Asd diagnostic criteria dsm 5 how to#

Teens and adults with autism spectrum disorder often experience other mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Behavior problems may be challenging during the teen years. Also, social situations become increasingly complex in adolescence, and there may be less tolerance for individual differences. Teens and young adults with autism spectrum disorder may have difficulty understanding body changes.

Problems with transition to adulthood.

Asd diagnostic criteria dsm 5 how to#

Ask your child's doctor how to best manage these conditions together. Children with autism spectrum disorder may also have medical issues, such as epilepsy, sleep disorders, limited food preferences or stomach problems. In addition to autism spectrum disorder, children, teens and adults can also experience:

Managing other medical and mental health conditions Some medications and supplements can interact, causing dangerous side effects. Keep all health care providers updated on any medications or supplements your child is taking. For example, certain medications may be prescribed if your child is hyperactive antipsychotic drugs are sometimes used to treat severe behavioral problems and antidepressants may be prescribed for anxiety. No medication can improve the core signs of autism spectrum disorder, but specific medications can help control symptoms. A psychologist can recommend ways to address problem behavior. Depending on your child's needs, speech therapy to improve communication skills, occupational therapy to teach activities of daily living, and physical therapy to improve movement and balance may be beneficial. Parents and other family members can learn how to play and interact with their children in ways that promote social interaction skills, manage problem behaviors, and teach daily living skills and communication. Preschool children who receive intensive, individualized behavioral interventions often show good progress.

Successful programs typically include a team of specialists and a variety of activities to improve social skills, communication and behavior. Children with autism spectrum disorder often respond well to highly structured educational programs. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) can help children learn new skills and generalize these skills to multiple situations through a reward-based motivation system. Other programs focus on teaching children how to act in social situations or communicate better with others. Some programs focus on reducing problem behaviors and teaching new skills. Many programs address the range of social, language and behavioral difficulties associated with autism spectrum disorder. If your child is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, talk to experts about creating a treatment strategy and build a team of professionals to meet your child's needs. Your health care provider can recommend options and help identify resources in your area. The range of home-based and school-based treatments and interventions for autism spectrum disorder can be overwhelming, and your child's needs may change over time. Early intervention during the preschool years can help your child learn critical social, communication, functional and behavioral skills. The goal of treatment is to maximize your child's ability to function by reducing autism spectrum disorder symptoms and supporting development and learning. No cure exists for autism spectrum disorder, and there is no one-size-fits-all treatment.