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Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) – which is often shortened to Autism – refers to a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that present challenges to the way a person interacts and communicates with others. Although individuals with autism typically do not have physical differences, they learn, think, and reason differently than others. Autism symptoms and diagnoses most commonly occur during early childhood. Symptoms can vary greatly by individual, creating an assorted degree of challenges throughout life. Individuals with autism may be able to live independently with only minor difficulties, as is the cause of high-functioning autism, or may require constant assistance and support. Clarity Clinic’s expert therapists in Chicago can help with the needs you may have.
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Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by a diverse range of challenges and strengths. Individuals with ASD may experience differences in social communication, sensory processing, and repetitive behaviors. At Clarity Clinic, we recognize the uniqueness of each person with ASD and offer a comprehensive program tailored to their specific needs.

Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder’s name stems from the wide range of symptoms that the condition can exhibit. The signs of autism most often present between the ages of two and three. Children with autism may exhibit any of the following symptoms:

  • Poor eye contact
  • Doesn’t respond to his/her name
  • Difficulty starting and/or holding conversations
  • Abnormal and repetitive speech patterns
  • Dislikes physical contact
  • Difficulty showing or expressing emotion, verbally and/or through facial expressions
  • Difficulty understanding the emotions of others
  • Acts inappropriately during social interactions
  • Dislikes playing and interacting with others
  • Doesn’t respond appropriately to simple directions and questions
  • Abnormally fixated on certain activities or objects with great intensity
  • Performs repetitive, sometimes harmful, movements
  • Resistant to and upset by changes in his/her life, routines, and rituals

Since there are no blood tests or other medical assessments for this condition and it presents itself in many ways, autism can be difficult to diagnose. If you think your child may have autism, Clarity Clinic’s experienced team of Chicago psychiatrists and therapists can help you receive an accurate diagnosis and thorough autism treatment.

Our Holistic Approach to Autism Spectrum Disorder Treatment

At Clarity Clinic, we approach Autism Spectrum Disorder with a holistic and individualized perspective. We understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating ASD. Our team of experienced psychiatrists and therapists conducts thorough assessments to gain a deep understanding of each individual's strengths, challenges, and specific areas of need. This comprehensive evaluation forms the foundation of a personalized treatment plan that addresses various aspects of the individual's development. This may include behavioral therapy (talk therapy), family therapy, and medication.

Promoting Effective Communication and Social Skills

Communication and social skills are crucial for building relationships and navigating the world. Our ASD treatment program places a strong emphasis on promoting effective communication and enhancing social interactions. Through evidence-based interventions, structured play, and interactive therapies, we work closely with individuals with ASD to develop communication skills, foster social connections, and improve their ability to express themselves and understand others.

Sensory Integration for the Treatment of Autism

Sensory processing challenges are common among individuals with ASD. Our autism treatment includes sensory integration techniques that help individuals navigate and respond to sensory stimuli in their environment. We create sensory-friendly spaces and engage in activities that promote sensory regulation, allowing individuals with ASD to better manage sensory input and respond more comfortably to their surroundings.

Behavioral Interventions: Building Positive Behaviors and Coping Strategies

Challenging behaviors can pose barriers to learning and development for individuals with ASD. Our treatment program incorporates evidence-based behavioral interventions to address these challenges. By identifying triggers, implementing behavior plans, and teaching alternative responses, we empower individuals with ASD to develop positive behaviors, coping strategies, and emotional regulation skills that support their well-being.

Family-Centered Care: Supporting Families and Caregivers of ASD

We understand that Autism Spectrum Disorder affects not only the individual but also their family and caregivers. Our program emphasizes family-centered care, providing families with the tools, education, and support needed to navigate the challenges and opportunities of life with ASD. We offer parenting counseling, family therapy, and individual talk therapy to help families create a supportive and nurturing environment that enhances the individual's development.

Building Skills for a Fulfilling Life with Autism

Our ultimate goal is to empower individuals with ASD to lead fulfilling and independent lives. Through our comprehensive approach, we focus on developing essential life skills that promote independence, confidence, and self-sufficiency. Whether it's enhancing communication, managing emotions, or building social connections, our treatment for autism is designed to equip individuals with ASD with the tools they need to thrive in various aspects of life.

Taking the First Step: Your Journey with Clarity Clinic

If you or a loved one is navigating the challenges of Autism Spectrum Disorder, know that you're not alone. Clarity Clinic is here to support you on your journey toward empowerment and growth. Our team of autism spectrum disorder specialists is dedicated to providing personalized, evidence-based treatment that addresses the unique needs of individuals with ASD. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward unlocking the potential within.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Providers

Ryan
Ryan Atkins, PA
Psychiatry
Cesar
Cesar Feijoo, PA-C
PA-C
Hannah
Hannah Wychocki, PA-C
PA-C
Lauren
Lauren Isdale, NP
Nurse Practitioner
Gabriella
Gabriella Lerner, PA-C
PA-C
Cyrus
Cyrus Ma, PA-C
PA-C
Kumail
Kumail Hussain, MD
Young Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist
Michele
Michele Sitorus, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Megan
Megan Becker, PA-C
PA-C
Emma
Emma Arsic, PA-C
PA-C
Paul
Paul Bamberger, PA-C
PA-C
Sankrant
Sankrant Reddy, MD
Psychiatrist
Stephanie
Stephanie Osborne, PA-C
Psychiatry
Ashley
Ashley Seredynski, PA-C
PA-C
Christine
Christine Lantin, PA-C
PA-C
Sudhakar
Sudhakar Shenoy, MD
Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist
Sharon
Sharon Koys, PA-C
PA-C
Sarah
Sarah Beerman, LCSW, CADC
Therapist
Sahar
Sahar Eftekhar, DO
General & Addiction Psychiatrist
Rebecca
Rebecca Gilfillan, MD
Psychiatrist
Rebecca
Rebecca Kuhn, PA-C
PA-C
Sonnie
Sonnie Cousins, MA
Therapy
Elana
Elana Horowitz, PA-C
PA-C
Pavan
Pavan Prasad, MD
Psychiatrist
Mariyah
Mariyah Hussain, MD
Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist
Marc
Marc Sandrolini, MD
Psychiatry
Kelli
Kelli Lo, LSW
Therapy
Kiran Binal
Kiran Binal Maharaja, MD
Psychiatrist
Kalyan
Kalyan Rao, MD
Psychiatrist
Jonathan
Jonathan Kolakowski, MD
Psychiatrist
Keith
Keith Merrifield, LCSW, CCTP, ADHD-CCSP
Therapist
Janel
Janel Wenger, AMFT
Therapist
Ivy
Ivy Poma, PA-C
PA-C
Jeanette
Jeanette Marinier, PA-C
PA-C
Jamie
Jamie Schubert, PA-C
PA-C
Sherita
Sherita Hernton, PA-C
PA-C
Emily
Emily Schaffer, PA-C
PA-C
Emily
Emily Street, PA-C
PA-C
Thomas
Thomas Thurlow, NP
Psychiatry
Savannah
Savannah Sullivan, PA-C
PA-C
Kathryn
Kathryn Ross, PA-C
Psychiatry
Summer
Summer Slininger, PA-C
PA-C
Irena
Irena Markova, PMHNP
Psychiatry
Ravali
Ravali Poreddy, MD
Psychiatrist
Ariella
Ariella Panos, PA-C
PA-C
James
James Ham, PA-C
Psychiatry
Rayna
Rayna Gorstein, PA-C
PA-C
Daniel
Daniel Shuter, LSW
Therapist
Emily
Emily Hoag, MD
Psychiatrist
Ali
Ali Sheikha, PA-C
PA-C
Cassie
Cassie Donahue, PA-C
Psychiatry
Gayathri
Gayathri Ganesh, PA-C
PA-C
Samuel
Samuel Eckert, PA-C
PA-C
Rafael
Rafael Lopez, MD
Psychiatrist
Nicholas
Nicholas Little, PA-C
PA-C
Scott
Scott Shadrick, PA-C
PA-C
Khadija
Khadija Manzoor, LPC, CRC
Therapy
Mira
Mira Ebalo, PA-C
PA-C
Mark
Mark Bey, LPC
Therapy
Miriam
Miriam Mixon, LCSW
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Justin
Justin Lee, PA-C
PA-C
Jerri
Jerri Ganz, LCSW
Therapy
Katherine
Katherine Cunningham, LPC, CADC
Therapy
Heather
Heather Holmes, PA-C
PA-C
Emily
Emily Filip, PA-C
PA-C
Emily
Emily Mathews, MA, ATR-P
Therapy
Liz
Liz Hand, LCSW
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Jenna
Jenna Jacobson, PA-C
PA-C
Dane
Dane Davlantis, LCPC
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Caitlin
Caitlin Daughtry, PA-C
PA-C
Camryn
Camryn Schmidt, PA-C
PA-C
Courtney
Courtney Daly, LPC, CADC
Therapy
Alexandra
Alexandra Gregor, PA-C
PA-C
Allegria
Allegria Knouse, PA-C
PA-C
Bakhtawar
Bakhtawar Usman, PA-C
Psychiatry
Alyssa
Alyssa Bobak, PA-C
PA-C

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