What Is Autism Screening and How Can It Help?
Autism is a prevalent developmental condition that affects 1 in 36 children in the United States. Autism affects many areas of life, from creating meaningful relationships and understanding social situations to learning styles or the ability to live independently. Because autism disorders falls along a wide spectrum, screening and diagnosis are important to determine the best coping and growth strategies. At WMPS, we believe in supporting individuals by providing a deeper understanding of themselves and celebrating their unique strengths. Whether you are looking for answers for yourself or are a loved one unsure of the next step, we are here to provide clarity and tailored support.
What Is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that impacts how a person experiences the world around them, primarily in areas of social communication, behavior patterns, and sensory processing. ASD is a spectrum where symptoms can present differently and range in severity.
Like most conditions, early diagnosis and intervention are essential for children to have a personalized support plan during critical developmental years. Autism can introduce unique barriers and challenges like creating relationships and emotional processing, but it also comes with unique strengths that deserve to be fostered and celebrated. A few strengths associated with autism are:
- Characteristics of honesty and integrity
- Detail-oriented
- Increase memory and retention
- Deep focus and resilience
- Alternative problem-solving
- A structured approach to thinking
- Enhanced sensory awareness
- Logical thinking
Common Symptoms of Autism
Autism is typically identified within a child’s first year based on developmental markers and becomes more prominent by age two. The average age of diagnosis is five. Each individual can have a unique presentation of symptoms often associated with communication, repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities.
Common symptoms:
- Struggles with nonverbal social cues (tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language)
- Difficulty expressing and identifying emotions
- Repeats phrases or engages in repetitive movements like hand-flapping or rocking
- Uses an unusual tone when speaking
- Sensitive to light, textures, and sound
- Has intense, fixated interests
- Struggles to start or maintain a conversation
- Does not engage in “make-believe” play
- Experiences delayed fine or gross motor skills
- Strong preference for sameness and routine
Autism Evaluations at WMPS
At WMPS, we provide comprehensive autism evaluations conducted by licensed clinicians with expertise in autism. You can receive an evaluation at any age, whether you’re a loved one seeking support for your child or an adult that has questions about their own behavior. Our evaluations are designed to assess the full range of cognitive and behavioral functions. Due to ASD impacting multiple areas of function, the evaluation involves a multidisciplinary approach to detection and diagnosis.
Once the evaluation is complete, our clinicians provide a detailed report outlining the results, including any recommendations for further diagnostic testing. Our clinicians create individualized treatment & intervention strategies to improve daily functioning. We focus on identifying the individual’s strengths and areas of support, which may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, social skills training, and coping strategies.
An evaluation leads to a deeper understanding of not only the condition but an individual’s unique characteristics, learning styles, and ways to improve quality of life. Once an individual’s needs are identified, tangible actions can be taken to get them the support they need. Support can look like therapy, a tailored education plan, connecting with others in the community, or learning skills to create meaningful relationships.
Intentional Support
At WMPS, we provide ongoing support and resources to help families and individuals navigate all aspects of their journey. If you’re looking for evaluation, therapy, or educational resources, we are here to help. Connect with us today!
