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Applied Behavior Analysis as an Intervention for Individuals with Autism: Reflections on 35 years of Evolution
It is difficult to find the words that best describe the evolution of autism treatment over the past 35 years. The science of applied behavior analysis (ABA) has changed substantially over the last 35 years. In 1980, autism was considered to be a low incidence disorder that was not as well...
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Should Parents Tell Their Children They Have Asperger’s?
A diagnosis of Asperger’s can be an overwhelming experience for parents and children. Some parents may feel an initial sense of relief at finally finding an answer to their child’s difficulties; at the same time, it also can foreshadow a long and trying road ahead full of therapies, academic...
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Autism Treatment: Addressing the Changes and Challenges
This past March, it became clearer than ever that the scope of autism is changing. With new estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifying that 1 in 68 children in the U.S. are now affected by autism, a nationwide conversation ignited on how to address the...
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Autism and Bipolar Disorder
In individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, establishing an additional diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder can be very challenging. In the article below, Dr. Jessica Hellings and Dr. Andrea Witwer of the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network (www.autismspeaks.org/atn) discuss a study they conducted...
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When an ASD Diagnosis Isn’t the Whole Answer – A Diagnostic Perspective
Receiving a diagnosis of ASD or Asperger’s Syndrome can be intense, emotional, and validating for an individual and his/her family. For many, it can begin a journey of self-discovery and understanding concerning one’s past experiences. Even in the best-case scenario for an ASD individual to...
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A New Way of Thinking About Autism
On April 29, 2013 Dr. Thomas Insel, the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), wrote on the NIMH Director’s Blog that the Institute will be re-orienting its research away from currently used diagnostic categories (the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual or “DSM”) and...
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Q&A with Renowned Autism Expert Dr. Catherine Lord – Identifying Children with ASD and Finding Services After Diagnosis
Renowned autism expert Dr. Catherine Lord is the Director of NYP’s Center for Autism and the Developing Brain (CADB). Opening in early 2013, CADB will be the region’s most comprehensive center for diagnosing and treating patients with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Dr. Lord shared some of her...
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Some Thoughts on Early Diagnosis and Effective Treatment of ASD
I am the director of an Early Intervention agency and until recently was its primary Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) evaluator. I am a bilingual child psychologist and have been diagnosing and ruling out ASD in children below age three for several decades. We’ve seen ever-earlier diagnosis (down...
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The Early Identification of Young Children with ASD
In developed countries, a child’s initial assessment for ASD typically takes place before they enter elementary school. Usually the question asked at that point is whether or not the child suffers from Autism and what can be done as the child prepares to enter an organized school setting....
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What Are Your Legal Entitlements Now That Your Child Has Been Diagnosed?
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal law that governs the education of children with disabilities, including developmental delays. Your child with autism has the right to a free appropriate public education under the IDEA. Each state must provide all eligible...
