Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that is characterized by a pattern of:
Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts
Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities
Symptoms that cause significant impairment in social, academic, occupational or other areas of functioning
ASD is described as a developmental disorder because symptoms are generally present in the early developmental period and it is known as a “spectrum” disorder because there is wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience. People of all genders, races, ethnicities, and economic backgrounds can be diagnosed with ASD. Although ASD can be a lifelong disorder, treatments and services can improve a person’s symptoms and daily functioning.
Our ASD specialists are here to help you, whether you need to heal or want to thrive.
Get in touch to find out how we can help you. Contact us however you feel most comfortable, for example Whatsapp message us, or feel free to call us on +971 56 895 2347. You can also email or simply send us a query via our online form. Instagram message, Facebook chat… whatever works best for you!
Our goal is to make you comfortable.
Signs and Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder
These are some common symptoms of ASD but not all individuals with ASD will exhibit all of these symptoms.
Signs of Autism in young children can include:
Not responding to their name
Avoiding eye contact
Not smiling when you smile at them
Getting very upset if they do not like a certain taste, smell or sound
Repetitive movements, such as flapping their hands, flicking their fingers or rocking their body
Not talking as much as other children
Difficulties sharing in imaginative/pretend play
Repeating the same phrases
Signs of Autism in older children can include:
Not seeming to understand what others are thinking or feeling
Unusual speech, such as repeating phrases and talking ‘at’ others
Liking a strict daily routine and getting very upset if it changes
Having a very keen interest in certain subjects or activities
Getting very upset if you ask them to do something
Finding it hard to make friends or preferring to be on their own
Taking things very literally – for example, they may not understand phrases like "break a leg"
Finding it hard to say how they feel
Often talking at length about a favorite subject without noticing that others are not interested or without giving others a chance to respond
Displaying facial expressions, movements, and gestures that do not match what is being said
Having an unusual tone of voice that may sound sing-song or flat and robot-like
Signs of Autism in adults can include:
Finding it hard to understand what others are thinking or feeling
Getting very anxious about social situations
Finding it hard to make friends or preferring to be on your own
Having difficulties with the back and forth of conversation
Seeming blunt, rude or not interested in others without meaning to
Finding it hard to say how you feel
Taking things very literally – for example, you may not understand sarcasm or phrases like "break a leg"
Having the same routine every day and getting very anxious if it changes
Getting too close to other people, or getting very upset if someone touches or gets too close to you
Having trouble understanding another person’s point of view or being unable to predict or understand other people’s actions
Noticing small details, patterns, smells or sounds that others do not
Positive/Strength Factors can include:
Superior abilities in one or more areas such as math, science, music or arts
Excellent memory for certain types of information/high attention to detail
Strong visual or auditory learners
Screening and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Early diagnosis is important to ensure that children with ASD receive early intervention and adequate treatment and support as soon as possible. Symptoms can be present as early as 18 months and a diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered reliable by the age of 2 years old. However, ASD can be diagnosed at any age and it is never too late to seek support and intervention to address and manage the difficulties associated with ASD.
Diagnosis in young children
For young children, symptoms of ASD can be identified during the general developmental screening/well-child checkups, with a pediatrician or an early childhood health care provider, at their 9 month, 18 month, 24 month, or 30-month well-child visits. If a child shows developmental differences in behavior or functioning during this screening process, the health care provider may refer the child for additional diagnostic evaluation with a specialist in ASD.
Diagnosis in older children and adolescents
For older children and adolescents, symptoms of ASD may first be recognized at school. The school’s special education team or pediatrician may perform an initial screening and then refer the child for additional diagnostic evaluation with a specialist in ASD.
Diagnosis in adults
For adults, a diagnosis of ASD generally includes an initial screening by a health care provider or psychiatrist and additional diagnostic evaluation by a specialist in ASD.
The ASD Assessment is likely to include:
Medical and neurological examinations
Assessment of the individual’s cognitive, behavioral and language abilities
An in-depth conversation with the individual’s caregivers/family members about their behavior and early development
Assessment of age-appropriate skills and daily functioning
Assessment of co-occurring disorders such as ADHD, Anxiety Disorder, Developmental Disorders.
Treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder:
Individuals with ASD experience a wide range of issues and there are many types of treatment and services available. Some of these may include:
Medication
Behavioral and communication therapies such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Psychological interventions: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Counseling, Family Therapy
Educational Intervention
Other therapies: Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy
ASD support groups and programs: social skills groups, daily living skills groups
Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessments at Thrive:
Thrive is here to support you through the ASD Assessment process:
Under 3 years old: We will provide reliable recommendations for pediatricians/health care providers for the well-child check-up and follow up care.
3 years through adulthood: We will schedule an initial consultation with one of our specialists, followed by testing sessions, and a feedback meeting.
Initial consultation: The psychologist will gather information, explain the assessment process, and schedule the assessment with you.
Assessment: The assessment will take place over several testing sessions at our clinic. The assessment typically includes the ADOS-2, ADI-R, and cognitive and academic testing (WPPSI/WISC/WAIS, and WIAT).
Feedback meeting: We will go through the report and recommendations with you.
References:
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM 5)
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
The National Health Service (NHS)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Mayo Clinic
Thrive Specialists in Austism
Sonia Singhal, M.Ed., M.A., LMFT
Licensed Psychologist & Lead Assessment Specialist
Sonia Singhal is a CDA-Licensed Psychologist and a California Licensed Marriage & Family Counselor. She has a Masters of Education in Psychology from Columbia University in New York. Sonia specializes in psychological and educational assessments and she provides individual, family and couples therapy. She holds a special interest in attachment theory and family systems and is passionate about supporting teenagers and adults to overcome emotional and psychological difficulties.
Dr. Kate Prozeller
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Kate Prozeller is a CDA-licensed psychologist. She holds her PsyD in Counseling Psychology from Saint Mary’s University in the United States. Dr. Kate provides individual therapy to adults, couples therapy, and English-language art, sand, and play therapy to children and adolescents. Prior to relocating to Dubai in 2019, she has worked as a psychologist in the United States, serving a variety of patient populations and across hospitals, private practice, and university settings.
Jessica Rosslee, M.A.
Licensed Psychologist
Jessica Rosslee is a DHA-licensed Clinical Psychologist. She obtained her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of the Free State, South Africa, in 2011. Jessica’s clinical interests and extensive expertise cover a broad range of mental health conditions or problematic concerns.
Corina Saramet, M.A.
Licensed Psychologist
Corina is a CDA-licensed psychologist specializing in working with adults and adolescents (16+). She obtained her Master’s Degree in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy at the University Titu Maiorescu in Romania. Her areas of expertise include anxiety disorders, depression, grief and loss, trauma, and stress.
Dr. Lara Foresi
DHA-Licensed Specialist Psychiatrist
Dr. Lara is a European-trained General Adult Psychiatrist with extensive experience in mood disorders and substance misuses. She is both trained and experienced in working with people from diverse ethnocultural backgrounds. Dr. Lara works with mild, moderate, and severe cases of psychiatric disorders, neurodiversity and mental health..
Michelle Estekantchi, M.Ed.
Licensed Psychologist
Michelle Estekantchi is a Licensed Psychologist with a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Memorial University (Canada). She works with children, adolescents, and adults across a range of issues including anxiety, depression, relationship issues (peer, family), burnout, and self-esteem issues. Michelle also conducts psychoeducational and ADHD assessments.
Our ASD specialists here to help you, whether you need to heal or want to thrive.
Get in touch to find out how we can help you. Contact us however you feel most comfortable, for example Whatsapp message us, or feel free to call us on +971 56 895 2347. You can also email or simply send us a query via our online form. Instagram message, Facebook chat… whatever works best for you!
Our goal is to make you comfortable.
