Autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, socialization, and behavior. At The Potter’s Behavioral Medicine Clinic in Decatur, Stockbridge, Villa Rica and Hiram, Georgia, Omobolaji Oyebanjo-Popoola, MD, and the team specialize in diagnosing and treating learning disorders like autism. They take a total-health approach to autism care, developing plans that nourish the body, spirit, and soul. Call or book a consultation online today. Telepsychiatry is available.  

What is autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how a person communicates and interacts with others. It may also affect behavior. Neurodevelopmental disorders are conditions that occur early in brain development, affecting brain structure and function. 

Researchers are still investigating what causes ASD, but they theorize it may develop from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. 

The Potter’s Behavioral Medicine Clinic has expertise in managing learning disabilities like autism. 

What are the symptoms of autism?

Because autism affects the brain in early childhood, symptoms are present early on and usually noticeable around age 3. However, some children’s symptoms are less obvious than others. 

Autism symptoms fall into two categories: social communication and interaction skills and restricted or repetitive behaviors.

Social communication and interaction skills

Children with autism may have delays in speaking, struggle to play with others, or not make eye contact. They may also have a hard time expressing their emotions and may prefer conversations that center on their particular interest. 

Restricted or repetitive behaviors

Restricted or repetitive behaviors include repeating words or phrases, playing with the same toys in the same way, each time, and having difficulty with change. They may also flap their hands, rock their body, or spin in circles as a form of self-stimulation. 

Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means symptoms vary widely. Some people have mild symptoms that may go unnoticed for years, while others have more severe symptoms that affect normal function.

What happens during an autism evaluation?

The team at The Potter’s Behavioral Medicine Clinic takes a holistic approach to care and conducts thorough autism evaluations. During the visit, your provider asks detailed questions about you or your child’s early developmental years. 

They review the patient’s medical and mental health history as well as the family’s, and administer developmentally appropriate tests to better understand how the person with autism (or suspected autism) thinks. 

What are the treatments for autism?

The team at The Potter’s Behavioral Medicine Clinic customizes autism treatment plans, so you get the best outcomes. Treatment depends on age, severity of symptoms, and goals. Some of the treatment options include:

• Behavioral therapy
• Psychotherapy
• Developmental and social therapy
• Educational support

There’s no medication that treats ASD. However, it’s not unusual for someone with autism to struggle with other mental health conditions like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, or anxiety.

The Potter’s Behavioral Medicine Clinic is Christian-centered and offers Christian psychiatry.

To learn more about evaluations and treatments for autism at The Potter’s Behavioral Medicine Clinic, call or book an appointment online today.