What are the diagnoses included in Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD)?

Autism: a neurobiological disorder of development that causes discrepancies or differences in the way information is processed (Janzen, 2003). This information processing differences negatively affects the ability to:

Understand and use language to interact and communicate with people
Understand and relate in typical ways to people, events, and objects in the environment
Understand and respond to sensory stimuli (i.e., pain, hearing, taste, etc.)
Learn and think in the same way as normally developing children

Asperger's Syndrome: a neurodevelopmental disorder that is similar to autism but individuals' difficulties may be less obvious. Specific problems relate to:

Understanding and using the language in typical ways
Understanding the perspective of others and managing the give and take of social situations. They tend to be socially awkward with odd body language.
Intense, overly focused interests and repetitive behavior.

ADHD: a neurodevelopmental disorder that includes chronic difficulties with inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity to a degree that is inappropriate for their age or developmental level and across a variety of situations that challenge their ability to be attentive, contain movement, control impulses, and regulate their own behavior relative to time, rules, and future.

Pervasive Developmental Disorders: a term that describes a group of severe, early neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by delays and distortions in multiple areas of development, including social skills, communication, and restricted behaviors in activities and interests.

American Psychological Assn. Monitor, January 2009

Data from the U.S. Department of Education show that the number age 6 to 22 diagnosed with autism has grown at a much faster rate than those diagnosed with other disorders and disabilities that qualify for an Individualized Education Program. The rate of diagnosis for autism in 1993 was 22% compared to 1,342% in 2006!! The rates of increased diagnosis are attributed to better diagnostic skills and a broader definition of Autistic Spectrum Disorders.

Treatments for Autistic Spectrum Disorders

In the office, Dr.Monteleone provides cognitive-behavioral and play therapy to patients and works with the families to improve skills and coping strategies for the issues related to being an ASD family member.

Dr. Monteleone treats individuals with ASD via a simultaneous, multi-modality program that is individualized to best meet the unique clinical issues. The Individualized Sensory Program is a foundational intervention that accelerates sensory integration and can improve learning abilities in people of all ages. The Sensory Program can specifically treat individuals with:

Austism
Asperger's Disorder
ADHD
Learning Disabilities
PDD
Visual Impairments

An Integrated Approach that involves cognitive, behavioral, sensory, and developmental strategies that is guided by the unique learning style of the individual is highly recommended.

Parent Feedback by Renee

“My son Anthony participated in the Sensory Program in October 2008. From the time Anthony has participated in this program, I have seen gradual improvement in his handwriting... it is now LEGIBLE! Anthony also seems to be improving his blending words. He is not a phonics based child so learning to read has been difficult for him. He has shown progress in his reading and he's showing more interest. I have noticed progress in Anthony from the Sensory Treatment and this treatment was painless. On of the largest plusses for me being a parent is this is not a chemically based treatment. It is natural and it seems to be working for the best interest of my son”