Autism Management

Autism has varying effects that mainly impact communication, social skills, and behavior. If you’re concerned about your child or another family member, visit Ndubuisi Odegai, Princess Riley, DNP, and their team at The Healed Mind Psychiatry in Aubrey, Texas. They provide ongoing autism management to increase every family member’s quality of life. Call The Healed Mind Psychiatry or book an in-person or telehealth consultation online for expert autism management.

What is autism?

Autism (autism spectrum disorder or ASD) includes various conditions that affect behavior, communication, and social skills. Genetics and a child’s environment have a role in triggering autism, but there’s no established cause. People with autism often have co-occurring disorders, such as:

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Anxiety
• Depressive disorders
• Epilepsy
• Sleep disorders
• Sight or hearing impairment or loss
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Learning difficulties
• Joint problems/hypermobility

Autism is a lifelong disorder that typically benefits from long-term management, ensuring people enjoy a better quality of life with increased independence as they age.

The Healed Mind Psychiatry team can work with caregivers, schools, and other significant people or organizations to ensure your child receives coordinated care in all areas of their life.

What symptoms require autism management?

Children and adults who have autism display numerous behaviors that require varying levels of management. Symptoms in children might include:

• Learning difficulties
• Poor eye contact
• Difficulties expressing emotions
• Appearing emotionless
• Fear of change
• Needing strict routines
• Difficulties interpreting nonverbal communication
• Repeating words or phrases
• Making inappropriate comments and expressions
• Disliking physical contact
• Making repetitive movements
• Obsessions with objects or activities

Some children hit their heads or bite themselves.

Symptoms range in severity depending on where your child sits on the autism spectrum. Some children are profoundly disabled and unable to care for themselves. Others are high-functioning and often brilliant in their field. 

If your child’s behavior causes concern or your baby isn’t reaching the expected developmental milestones, schedule a diagnostic evaluation at The Healed Mind Psychiatry.

The team provides in-office and telehealth evaluations to confirm autism and exclude other conditions. After identifying your child’s needs, your provider customizes a treatment plan that supports their development.

What does autism management involve?

Autism isn’t an illness but a feature of the individual’s makeup. While it can present significant challenges, with expert autism management from The Healed Mind Psychiatry team, you can help your child thrive at home and school.

Autism management may involve:

• Behavioral therapy
• Medication management
• Speech therapy
• Educational therapy
• Family therapy

Family therapy helps other members of your family understand and manage their loved one’s autism symptoms.

The Healed Mind Psychiatry team offers tailored treatment for co-occurring disorders like anxiety and depression. Autism management is available in person or via secure telehealth.

Call The Healed Mind Psychiatry to learn more about the benefits of autism management, or book an appointment online today.