Autism is most associated with poor communication or lack of communication. This is impairment in the ability to receive, send, process, and comprehend concepts or verbal, nonverbal and graphic symbol systems.

Children with Autism are often associated with behaviors such as tantrums, head banging, biting and other inappropriate behaviors. These behaviors serve a purpose and allow the child to access desirable consequences for their behaviors.

Children who present with Autism may have a hypersensitivity to external stimuli. This hypersensitivity may affect one or more of one’s senses, like hearing, touch, or taste. Children can be over- or under-responsive to the things they have difficulties with.

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), also previously known as selective eating disorder (SED), is a type of eating disorder, as well as feeding disorder, where the consumption of certain foods is limited based on the food's appearance, smell, taste, texture, brand, presentation, or past negative experiences. ARFID and Pica are often seen in children with Autism. Pica is the persistent eating of substances such as dirt or paint that have no nutritional value.

Children diagnosed with Autism often exhibit poor development of function of body parts, usually a limb or limbs. This may be a result of muscle weakness, poor stamina, or lack of muscle control.

Obsessions and compulsions have been reported to function as a way of coping when the environment is unpredictable and as a means of helping to control the unpredictability. Anxiety often develops because of the unpredictability, and it is reduced when an individual engages in repetitive behaviors.

Pragmatic language impairments are related to Autism and Asperger Syndrome, but also could be related to other non-autistic disabilities such as ADHD and intellectual disabilities. People with these impairments have special challenges with the semantic aspect of language (the meaning of what is being said) and the pragmatics of language (using language appropriately in social situations). It is assumed that those with autism have difficulty with "the meaning of what is being said" due to different ways of responding to social situations.

Many private insurance companies will cover ABA Therapy for individuals diagnosed with Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, or Pervasive Developmental Disorder. A psychological evaluation and an order for ABA therapy are required for coverage of ABA services. Insurance coverage for services will be assessed prior to treatment or initial evaluation. As a courtesy, our office will check coverage for you.