Respectful, individualized psychiatric care that centers each person’s strengths and needs.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition involving persistent challenges with social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behavior. While autism is considered a lifelong disorder, the degree of impairment in functioning varies between individuals. Early signs can be noticed by parents, caregivers, or pediatricians before a child reaches one year of age; however, symptoms typically become more consistently visible by the time a child is two or three years old. In some cases the functional impairment may be mild and not apparent until the child starts school, after which deficits may be more pronounced among peers.
The symptoms of autism are often misunderstood. It is a common misconception that people with ASD are not functional and always have intellectual deficits; in fact, many people on the autism spectrum have average to above-average intellect and functioning. This condition is diagnosed based on the patient’s history and behaviors. A thorough history is taken during the evaluation process, often involving a patient interview, evaluations from parents/caregivers and teachers, and other psychological tests.
People who experience different types of anxiety, phobias, and personality disorders may present with symptoms similar to those of autism spectrum disorder. Dr. Mitchell will perform a full patient evaluation to make sure that a proper diagnosis is made.
Given the complex nature of the condition, people with ASD benefit from interdisciplinary treatment teams made up of experts from various fields — typically psychiatrists, educators, and therapists. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) uses evidence-based teaching techniques to increase helpful behaviors and reduce behaviors that are harmful or interfere with learning; it has been shown to improve communication, social, and vocational skills. Dr. Mitchell works with each patient to customize medication intervention for comorbid mood or behavioral symptoms, as well as the non-medication aspects — including therapy and lifestyle changes — that can optimize the treatment plan.
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