Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts socially, and experiences the world around them. It is called a "spectrum" because autism presents differently across individuals. Some people experiencing Autism need constant support with activities of daily living, while others live independently and may not be identified as experiencing autism until adulthood. Autism includes atypical social communication and rigid and repetitive patterns of interest or behavior. People experiencing ASD often face stigma or misunderstanding, and often lack appropriate support in school, work, or healthcare settings. Autism Spectrum Disorder co-varies with other conditions, including anxiety, depression, or ADHD.

Common symptoms of autism include:

  • Difficulty initiating or sustaining two-way conversations

  • Difficulties reading body language and situational cues

  • Chronic problems making and/or sustaining friendships

  • Odd, repetitive movements, use of objects, or speech (stimming)

  • Inflexible adherence to routines 

  • Ritualized patterns of communication

  • Highly restricted Interests that are abnormal in intensity

  • Sensory processing problems

Treatment Options for Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • Many approaches are helpful. Social skills training helps participants better understand social conventions and nonverbal and situational cues. In individual therapy, participants can practice communication skills and receive immediate feedback that supports progress and improves confidence.

    • Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches participants to identify and correct thinking errors. Examples of thinking errors include: internalizing blame, catastrophizing, negative filtering, and emotional reasoning. 

    • Dialectical behavioral therapy focuses on tolerating distress, regulating affect, and, in turn, improving interpersonal functioning.

  • Regular physical activity, consistent sleep routines, healthy eating habits, and social connection improve overall well-being and self-regulation.

  • Psychiatric medications can decrease anxiety and improve and stabilize mood. 

  • Outcomes are best for patients with a coordinated care team that includes a mental health provider and a medication provider. At Alaska Telepsychology, we lean into this coordinated approach by providing psychological testing, psychiatry, and psychotherapy.

Uniquely Alaskan Challenges

Autistic individuals and their families across Alaska encounter distinct barriers to support. Many rural and remote communities have no local access to autism evaluations, specialized mental health clinicians, or other trained professionals. Families often wait months, then fly or drive to a regional hub to start an evaluation and begin treatment.

Small rural school districts often have fewer paraprofessionals, special education staff, onsite school psychologists, and autism-specific training.  As a result, a child experiencing autism may go unrecognized and misunderstood. The lack of diagnoses-driven accommodations complicates the child’s ability to learn, to connect with others, and to become their best selves. 

Adults experiencing Autism often feel profoundly disappointed in the domains of love and work. They can struggle to find providers who specialize in working with adults on the spectrum. The absence of accurate diagnosis and meaningful support complicates the ability “to adult,” to live independently, to function in the workplace, and to establish gratifying adult relationships.

Why an autism evaluation matters
An autism evaluation is a comprehensive assessment conducted by a trained clinician to determine whether someone meets criteria for ASD, and, if so, to clarify their specific strengths and needs. For many people, especially those diagnosed later in life, or those who have spent years without an explanation for their experiences, an evaluation can be transformative. It provides language and context for lifelong experiences, opens the door to helpful support, and often brings self-understanding and relief. Accurate diagnoses help individuals to access the accommodations they need to be their best selves, for example an Individualized Education Plan or appropriate workplace accommodations protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Want help? We offer psychological testing, psychotherapy, and psychiatry.

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