Autism
Causes of Autism
Autism spectrum disorder has no single known cause. There are many different factors that have been identified that may make a child more likely to have ASD, including environmental, biologic, and genetic factors. There have been NO reliable studies that show a link between Autism and the use of vaccines.
Three Levels of Autism
Each person with ASD is further diagnosed with either ASD level 1, level 2, or level 3, depending on how severe their disorder is and how much support they need in their daily life.
While individuals with ASD can share symptoms in common, each individual is different and so are their strengths and difficulties.
The three levels of ASD help doctors prescribe appropriate therapies for the unique needs of their patients. These therapies can help the person with ASD make the most of their strengths and improve their social, language, and behavior skills.
For parents of a child with ASD, knowing which level the child has can help prepare them for the types of challenges their child might face in daily life.
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.
TMS Treatment for Autism
We treat ASD patients with time-tested & proven advanced technology called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). TMS is one of today’s most innovative and effective treatment option.
TMS involves stimulation of any targeted regions of the brain using noninvasive magnetic pulses that are underperforming. Following TMS treatment, both neurotransmitter levels and nerve communication increase, leading to an improvement in symptoms.
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.*