Autism
What is Autism?
Autism, formally known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person perceives, communicates, interacts, and adapts to the world. The term “spectrum” reflects the wide variation in strengths, challenges, and support needs seen across individuals.
Typical features include:
- Differences in social communication and interaction (for example: difficulty with eye contact, interpreting non-verbal cues, establishing peer relationships)
- Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities (for example: strong routines, narrow interests, sensory sensitivities)
- Onset during early childhood (often by age 2-3, though sometimes diagnosed later)
- Variable cognitive and language profiles — some individuals have intellectual disability, others average or above average ability; language may be delayed or atypical.
Recent data from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that approximately 1 in 31 children (8-year-olds in the US, or ~3.2%) are identified with ASD.
Understanding, recognition, and diagnostic practices continue to evolve meaning earlier screening, better awareness, and improved access to services are changing how and when autism is identified.
Causes of Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) does not have a single known cause. Research shows it arises from a complex interaction of genetic, biological, and environmental factors that influence early brain development. Studies have identified multiple genes linked to brain connectivity and communication differences, while prenatal and perinatal conditions—such as advanced parental age, prematurity, or maternal illness—may increase susceptibility.
Importantly, vaccines do not cause autism, a conclusion supported by extensive global research.
At Din Neurology, our focus is on understanding these underlying mechanisms to guide early detection, personalized assessment, and comprehensive neurological care for each child.
Three Levels of Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is categorized into three clinical levels based on the amount of support an individual requires in daily life.
- Level 1 (Requiring Support): Individuals may communicate effectively but struggle with social reciprocity, flexibility, and organization.
- Level 2 (Requiring Substantial Support): Noticeable challenges in verbal and nonverbal communication with limited social interaction and difficulty adapting to change.
- Level 3 (Requiring Very Substantial Support): Severe impairments in communication, behavior, and daily functioning that require intensive intervention and supervision.
At Din Neurology, we use these levels to develop personalized care plans—aligning therapies, medical evaluations, and family supports to each child’s strengths and needs. Recognizing where a child falls on the spectrum helps families and clinicians target meaningful goals for communication, learning, and independence.
Diagnostic Assessment
What is ADOS-2
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition (ADOS-2) is an activity-based assessment administered by Dr. Din himself to evaluate communication skills, social interaction, and imaginative use of materials in individuals who are suspected to have autism spectrum disorder. The ADOS-2 is currently considered the “gold standard” for collecting standardized and objective information about social communication skills, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors.
Candidates for the ADOS-2
The ADOS-2 testing is designed for individuals as young as 12-months of age all the way through adulthood. ADOS-2 requires no significant sensory or motor impairments (e.g., blindness, deafness, confined to wheelchair).
The ADOS-2 comprises several modules. Dr. Din select the appropriate module for an individual based upon the person’s language ability (ranging from no speech to verbally fluent) and age.
What to Expect During Evaluation
The 30-60 minutes assessment is scheduled with Dr. Din. When toddlers or children are being assessed, the parent may be asked to be present in the room for the entire administration. A parent’s primary role is to simply observe, although Dr. Din may ask the parent to interact with the child in specific ways at certain points during the ADOS-2. For adolescents and adults, the ADOS-2 is typically administered with only the patient and Dr. Din in the room.
The results of the assessment are reviewed with families shortly following the completion of the comprehensive evaluation. In some cases, this is during the same appointment as the assessment. In other cases, a separate follow-up appointment may be scheduled to go over the results and discuss recommendations. Families are also provided a written detailed report. This is typically available 1-2 weeks following the assessment.
MeRT Treatment for Autism
We treat ASD patients with time-tested & proven advanced technology, MeRT. MeRT stands for Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy, a groundbreaking approach merging FDA-approved TMS with EEG and EKG technologies. This cutting-edge combination allows for personalized treatments, targeting individual brain patterns. MeRT represents a non-invasive and medication-free therapy, harnessing the power of brainwave analysis to customize treatments according to each person's distinct brain patterns. This innovative approach offers highly effective outcomes.
TMS treatment for Autism usually lasts for six to eight weeks. Appointments are 20 to 40 minutes from Monday-Friday(in some cases from Monday-Saturday, depending upon patient's personalized plan). Usually parents notice and report significant improvements in their child's symptoms during the first few weeks.*
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