A neurologist helps with autism by diagnosing the condition, ruling out other neurological issues, managing associated medical problems like seizures or sleep disorders, identifying motor skill deficits, and coordinating therapies (speech, OT, PT), often through detailed assessments, genetic testing, and potentially prescribing medication for related symptoms, while educating families about the disorder.
The "6-second rule" for autism is a communication strategy where a speaker pauses for about six seconds after asking a question or giving information, giving the autistic person extra time to process it without feeling rushed, which helps reduce anxiety and allows for a more thoughtful response, reducing frustration for both parties. Instead of repeating or rephrasing, which can be confusing, you wait, and if needed, repeat the exact same words after the pause.
BrainsWay's* treatment offers an effective*, safe and non-invasive treatment that uses Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS™) to treat autism. The treatment performs magnetic stimulation of brain structures and networks related to autism, and brings significant improvement to patients.
Ask how they arrived at the diagnosis, what did they see that led them to their conclusion. There will be many assessments given to your child, ask what each of them means and how the results are interpreted. Be informed about how the specialist reached the IQ determination or that your child has low muscle tone.
Motor impairment, epilepsy and sleep dysfunction are common neurological co-morbidities in ASD. Clinicians should be aware that recognition and treatment of these issues may improve the function and outcome of children with ASD.
Around 90% of autism cases are attributed to genetic factors, meaning autism is highly heritable, with many different genes contributing, rather than a single cause, often interacting with environmental influences during early brain development, though specific environmental factors don't cause it but can increase risk. Twin studies show strong genetic links, with concordance rates between 60-90% in identical twins, and research points to complex interactions of many genes and prenatal/perinatal factors.
If your child shows any symptoms of autism, you'll likely be referred to a specialist who treats children with autism spectrum disorder for an evaluation. This specialist could be a child psychiatrist or psychologist, a pediatric neurologist, or a developmental pediatrician.
Neurologists: Neurologists can play a role in diagnosing autism by ruling out neurological disorders that may be causing the symptoms of autism. They perform neurological testing and developmental motor tests.
Common Neurological Red Flags to Watch For
Especially if they're new, worsening, or paired with vision changes or nausea. This could be a sign of nerve dysfunction, especially in the arms, legs, or face. Difficulty walking, clumsiness, or dropping objects can point to neurological concerns.
Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) usually relies on two main sources of information: parents' or caregivers' descriptions of their child's development and a professional's observation of the child's behavior.
Behavioral approaches focus on changing behaviors by understanding what happens before and after the behavior. Behavioral approaches have the most evidence for treating symptoms of ASD. They have become widely accepted among educators and healthcare professionals and are used in many schools and treatment clinics.
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave.
MeRT stands for Magnetic Resonance Therapy. MeRT is a treatment for autism that is non-invasive and drug-free. MeRT utilizes rTMS (repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), however, treatment is exactly tailored to each individual based on sophisticated diagnostics.
There's no single "hardest" age for autism; challenges shift across developmental stages, with preschool (2-5) often tough due to noticeable differences in social/language skills, elementary (6-10) marked by growing academic/social demands, and adolescence (11-17) frequently being overwhelming due to complex social pressures, puberty, and identity formation, say Bluebell ABA Therapy and Blossom ABA Therapy. While early childhood (ages 3-6) sees initial progress for many, this often stalls around age six, a critical turning point where increased support is crucial, according to research, notes The Transmitter.
Chinning is a form of repetitive self-stimulatory behavior (stimming) that you may notice in children or adults with autism. It involves pressing, rubbing, or holding the chin against objects, surfaces, or even hands to gain sensory input or comfort.
Children with autism may exhibit rigidity, inflexibility and certain types of repetitive behavior such as: Insistence on following a specific routine. Having difficulty accepting changes in the schedule. A strong preoccupation with a particular interest.
Your Visit
The questionnaire will ask for details on your health history, the condition you are being referred for, and any other conditions for which you are being treated. New patient consults are approximately 45-60 minutes and will include a thorough neurological exam.
Five key signs your brain might be in trouble include significant memory loss (forgetting important things or familiar routines), difficulty with everyday tasks, confusion about time/place, problems with language/communication, and noticeable personality or mood changes, such as increased irritability or loss of interest in hobbies, which signal potential cognitive decline or neurological issues.
What are neurological symptoms that should never be ignored? Key symptoms to watch for include sudden severe headaches, unexplained numbness or tingling, vision changes, cognitive decline, muscle weakness, tremors, balance problems, speech difficulties, and seizures.
Functional MRI has expanded the understanding of ASD because it's safe to use in children and infants and provides a window into what could be the earliest physiological changes — the brain architecture that gives rise to the well-known core deficits of low social engagement and hypersensitivity to the environment.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two medicines for the treatment of autism-related irritability. They are risperidone (Risperdal) and aripiprazole (Abilify). They belong to a class of drugs known as atypical antipsychotics.
The specialist observes verbal and nonverbal communication and looks for specific characteristics that are hallmarks of autism spectrum disorder, such as difficulty with age-appropriate social interaction, circumscribed interests, or repetitive speech or behavior.
Pressure chamber therapy represents an innovative approach to addressing the challenges faced by individuals with autism. By enhancing social skills and improving brain function, this treatment offers potential benefits for individuals on the autism spectrum, providing hope for a better quality of life.
Developmental Pediatricians
They will examine the child's habits, abilities, how they speak, play, etc. After the assessment, the pediatrician will provide a full report, including any diagnosis they identified. If autism is diagnosed, pediatricians will help to provide and guide caregivers toward a treatment plan.
ASD Level 1: Requiring Support
Level 1 is the mildest, or “highest functioning” form of autism, which includes those who would have previously been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome. Individuals with ASD level 1 may have difficulty understanding social cues and may struggle to form and maintain personal relationships.