Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that causes ongoing challenges with social interactions, communication, learning, and behaviors. At Elevate Medical, the team of Yung Park, MD, Kevin Lemaire, DO, Sima Paul, MD, and Lesley Cano, PMHNP-BC, provide online therapy and support from their office in Midtown Manhattan for people with ASD. The diverse team treats all ages, including children, teens, and adults. They customize plans, providing holistic care that focuses on you, not your diagnosis. Call the New York City office today or use the online booking button to schedule your autism spectrum disorder consultation.

What does autism spectrum disorder look like?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) doesn’t have a specific look, so you can’t tell if someone has ASD by their appearance. 

ASD is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects communication, social interactions, and behavior. Signs and symptoms of ASD may include:

• Difficulty making eye contact
• Struggling with back-and-forth conversation
• Decreased ability to share interests or emotions
• Hard time making and keeping friends
• Using facial expressions that don’t match the conversation
• Intense interest in specific topics
• Difficulty handling changes in routine
• More or less sensitive to light, touch, or sound
• Repeating unusual movements or phrases

Some people with autism have significant strengths, such as the ability to learn and remember detailed information or excel in subjects like math or music.

Some children may show signs of ASD before they reach age 1. However, most children don’t display obvious symptoms until age 2 or 3. 

A person with mild autism symptoms may go undiagnosed for years. 

What causes autism spectrum disorder?

Researchers aren’t certain of the exact cause of autism spectrum disorder. They theorize that it occurs from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Taking certain medications during pregnancy may increase the risk. Parents who have children later in life may also increase the risk of a neurodevelopmental disorder.

What can I expect during an autism spectrum disorder consultation?

The details of an autism consultation at Elevate Medical depend on your age and medical and mental health histories. However, you can expect a thorough psychological and medical evaluation.

The psychiatry team at Elevate Medical aims to fully understand the root cause of concerning symptoms so they provide an accurate diagnosis. This includes ruling out underlying medical conditions.

Elevate Medical provides psychiatry services for all ages, including child and adolescent psychiatry.

What are psychiatry treatments for autism spectrum disorder?

Treatment for autism spectrum disorder depends on many factors, including age, severity of symptoms, and co-occurring health issues like depression or anxiety. 

Your provider at Elevate Medical personalizes your treatment plans, which may include:

• Individual or family psychotherapy
• Parent management training
• Behavioral therapy
• Medication management

The team can also help you get additional services like speech or occupational therapy, as well as special education for school-age children.

Although autism spectrum disorder is a lifelong condition, getting the right care means it doesn’t have to limit your life. 

Call Elevate Medical today or use the online booking button to learn more about ASD services at the online psychiatry practice.