Autism

Are autism and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) the same?

Yes. Autism and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refer to the same thing. 

ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects cognitive (brain) function. Children with ASD behave, interact, and learn differently than other people. Often, they struggle in social situations and have difficulty interpreting and using verbal and nonverbal communication.

What are the symptoms of autism?

Your child might have autism spectrum disorder if they:

• Don’t look at you when you call their name
• Don’t smile or make warm expressions by the age of 6 months
• Don’t babble by age 1
• Don’t use hand gestures, such as reaching or waving, by age 1
• Don’t say any words by age 16 months
• Don’t speak any meaningful two-word phrases by the age of 2
• Have obsessive or unusual interests
• Have significant sensory aversions, such as a fear of loud noises or strong smells

Autism occurs on a spectrum. This means that symptoms vary significantly from person to person. If your child exhibits any of these behaviors, scheduling an appointment at the offices of Dewi S. Sudjono-Santoso, MD, PA, can confirm a diagnosis and help you determine the next steps.

How is autism diagnosed?

There isn’t a specific test that diagnoses autism. Instead, the Dewi S. Sudjono-Santoso, MD, PA, team uses a multipronged approach. This approach includes:

Developmental surveillance

Developmental surveillance is an assessment of your child’s developmental history and behavior. It’s an active, ongoing process that involves regular in-office or telemedicine checkups. 

At each visit, your child’s pediatrician watches them grow and asks you about their physical and social skills and abilities.

Developmental screening

A developmental screening is a survey that features questions and checklists about your child’s behavior, social skills, and physical development. The team compares your child’s results to those of children of the same age. This helps them identify developmental issues that might indicate autism. 

Formal evaluation

A formal evaluation includes structured autism testing. This evaluation is performed by a developmental-behavioral pediatrician and helps determine a formal diagnosis.

How is autism treated?

Treatment of autism depends on the severity of your child’s symptoms and the disorder’s effect on their quality of life. Often, the Dewi S. Sudjono-Santoso, MD, PA, team recommends a combination of behavioral interventions and therapy. 

Many kids with autism spectrum disorder also have co-occurring conditions, such as gastrointestinal problems and sleep disturbances. The team treats these issues, too, ensuring your child’s specific needs are met. 

Call the nearest Dewi S. Sudjono-Santoso, MD, PA, office to schedule an autism evaluation for your child, or book your appointment online today.