Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how the brain functions – how people interact with others, communicate, learn and behave.

• The Center for Disease Control estimates that 1 in 36 eight-year-old children have autism spectrum disorder.

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder experience difficulties with social communication and interaction, and restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests, such as repetitive language or movements, difficulties with changes, as well as over-reactivity or under-reactivity to things in the environment (e.g., sensitive to certain sounds or textures).

In addition, individuals with autism spectrum disorder may also experience tantrums, aggressive or harmful behavior directed toward themselves and others, sleep disturbance, feeding difficulties and delays in daily living skills, such as toileting, dressing and hygiene.

Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Munroe-Meyer Institute professionals have the expertise to evaluate and treat the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder.

Symptoms vary but include:

• Difficulties with social communication and social interaction (e.g., difficulties with eye-contact, conversational skills, or perspective taking)
• Restricted and repetitive behaviors or interests (e.g., repeating actions or words over and over).

Associated symptoms that some individuals with autism may experience:

• Delayed language skills.
• Oversensitivity or under sensitivity to sounds, textures, smells, visual stimuli.
• Co-occurring cognitive difficulties.
• Behavioral challenges.

Diagnosing Autism

• An initial assessment and evaluation involve meeting with skilled professionals from one or more departments within MMI.
• During the appointment, families will provide information to MMI professionals during a clinical interview and observation (e.g., medical, behavioral health, academic and intellectual and/or developmental disability history).
• Following the evaluation, caregivers can expect a discussion of the professional’s clinical impression and recommendations for care.
• Caregivers can expect a written report in the weeks following their child’s initial evaluation.

Diagnosis Range

Autism spectrum disorder can range from mild to moderate to severe. Although some children only may struggle with social skills, others may have more significant deficits and may engage in aggressive or disruptive behavior. No two individuals with autism spectrum disorder are the exact same.

Treatment Options

The Munroe-Meyer Institute is committed to family-centered care and multiple departments provide services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. In partnership with families, our professionals strive to assure success in establishing and maintaining treatment at home, in the classroom and in the community. Treatment can focus on one or all of the aspects of autism spectrum disorder, depending on the child’s needs. We also provide assistance in identifying services and resources for the whole family, including respite opportunities.

Because no two children with autism spectrum disorder are alike, individualized treatment is vital and can focus on one or all of the aspects of autism spectrum disorder, depending on the child’s needs.

MMI Services and Resources

• Applied Behavior Analysis
• Integrated Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Psychology Department
• Recreational Therapy Department
• Severe Behavior Department
• Speech-Language Pathology Department