Autism Spectrum Disorder
ADULT AND CHILD PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONERS IN KING OF PRUSSIA, PA
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition that causes ongoing challenges with social interaction and communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. Nina Patel, CRNP, PMHNP-BC, Vince Di Antonio, CRNP, PMHNP-BC, and the group of licensed practitioners at Alpine Psychiatry in King of Prussia (KOP), Pennsylvania, have expert training and experience and are well-versed in serving the ASD population. Contact the practice by phone, text, or online today to schedule an autism spectrum disorder consultation today.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes challenges with social interaction, communication, and repetitive or restrictive behaviors.
As a spectrum disorder, symptoms vary from mild to severe. Because there’s such a wide variation in symptoms, getting a diagnosis is challenging for some, especially those with less severe and noticeable symptoms.
Through training at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) and the Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania (CHOP), among other institutions, followed by years of experience working with the ASD population in the inpatient and outpatient setting, the practitioners at Alpine Psychiatry are well-versed in working wiht other providers to diagnose and treat people of all ages with ASD.
There are specific characteristics that health care providers look for when diagnosing people with ASD. These characteristics include:
People with ASD may find it difficult to communicate and interact socially with others. Young children with ASD may prefer playing by themselves and have a hard time expressing how they feel.
Teens and adults may struggle with back-and-forth conversations and may only want to talk about subjects that interest them.
ASD also affects behavior. Individuals on the spectrum may engage in repetitive or unusual behaviors and have intense interest in very specific topics. People with ASD may also dislike changes in routine.
Many people with ASD also have amazing abilities, like remembering extensive details about things that interest them for long periods of time or excelling in certain subjects like math or music.
Autism spectrum disorder affects everyone differently and benefits from individualized care and attention from experts who understand the disorder, like those at Alpine Psychiatry.
Treatment for ASD focuses on improving behavior and function. Alpine Psychiatry customizes plans following a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. This evaluation helps your practitioner understand you or your child’s strengths and the areas where they need help.
Treatment may include:
People with ASD may also have co-occurring conditions like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Taking a whole wellness approach, Alpine Psychiatry identifies and treats these conditions as well.
They also incorporate complementary treatments when appropriate, like exercise, supplements, and mindfulness-based therapies.
For expert ASD care, contact Alpine Psychiatry by phone, text, or online today.