If your child struggles to interact appropriately in social situations or uses very few friends, autism could be why. At Neighborhood Pediatrics in Shenandoah, Texas, board-certified pediatricians can diagnose autism and offer treatments to help your child thrive at school, at home, and in social situations. Call the office to schedule an evaluation for your child or book an appointment online today.
Autism is a developmental disorder impacting the way children act in social situations. It can cause problems with social interactions, friendships, grades, jobs, and communication. Diagnosis and treatment of autism can help your child function as well as possible in their environment.
Common signs indicating your child may have autism include:
Complications with autism include social isolation, problems at school, difficulty holding a job, and an inability to live independently.
The cause of autism isn’t entirely clear, but genetics and environmental factors may play roles in its development. Possible risk factors include:
Boys are about four times more likely than girls to develop autism. Any time you have questions or concerns about your child’s growth, development, or behavior, see the Neighborhood Pediatrics team for an evaluation.
To determine if your child has autism and develop a treatment plan, the team at Neighborhood Pediatrics reviews your child’s medical history, lifestyle, symptoms, and behavior patterns.
They may ask your child a series of questions and observe how they interact socially, as well as their communication skills and developmental milestones. In addition, your pediatrician might also recommend genetic testing.
While there’s no cure for autism, lifestyle changes and other treatments can help your child better thrive in their environment. Examples include:
Helping a child with autism stick to a routine is one of the best lifestyle changes you can make. Serve them healthy foods and help them stay physically active and get plenty of sleep. In addition, their pediatrician might recommend your child take dietary supplements.
Your child’s physician may suggest they try sensory-based therapies, behavior therapies, communication therapies, or other types of treatments to help them cope with autism symptoms.
Taking certain medications can help your child better manage symptoms of autism.
With the help of teachers and administrators at your child’s school, they can receive the assistance needed to function exceptionally.
To learn more about autism, find out if your child has it, or seek treatment for autism, call the Neighborhood Pediatrics office or book an appointment online today.
