Can High Functioning Autism Be Cured

What Are The Causes

Its not clear exactly why some people develop higher functioning ASPD. Theres no known cause.

What is known, however, is that some people are more likely to develop this type of ASPD than others.

factors that may cause high-functioning sociopathy

• Sex. Males are more likely to develop ASPD than females.
• Genes. A family history of any type of ASPD may increase your risk for it or another type of mental illness.
• Conduct disorder. High-functioning ASPD is unlikely to be diagnosed before age 18, but childhood conduct issues may be a sign of a personality disorder like sociopathy.
• Trauma. Childhood abuse or neglect increases the risk for this type of disorder.
• Unstable childhood. Children raised in environments that are turbulent, even violent, are also at a greater risk.

What Is Applied Behavior Analysis

Applied behavior analysis is the most common treatment for children with autism. ABA teaches children to develop skills for communication, relationships, movement, academics, hygiene, and self-care. For example, children may learn to make eye contact, write their name, or use the bathroom.

ABA centers around understanding the components of a specific behaviorâthe trigger, the behavior, and the consequenceâand rewarding and reinforcing the desired behavior at each step.

High Functioning Autism Symptoms

• Fixation on Particular Subjects or Ideas
• Linguistic Oddities
• Development of Repetitive or Restrictive Habits
• Dislike of Change
• Focus on Self
• Unusual Movement Patterns

Diagnosis rates for autism continue to rise, especially as parents and professionals become more familiar with the symptoms of high-functioning autism. Many patients are getting the assistance they need to live full, productive lives because their unusual behaviors are no longer seen as simple social awkwardness or eccentricity. As more caring medical and mental health professionals learn to recognize the most common symptoms of autism, the number of interventions available to people with autism will rise.

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How Much Aba Therapy Is Recommended

The program is highly structured and can require 20 or 40 hours of one-on-one therapy per week. ABA begins from a young age and can be tailored to address a childâs individual needs. Today there are variations of ABA with more flexibility, such as the Early Start Denver Model and Pivotal Response Training.

Which Children Are Most Likely To Radically Improve

Every now and then, a child with relatively severe symptoms improves to the point where he or she is able to function effectively over time in a typical school setting. But this is rare. While inclusion may be appropriate for a period of time, most children with severe or even moderate autism find it difficult or impossible to manage increasingly complex demands in the areas of social communication, executive functioning, and abstract reasoning.

The reality is that the children who are most likely to radically improve are those whose symptoms are already relatively mild and do not include issues such as seizures, speech delay, learning disabilities, or severe anxiety. In general, therefore, the children most likely to apparently “defeat” autism are those with normal or above normal IQ’s, spoken language skills, and other existing strengths.

It’s important to note, though, that leaving behind an autism spectrum diagnosis isn’t the same thing as becoming “normal.” Even very high functioning children who appear to “outgrow” their autism diagnosis still struggle with a variety of issues. They are still likely to have sensory challenges, social communication difficulties, anxiety, and other challenges, and may well wind up with diagnoses such as ADHD, OCD, social anxiety, or the relatively new Social Communication Disorder.

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Different Degrees Of Independence

First, its important to understand that a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder does not mean that your child or family member will not be able to date, make friends, attend college, get married, become a parent, or have a satisfying career. People with ASD do these things and more every day.

What an ASD diagnosis does mean is that your child or family member will progress differently than people without ASD.

At Therapeutic Pathways, our team of therapists and behavior technicians work to help those diagnosed with ASD reach their full potential. This means reaching different stages of independence over time.

Again, its not possible to provide a concrete answer of how long it will take your child or family member to develop certain independent living skills. Our staff meets each client where they are and works closely with them to develop skills to keep your child safe and happy.

Some of the autism independent living skills that we encourage and develop at Therapeutic Pathways include:

When Should You Call A Doctor For Autism In Infants And Toddlers

If an infant or toddler exhibits any unusual behaviors for a day or two after behaving completely normally, it probably means that he or she is coming down with a minor illness, doesn’t feel well, or is tired or under some other form of stress. However, if the child has always had any of these characteristics, or the characteristic continues over a period of time, a visit to the pediatrician or other health care provider is warranted. The average age for the diagnosis of autism is 4 to 6 years, although most parents suspected something was wrong by 18 months and voiced their concerns by age 2 years.

Some examples of behaviors that warrant seeking medical care include:

• seems distant or oblivious to surroundings
• doesn’t play or interact well with others
• is uncommunicative
• insists on sameness and routine
• engages in repetitive or compulsive actions.

Based on an understanding of potential early autism symptoms, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and experts recommend that babies or children be evaluated for autism who have not met the following developmental milestones:

• Not babbled or cooed by age 1 year
• Not gestured, pointed, or waved as an infant, by age 1 year
• Not spoken a single word by age 16 months
• Not spoken a 2-word phrase by age 2 years
• Experiences any loss of language or social skills at any age

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Signs Of Asperger Syndrome

People with Asperger syndrome are generally considered to be on the higher functioning end of the autism spectrum. It is still a form of autism and is a lifelong condition.

Signs and symptoms that are typical of people with Asperger syndrome include:

• Very narrow and highly focused interests
• Great importance on rules and routines
• High standard of language skills, potentially very formal in expression
• Monotonous or repetitive speech

• Making the same noise repeatedly
• Scratching

These behaviors provide the person with a form of sensory input that the person finds appealing or helpful. There are various reasons why someone could be engaging in self-stimulatory behavior:

• They find it enjoyable
• It provides something to focus on, thereby reducing the effects of other, nearby stimuli
• It is soothing and helps with anxiety

Can You Be Unaware Of Anxiety

Yes, most definitely. As with most anxiety disorders, high-functioning anxiety can often hide behind a range of physical and mental symptoms. People often realize somethings not quite right, but they have trouble connecting the dots. Did you know that a third of the adult population who experience anxiety unwellness issues in North America remain undiagnosed?

One of the main reasons people with GAD and/or high-functioning anxiety go untreated is that both disorders are hard to recognize. If youve learned to live with anxiety and your symptoms have become part of your lifestyle, its unlikely youll make it to the doctors office of your own accord.

Along with the high functioning anxiety symptoms weve already mentioned, here are some tell-tale signs of GAD:

• You suffer from chronic physical pain that doctors are having trouble finding the exact cause of.
• Youre always tired you dont sleep well and wake up often.
• Overthinking is something you do on the regular.

If any of these negatively impact your daily life, anxiety may be to blame. Dont wait for things to get worse before seeking medical assistance. Contact a professional today and get the help you need.

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Did Aba Work For Your Child

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Applied Behavior Analysis ABA training is most effective if therapy begins when children are younger than age 5, although older children with ASD can also benefit. ABA helps teach social, motor, and verbal behaviors, as well as reasoning skills, and works to manage challenging behavior.

Furthermore, how successful is ABA therapy? Applied behavior analysis therapy is the leading methodology proven to bring about positive changes in the behavior of children with autism. Techniques used in ABA therapy are best utilized in structured settings like a classroom to enable the learning of positive behavior in an effective and intensive way.

Secondly, is ABA only for autism?

Myth: ABA therapy is only for children with autismFact: Because it reflects how all human brains learn through positive and negative reinforcement, ABA therapy helps children and adults without autism adopt beneficial behaviors.

How long does it take ABA therapy to work?

Intensive and long term refer to programs that provide 25 to 40 hours a week of therapy for 1 to 3 years. These studies show gains in intellectual functioning, language development, daily living skills and social functioning. Studies with adults using ABA principles, though fewer in number, show similar benefits.

I Have High Functioning Autism

I spent my entire life struggling to know why I was so different from everyone else. I was born in the 90s and back then only boys seemed to have high functioning autism. In fact, my younger brother was diagnosed with high functioning autism as a small child.

The reason that girls are often overlooked is that girls mature faster than boys and they usually have a better ability to adapt to their situations and blend in.

However, once I had my first child and she started to have symptoms of autism, I was later tested and diagnosed with high functioning autism at 26 years old. Now as an adult I have had to learn more about how to handle my symptoms. Being diagnosed literally changed my life, but I really wish I had been diagnosed as a child so I could have received therapy and understanding.

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Development Of Repetitive Or Restrictive Habits

Repetitive habits are another sign of high-functioning autism. Those habits could interfere with the persons ability to do what they need to do or what others want them to do. One type of repetitive habit might be related to movement. The individual might have to tie and untie their shoes multiple times before they are satisfied and are able to start walking or leave the house. Some people develop restrictive habits that interfere with socially accepted living. For example, an individual might refuse to wear any other kind of shirt than a tee shirt. This could impact their health and well-being if they live in a place with cold weather.

How Is Autism Treated

There are many effective approaches to managing or treating autism. Early intervention with highly structured behavioral, cognitive, and communication therapies can sometimes dramatically help children with autism learn skills. School-based educational programs designed for children with autism can be effective in improving intellectual functioning. However, some children with autism will never be able to communicate or live independently as adults.

Programs that make use of applied behavior analysis have become widely accepted as the standard of treatment. In the most effective programs, parents are encouraged to be highly involved in their children’s care.

While no medication can eliminate the impairments common to autism, psychoactive drugs including antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants are often prescribed to help control specific symptoms.

There are also many alternative treatments promoted to parents of children with autism, such as facilitated communication and auditory integration training, to name a few many have been shown to be ineffective. It is important for parents of children with autism to look into prospective treatments as thoroughly as possible.

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• Can autism be treated in adulthood?

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Is Hyperfixation A Symptom Of Anxiety

Sometimes.

Hyperfixation is less of a symptom and more of a way of coping with anxiety and excessive stress. Its more commonly associated with ADHD and autism, but people with anxiety disorders can definitely show signs of hyperfixation too.

Think of hyperfixation as a self-protective mechanism that keeps you occupied when your brain goes into frenzy mode. Its a form of escapism, and although relatively harmless, it usually indicates that larger issues are subconsciously being repressed.

Any recurring activity performed with an obsessive passion can indicate hyperfixation .

Unlike nervous habits, hyperfixation isnt just a response to a specific stressful situation. If you havent been diagnosed with ADHD or autism and hyperfocus offers relief from stress and anxiety, it may be a sign of something more serious .

If you hyperfixate as a means of fighting sadness and melancholy, we recommend you seek professional help immediately.

How Are Asd Levels Determined

While its difficult to determine a persons ASD level, trained psychologists have some tools that can help them accomplish this, such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition . This assessment is typically paired with a thorough developmental history.

ASD can be diagnosed as early as 18 months . However, many children, and even some adults, may not be diagnosed until much later.

Being diagnosed at a later age can make support more difficult. If you or your childs pediatrician think they may be autistic, consider making an appointment with an ASD specialist. Learn more about testing for ASD.

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Treatment Trials For Autism Often Fail To Show Benefits

There are also documented cases of individuals whose symptoms have improved to such degree that they no longer meet the diagnostic criteria for autism.

On the other hand, there is at this point in time no definite, large, placebo-controlled double-blinded study that establishes beyond doubt that any single ONE approach could be an effective treatment for everyone affected by autism.

There are a few possible answers as to why this is the case, but one important one is the fact that the researchers are still not able to define what autism isor, perhaps more accurately, what autisms really are. When recruiting study participants for any one treatment trial for autism, it is therefore likely that many individuals will be included who have a different underlying pathophysiology, and different cluster of symptoms and impairments. Because of this the individuals who take part in the studies will have widely different responses to any single treatment, or a combination of treatments.

Even when a specific treatment appears to bring significant benefits to a small number of study participants, unless those positive effects can be shown across the whole mixed group they will be deemed statistically insignificant. The treatment will therefore be proclaimed ineffective for autism as a whole, even when the effects on autism symptoms in SOME individuals appear to be highly beneficialand life-changing.

Is Aspergers Syndrome A Disability

Everyone has a unique personality and different strengths. People with Aspergers syndrome are no different. But if you or your loved one are finding it difficult to get or keep work due to Aspergers syndrome symptoms, there is help. You may be able to qualify for disability under the Disability Evaluation Under Social Security Section 12.10, Mental Disorders. For more information, check with your provider and social security contact person.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

If you think that you or your loved one might have Aspergers syndrome, or if youre a teacher or caregiver concerned about someone you know, your first step is to contact your healthcare provider. In addition to discussing this with a professional, there is a lot of information about ASD and Aspergers syndrome that is available, along with information on support groups. It helps always to be open-minded and realize that everyone has strengths and opportunities to improve.

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What Vitamins Minerals And Diet Changes Treat Autism Signs And Symptoms

Although many studies have been done to assess whether abnormal amounts of vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients can be found in people with autism, results have not clearly pointed to any abnormalities that are consistently linked with the disorder. Although few, if any, of these claims are backed up by scientific studies, parents and physicians alike have reported improvement in symptoms in people given certain supplements, including vitamin B, magnesium, cod liver oil, and vitamin C.

Some people with autism have food sensitivities and food allergies and dietary management is important in these cases to maintain nutrition and health. Another focus of dietary therapy is on problems with intestinal digestion and absorption of nutrients in foods suspected to be present in some individuals with autism. Some parents and professionals have reported improvements in symptoms of autism when diets eliminating suspect proteins, such as gluten , are consistently followed. However, there are no scientific studies to confirm their effectiveness.

Do not start giving a child supplements or dramatically change his or her diet without discussing it with the treatment team. It is important to maintain adequate nutrition to ensure optimal growth and development. Furthermore, although vitamins, minerals, and many other substances available as supplements are necessary for body functions, some of them can be dangerous if taken in excess.

Negative Reactions To Certain Sounds Smells Textures

One of the biggest signs that I hear of high functioning autism is when your child has negative reactions to certain sounds, smells or textures.

So for sounds, if your child has a very difficult time with loud noises or needs everything to be very loud this is common for autistic children.

And if your child is bothered by smells to a point where it seems unbearable. .

Lastly, if your child only likes certain textures and can not handle other textures, this is a possible sign of high functioning autism. My children and I have several texture issues especially when it comes to foods.

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