilitation and Development, we have several therapists with specialized training in the evaluation and treatment of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, including visual strategies, PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), social skills group therapy, augmentative/alternative communication (AAC), social stories, feeding therapy, oral motor therapy, sensory integration, and hippotherapy.
Speech-Language Therapy Can Help With:
· Nonverbal behaviors such as eye gaze, facial expressions, body postures, and social gestures
· Developing language skills (also including augmentative or alternate modes of communication)
· Developing peer relationships
· Developing play skills
· Improving feeding and oral motor skills
· Improving speech sounds and clarity of speech
· Increasing understanding and comprehension
· Enhancing use and understanding of concepts through visual representation
· Teaching routines and understanding
Occupational Therapy Can Help With:
· Increasing self and environmental awareness
· Improving self-regulation skills
· Integrating sensory processing
· Increasing attention
· Gaining school readiness
· Improving handwriting
· Increasing independence with activities of daily living
· Developing fine motor skills
Physical Therapy Can Help With:
· Improving gross motor coordination, such as jumping, hoping, skipping, galloping, and ball skills
· Improving balance skills
· Improving motor planning skills
· Improving stair climbing skills
· Improving body awareness
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