Autism

People with autism have differing abilities, but they all share similar core problems like limited interests and difficulty communicating and socializing. At Anita Red, MD, in Pasadena, California, board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist Dr. Red and her skilled team complete an autism evaluation, recommend comprehensive treatment, and provide personalized medication management for people of all ages on the autism spectrum. They provide medication management through telehealth visits for people living in California and New York state. You can also schedule an in-person visit at their Pasadena, California, office.

What is autism?

Autism is a developmental disability arising from the way the brain develops. While each person has different abilities and challenges (which is why it’s called autism spectrum disorder), everyone with autism shares two core challenges:

Repetitive behaviors and restricted interests

Many autistic people engage in repetitive movements like hand flapping and finger wiggling. As a group, they have many different interests, but each person tends to focus on one interest that consumes their attention and time.

Parents may notice their child plays differently, such as turning the wheel of a toy car instead of rolling it on the floor or lining up action figures and looking at them instead of engaging in imaginary play.

This core challenge also means that people on the spectrum like to stick with routines and rituals, often having an emotional reaction if their routine changes.

Communication and socialization challenges

Nearly one-third of autistic children don’t talk but may learn with therapy or communicate with assistive technology. Others talk constantly, but only about their unique interests. They don’t know how to start or participate in a reciprocal conversation.

Difficulty socializing arises from a combination of all autistic challenges and other issues they frequently face, like extreme anxiety and sensitivity to sounds, smells, temperature, and crowds.

What are the early signs of autism? 

Many autism signs appear at an early age. In addition to those mentioned above, parents may notice signs such as:

• Not pointing by 12 months
• Not using two-word phrases by 24 months
• Not responding to their name
• Repeating the same words or phrases
• Not engaging in make-believe play
• Not making eye contact
• Preferring to play alone
• Refusing to be comforted or hugged
• Being interested in one toy, subject, movie, or TV show
• Monopolizing conversations with their interest
• Not sharing other children’s interests
• Struggling to make friends

Parents may also notice that their child interprets language literally.

How is autism treated?

The Anita Red, MD, team completes an autism evaluation and recommends a treatment plan based on you or your child’s unique strengths and behavioral challenges.

Their team specializes in medication management to improve specific behaviors or symptoms of autism and treat mental health disorders that often occur with ASD. For example, medication may help with self-injury, aggression, anxiety, depression, irritability, and repetitive behaviors.

Call Anita Red, MD, today, or use online booking to schedule an appointment for autism medication management.