Autism Specialist

What is autism?

Autism, also called autism spectrum disorder, is a group of complex neurodevelopmental disorders that affect behavior, communication, and social interaction. 

Though diagnosed at any age, autism symptoms usually appear during early childhood and are classified as a developmental disability. 

Autism is a “spectrum disorder” because there is a wide range of types, symptoms, and disabilities.

What are the symptoms of autism?

The autism symptoms range from mild to severe; they affect how a person communicates, interacts with others, and behaves. 

Some common signs and symptoms of autism include:

• Little or no eye contact
• Not looking at objects someone is pointing to
• Not listening to people when they talk
• Difficulty relating to people
• Inability to express feelings or understand other people’s feelings
• Facial expressions or movements that don’t match words
• Problem with back and forth conversation
• Repetitive behaviors
• Obsession with topics or objects
• Trouble adapting to a new routine
• Overreact to certain smells, noise, or touch

Pediatricians screen every child for developmental delays at their well-child visits. If your child isn’t meeting their developmental milestones, your pediatrician may suggest consulting with a developmental specialist for further evaluation.

Doctors most often diagnose autism in children by age 2. However, children and adults with mild autism may go years without a proper diagnosis. 

How is autism diagnosed?

Dr. Zeshan is an experienced child and adult psychiatrist and performs a comprehensive evaluation to diagnose autism. During an assessment, he asks detailed questions about:

• Medical history
• Family history
• Birth history
• Development

To diagnose a person with autism, they must meet specific criteria, as noted in the Diagnostic and Statistical Mental Disorders (DSM-5) created by the American Psychiatric Association.

For an autism diagnosis, a person must have difficulty interacting and communicating with other people, restricted interests, repetitive behaviors, and symptoms that affect their ability to function normally at school, work, or other areas of life. 

How is autism treated?

Dr. Zeshan takes an integrative and holistic approach to care and develops personalized treatment plans based on the severity of symptoms, function, and disability. Treatment may include:

• Behavioral therapy
• Psychotherapy
• Skill-building interventions
• Special education
• Speech therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy

Depending on your child’s age, Dr. Zeshan may refer you to early intervention, a federal program for children up to age three. He also works with you and your child’s school to ensure your child gets the services that match their learning needs.

To schedule an autism consultation with Dr. Zeshan, call Inside Out or make an appointment online today.