Areas of Expertise

Pervasive Developmental Disorders / Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders whose features are typically apparent in early childhood. Individuals with ASDs have varying degrees of difficulty in socialization and communication skills, and may exhibit repetitive behaviours, limited interests, solitary and unimaginative play, or have unusual attachments to objects or routines.

Parents may notice signs in their child’s development that seem unusual. Their baby may have seemed “different” from birth, perhaps their child did not respond to people or activities around them, or their child may have focused on one item for a long period of time. Some children may not respond to their name when called, they may not imitate others, or they may not show things to others to indicate interest.

The process of diagnosing an individual with an ASD is an important step in receiving the proper treatment and educational program for the individual. A diagnosis may be received following a detailed family history, observations of the individual in a variety of settings, behavioural checklists completed by caregivers, and formal assessment using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS).

Early intensive behavioural intervention has been found to be successful in helping individuals acquire functional social and communication skills. As well, social skills training in groups assist in the development of social interaction skills of individuals with ASDs.