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April is Autism Awareness Month
Mount Sinai Experts Offer Tips on Autism Spectrum Disorder Symptoms and Treatment
Newswise — (New York –April 15, 2016)– Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an umbrella term to describe a complex disorder affecting brain development. ASD is characterized by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and the presence of repetitive behaviors. A diagnosis of ASD now encompasses several conditions that previously were diagnosed separately: autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), autism and Asperger syndrome.
ASD is a spectrum disorder as the severity and presentation of symptoms can vary, and the ways in which these symptoms manifest themselves can differ from one child to the next. Per the latest research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ASD occurs in the United States at a rate of 1 in 68 children. ASD is prevalent across races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic groups; however, according to the latest research, ASD is 4.5 times more common among boys than girls. Due to public awareness, increased research, and better diagnostic tools, children are receiving the diagnosis at a younger age. Early diagnosis is important because it can lead to earlier treatment, which research has linked to more positive outcomes.
Additional Facts About ASD
• There is strong data indicating that genetics are a predominant cause of autism. • There are several epidemiological studies that have clearly disproven the connection between autism and vaccines.• In toddlers, obvious symptoms may not be present, so it is often the absence of expected behavior that indicates a developmental problem.• There is no medical test for autism – an ASD diagnosis is made based on observed behavior, developmental history, and autism-specific assessment tools. • While there is no cure for ASD, specific interventions can make a huge difference, should be tailored to each individual’s needs, and may include both behavioral and pharmacological interventions.
Early Signs of Autism Spectrum DisorderIf you are concerned that your child is exhibiting signs for ASD, the first step is a conversation with your child’s pediatrician. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children be screened for autism at their 18-month and 24-month checkups. If there are concerns, your pediatrician should refer you to an autism specialist (such as a child psychiatrist or psychologist, developmental pediatrician, or pediatric neurologist) for a more extensive evaluation. An evaluation conducted by a multidisciplinary team (including a speech therapist, occupational therapist, and physical therapist) may also be beneficial for treatment planning. In addition to an autism-specific evaluation, a hearing test and lead screening should be conducted.
Early signs of ASD include:
• Poor eye contact• Lack of response to name• Limited joint attention skills (e.g., following a caregiver’s gaze towards an object or directing a caregiver’s attention to objects of interest)• Limited gestural communication, such as pointing and waving• Lack of social engagement• Delayed speech• Repetitive motor mannerisms, such as hand flapping, spinning, rocking, toe walking• Sensory seeking behaviors or sensory aversions• Repetitive play with toys• Odd language (scripted speech, echolalia [repeating another’s words])• Difficulty with changes in routine or environment; struggle with transitions• Limited pretend play
Mount Sinai experts are available during April's Autism Awareness month to offer tips on early detection and treatment.
Experts Available for Interview
Joseph D. Buxbaum, PhD, Director of the Seaver Autism Center, Professor of Psychiatry, Neuroscience, Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Alex Kolevzon, MD, Clinical Director of the Seaver Autism Center, Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Paige Siper, PhD, Chief Psychologist, Seaver Autism Center, Instructor of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Michelle Gorenstein-Holtzman, PsyD, Director of Community Outreach, Seaver Autism Center, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Avi Reichenberg, PhD, Director of Environmental Risk in Autism Program at the Seaver Autism Center, Professor of Psychiatry and Preventive Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Silvia De Rubeis, PhD, Instructor of Psychiatry (expert on the genetics of autism), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Hala Harony-Nicolas, PhD, Instructor of Psychiatry (expert on animal and cell models of autism), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
About the Seaver Autism Center for Research and TreatmentThe Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment at Mount Sinai conducts progressive research studies aimed at understanding the multiple causes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The multidisciplinary team is comprised of experts in the fields of genetics, molecular biology, model systems, neuroimaging, and experimental therapeutics who are dedicated to discovering the biological causes of ASD. The Center strives to develop innovative diagnostics and treatments for integration into the provision of personalized, comprehensive assessment and care for people with ASD. The Seaver Autism Center was founded through the generous support of the Beatrice and Samuel A. Seaver Foundation. For more information, visit www.seaverautismcenter.org.
About the Mount Sinai Health System The Mount Sinai Health System is an integrated health system committed to providing distinguished care, conducting transformative research, and advancing biomedical education. Structured around seven hospital campuses and a single medical school, the Health System has an extensive ambulatory network and a range of inpatient and outpatient services—from community-based facilities to tertiary and quaternary care.
The System includes approximately 6,100 primary and specialty care physicians; 12 joint-venture ambulatory surgery centers; more than 140 ambulatory practices throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester, Long Island, and Florida; and 31 affiliated community health centers. Physicians are affiliated with the renowned Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, which is ranked among the highest in the nation in National Institutes of Health funding per investigator. The Mount Sinai Hospital is ranked as one of the nation’s top 10 hospitals in Geriatrics, Cardiology/Heart Surgery, and Gastroenterology, and is in the top 25 in five other specialties in the 2015-2016 “Best Hospitals” issue of U.S. News & World Report. Mount Sinai’s Kravis Children’s Hospital also is ranked in seven out of ten pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report. The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai is ranked 11th nationally for Ophthalmology, while Mount Sinai Beth Israel is ranked regionally. For more information, visit http://www.mountsinai.org or find Mount Sinai on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
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