[Discrediting The Myth]
One of the most common and wrong misconceptions about people diagnosed with ASD is that they are not interested in romantic and sexual relationships, that people on the autism spectrum have no interest regarding human interaction that involves social and communication skills. It is very wrong. We cannot generalize the population of people with autism to be incapable of love and intimacy.
This article will focus on the different benefits of group therapy. Many people believe that group counseling sessions are more valuable rather than going through them individually. Sienna, 43 years old, a woman with autism, learned that her life was rife with difficulties and misunderstandings before the treatment.
“I had a job as a cashier after I graduated high school, but our administration fired me because I wasn’t reliable. Being a cashier was too much for me; all those sounds and people lining up especially during rush hours to have their items punched in. I had to be on the move, and it was hard.
Back then, I didn’t know I had autism and thought I was going crazy, or something was wrong with me,” she shared. Sienna joined group therapy sessions and found it beneficial to her, to be able to share her challenges with other members in the group setting seeking different stages of mental health services and treatment like her. Discovering how to manage your ASD is one of the many advantages of group therapy.
There’s Still Hope For People With ASD
An individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has a higher chance of landing a job if one undergoes cognitive enhancement treatment.
Accordingly, almost half of the ASD adult population is still dependent on their families with one out of 5 unemployed.
But one study offers hope to these adults who want to hold jobs and eventually have the capability to live independent lives with other participants in a safe space of therapy sessions.
Attending group treatment, by its very nature, is the type of therapy session where one or more therapists or social worker work to treat a group of individuals who seek treatment for a mental health condition. The support groups typically have similar experiences and issues or challenges in mental health condition issues such as social anxiety disorders, depression, substance use disorders, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, and other psychological disorders that they wish to resolve. It can happen in hospitals, clinics, facilities, or even at home – meaning that online therapy is also possible.
The treatment plan permits group members who participate in expressing themselves, their perspectives, and their discussing issues. It helps improve their self-awareness. There are several advantages to attending group sessions with people or patients with various mental health conditions, including those with autism.
Adults with autism are a group of individuals that have unique skills (communication skills) as well as capacities. Attending group psychotherapy together is a safety net as it could help them in a number of ways.
Therapy has been proven to help most group members.
While researchers say that both of these therapies are beneficial for an autistic individual in landing a job, the mid-study results suggest that cognitive-behavioral therapy works faster than one-on-one counseling. As Teresa Bolick, Ph.D. used to imply, “Securing assessment and treatment is even more frustrating for adults with ASD, their families, and medical and developmental disabilities agencies.
The shortage extends across multiple disciplines but the dearth of psychologists is especially striking given the multiple roles our discipline can fulfill.”
Furthermore, the development exhibited by the individuals who participated in both therapies showed that only the mind-enhancing treatment has a beneficial impact on autism employment.
It’s because of the 29 individuals with different personalities in the therapy development groups experience; a measly seven had jobs at the start of the study of the treatment. But by the end of it, 10 of the 21 members who completed the treatment were already holding their jobs.
Final Thoughts And Takeaway
John Cutrone, LMHC, MCAP, CAS often says, “Being diagnosed with Autism does not have to impact you negatively. People with Autism can live fulfilling and meaningful lives. It is about learning the tools and skills that can help lead to success.” It is used to aid people with schizophrenia find their steady employment.
A recent study showed that skills development groups could be employed to help those who have autism, too. Because of the encouraging results, the team is undertaking a second, larger trial involving 100 adults with autism.
What are the aims and benefits of family and group therapy?
What are the pros of using psychoeducational groups as an intervention?
What is the value of group therapy?
Is group therapy more effective than individual therapy?
What is the most common type of group therapy?
What are the 3 types of therapy?
Let us talk about the different tips on how you can travel with your child who has autism – with less or no hassle at all.
I will be sharing with you some insights from research and experience on how to deal with the side of the spectrum when you want to bring a child with autism somewhere nice for a vacation. I hope this can help you in some ways to turn an autistic buddy into your engaging traveling buddy.
Overwhelming Tantrums And Meltdowns
When your child has a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), it can mean that your child’s social development is affected in many ways. He may have a hard time communicating with others, unable to interact appropriately in different casual situations, and may lack the ability to concentrate or focus on some tasks. ASD has a variety of conditions that affect his behavior, especially in social progress. “People with ASD are at increased risk for depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).” Eva A. Mendes LMHC also added.
Autism is more common among boys than girls. Studies show that roughly millions of individuals are diagnosed with autism. It is a common conception that genes are the primary cause of autism. There are also studies stating that there are many situations on how a child developed autism, including environmental, biological and genetic factors. “Autism is a result of neurological differences in the structure of the brain that distinguish it from what we call the neurotypical brain. It is not mental illness or a personality disorder.” Sarah Swenson, MA, LMHC elaborates further.
People with autism are predisposed to having tantrums and meltdowns. Tantrums are their signs of a need for attention or control. People with autism do this if they feel they are not satisfied or are not comfortable with their current situation. They even have tantrums as a means to get what they want. On the other hand, meltdowns are far more different. Meltdown is the violent expression of feeling that occurred when triggered by stressors such as noise in the environment, confusion because of their intellectual difficulties, and difficulties in expressing themselves emotionally.
Handling Your Kid With Autism
Patience is of most importance, which you should always carry with you to manage the tantrums and meltdowns and unwanted circumstances with a clear mind.
You must be equipped with a broad scope of information especially when your buddy gets uneasy.
Be very prepared and attentive to all kinds of situations that you and your buddy will encounter because you cannot know if this is an agent of his stressor. Your buddy is hypersensitive when it comes to things or environments new to him.
Traveling with your autistic child through land and air can be a hard task. It is a new environment for him and it usually takes more hours of patience in having to be still which is very uncomfortable for him. “Research shows the biggest boost in happiness comes from planning the vacation.” Shannon Torberg, PsyD, LP said.
Securing the best seat in the vehicle for your child helps make him feel comfortable especially on long travels. You can have short discussions about how he can handle himself during long trips. Ask him about what things he would like to bring and toys he will play later to reduce the stress and anxiety of the environment that’s new to him.
Be sure to pack all the things you know that your son needs and stuff he might want or look for, like his favorite book, stuffed toys, or pillows. The last thing that you want to avoid would be the tantrums, especially if he does not get what he wants.
Make him familiar with traveling, especially with airplanes, so as to have less trouble when you are about to go. You can do make-believe plays when you intend to travel by plane. Know your kid’s rights when traveling within the US by making yourself familiar with the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA, 14 CFR 382), because no one should discriminate your child when flying.
Be sure to play relaxing music that he loves on your gadget that can calm him or distract him when he is having an attack. Music can help him sleep and not focus more on the chattering noise of the passengers and the plane engines when you are about to take off and even upon landing. And also, avoid watching television on the trip because the content may act as a stimulus for a meltdown.
Before traveling, be sure to have a visit to his doctor to give him a clearance to fly. You may also request his doctor to prescribe him sleeping pills to ensure that he will be sleeping during the whole trip.
Knowing the necessary precautions before having a trip with your autistic child is a must. It will reduce the cost and hassle for you and your buddy and will make the trip enjoyable for both of you.
Persons diagnosed with autism can view the world more unusual than to a regular average person. The fact alone that they need help as early as the illness is diagnosed and build up in their process changes the way an autistic person perceives its surroundings and its nature. Primarily, dependency on a person who understands him can shape his thought process that he can ordinarily see that he alone cannot adequately function individually without assistance.
The Disability And Incapabilities
According to Mindia Gabichvadze, PsyD “A personality disorder is a mental health condition that causes long-lasting thought patterns and behaviors that are outside of societal norms.” Autistic persons suffer more than anyone functioning at a level that is generally acceptable. That is because of the lack of understanding to sort out what is necessary for them to nurture in life, lack of focus on things that matter and difficulty in concentrating on basic stuff needed to be learned to maintain the standards set up by society.
They Need Support, Love, And Acceptance
In our life, we may have seen, encountered, or met a person who happens to have autism. Do you ever consider asking how they manage to live a happy and contented life despite their condition? It can be because someone is concerned and tends to them.
In fact, there are many organizations present up to this date that aims to help ASD, and they have gained many supporters that aid them in combating this kind of mental illness. “Another potential stress reducer is practicing acceptance,” Dr. Keefer said. “Parents who accept where their child is today seem to do better.” That is according to Amy Keefer PhD, a clinical psychologist at Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Center for Autism and Related Disorders.
Let’s face it, as society grows, mental disorders multiply, too, and this includes ASD. Up to this date causes of ASD brought us many known theories and it inherently means that there is no one answer to where it comes from or what caused it. Some research says it’s the genes, others believe it as an illness that emerges from environmental factors such as the surrounding of the pregnant mother or even lack of nourishment. But, isn’t it that the one which actually matters is how we can accept ASD as a part of the new generation and help ease up their loads.
Let The Autistic Mind Reach Out To You
The society grows way faster and more advanced, more benefits from medical advancement in studying and coping up with ASD as it gains more attraction in our generation. Some people, too, have become open-minded in the likes of this mental illness and awareness of the spectrum, in fact, has helped the autism community live like one of the regular guys.
A mentally challenged individual has a lot more to offer than we may think of. The way they see or perceive the world differently is something they can teach us, though, it requires time and effort to nurture and bring out the best in some of them.
Mentally challenged individual or autistic persons gives every one of us valuable insights on ways of living life and even inspiration by showing us that despite their incapabilities, they manage to achieve greatness in some form.
Having ASD is a tough battle for the person affected by the spectrum and their families, and will even be tougher if no one will care or support them. “Families of those with autism are constantly seeking alternative ways to support their children and there are billions of research dollars spent to find the best method, the best approach, and the best way to help people with autism rise to their fullest potential.” Christina Devereaux Ph.D, BC-DMT said. Embracing autism in today’s generation is the best way we can help them ease their burdens. A simple smile, extending a hand to help them cope up with the trials of life is a means to make a difference and will come a long way as they continue their journey.
Dealing with any developmental deficiency can cause complicated and conflicting issues within the person and their families. Each type of disorder is not tailored-cut where attention and support are made all throughout every affected individual. There are also those persons, the “gifted ones,” that are explicitly considered unique and may need more interventions than what medical literature has to offer.
Source: pexels.com
Living with autism is difficult to fathom for regular people, primarily if you are not related to someone who’s on the spectrum. Some feel sorry for them because they cannot have a healthy life. Even if companies may hire them, they will always carry the stigma that comes with being autistic.
Others, meanwhile, think that psychologically challenged individuals are lucky to have such a condition. After all, it entails that they have no clue about the negative things that happen on earth. They do not need to know about greed, failure, etc. They have their perfect little world, and that’s all that matters. Because according to John Cutrone, LMHC, MCAP, CAS, “Being diagnosed with Autism does not have not to impact you negatively. People with Autism can live fulfilling and meaningful lives. It is about learning the tools and skills that can help lead to success.”
Nevertheless, it’s no secret that a long of non-profit organizations have been established to help people with autism. A few of them provide financial assistance to the families or orphanages that care for autistic kids. Some cover their educational, medical, and other needs so that they can have a shot at leading a normal life.
The thing is, not everyone who wants to assist autistic individuals have the means to do grand things like that. Many folks may not even have time to volunteer as they try to juggle two or three jobs every day. If you have the same dilemma and you want to do something nice for people with autism, here’s how you can help them indirectly.
Source: pexels.com
Don’t Do Anything That Will Cause Sensory Overload
Let’s say that you find yourself in an almost empty bus with an autistic teenager and his mother. You notice that the boy is wearing dark sunglasses. The most likely reason for it is that he might feel overwhelmed by the brightness of the sun or the various colors outside the window.
“Just because a child has autism, doesn’t mean their life should be limited — it means they might need extra help or adaptations in order to do the same things that others do.” Janeen Herskovitz, LMHC explains. Assuming this person with autism tends to deal with sensory overload, you should avoid blasting your music in such a small space, too. If you are carrying reflective objects, you should hide them as well. That may cause the teenager to panic, which often results in a meltdown.
Understand Their Behavior Or Mannerism
Another thing that you should do is to research the collective behaviors of autistic individuals. Granted, you may not come across one every day. It may even take years for you to get introduced to someone in the spectrum. However, it will not hurt to find out how you should act when they are around. This way, you can avoid doing something that may trigger their symptoms.
Source: pexels.com
Avoid Forcing Interaction
Finally, you should know better than to force a fellow with autism to talk to you. That is especially true if you have already noticed that they don’t seem to be chatting with anyone. It entails that they may not be “in the zone” and pulling them out of it can only cause trouble. “Autism is a complex developmental disability that causes difficulties in many areas, with varying degrees of severity, most notably with social interaction and communication.” Karla Helbert, LPC, E-RYT, C-IAYT explains.
In The End
Wanting to help an autistic person does not mean that you have to have a lot of money. You do not even need to interact with them directly, to be honest. It’s the little things mentioned above that will allow you to help them even if they do not know about it.
Being a parent of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is challenging and can cause a lot of frustration on your part. Do not feel sorry for yourself if you are suffering from raising your kid who has special needs. Keep in mind that what you are feeling right now is only usual or average. According to a therapist, autistic children have certain peculiarities and issues that may be difficult to handle, which is why it is not new for a parent to feel stressed and anxious most of the time. If you believe that you need advice on how to become more relaxed in raising your child who has ASD, then be sure to read this article from start to finish.
First of all, it is crucial on your part to remind yourself that there is nothing that you can do to turn back time. Stop wishing that your child was different and did not have his medical condition. You need to begin accepting the reality that your child has autism spectrum disorder, and all he needs is the unconditional love from you. Never make the mistake of making your kid feel inadequate just because he is different from the other children surrounding him. Remember, “Being diagnosed with Autism does not have not to impact you negatively. People with Autism can live fulfilling and meaningful lives. It is about learning the tools and skills that can help lead to success.” John Cutrone, LMHC, MCAP, CAS explains.
At the same time, you must always understand that other people feel compassion and sympathy for you. As such, do not reject any help or assistance that others may offer you. Be willing to have an open mind and avoid being judgmental against other individuals who only want nothing but to help you in any way they can. Below are some of the things that you must consider if you’re going to learn the best ways on how to handle your child with autism:
Be Consistent In Everything You Do
It is a fact that children with autism have difficulty in retaining things to their brain. As such, they tend to be forgetful because they cannot keep the memory for a long time. Because of this, it is essential or crucial on your part to be consistent in every single thing that you do. Take note that your kid is observing the way you act or talk, which is why you must do the right things at all times whenever he is around. Be mindful of what you say and do because one mistake can bring in a lot of difference. “Healthy boundaries are necessary for self-care, and healthy relationships and most people are not equipped with these important life skills.” Janeen Herskovitz, LMHC said.
Learn About Autism
“Often, kids, teens and adults on the spectrum spend a lot of time trying to be “normal”, fighting sensory overload and overwhelm, fending off personal quirks, and trying so hard to “fit in”,socially and otherwise.” Karla Helbert, LPC, E-RYT, C-IAYT explains. As much as possible, do not just wait for people to give you advice on how to raise your child. The best or vital thing to do is to make a conscious effort to learn about autism spectrum disorder. Read several resources that can help you become an expert about the illness. Lucky for you, there are already thousands of available resources that you can read online. All that you must do is to double-check the details of the source of the article to ensure that you will not get a piece of false information. Nonetheless, it does not mean that you can already dispense with the expert advice of a medical professional. It is still essential to continue bringing your child to a doctor’s office for a checkup regularly.
Give Rewards When Necessary
You must also learn about positive reinforcement wherein you will let your child know whenever he has done something great so that he will feel motivated to do it again in the future. Be careful in using this method of disciplining a child with autism so that you will not end up having issues in raising him. Know when it is the right time to give rewards and when it is not. You cannot keep on rewarding actions that do not qualify as great deeds. It is crucial to be sure before you give a prize or reward. If you are not sure how to do this right, feel free to read the commentaries or journals published by psychologists. These materials contain everything you need to learn about the said topic.
Conclusion
If you are tired about raising your child, do not worry because that feeling will soon fade. What is essential is that you take the necessary steps to refresh your mind and recharge yourself. Take some time off or ask for help from other people. Do not sway people away from your life because you are embarrassed about getting their support or assistance. Instead, be open to whatever they are going to do to help you in your day-to-day endeavors.
There are many things to remember when it comes to raising a child with an autism spectrum disorder. Keep in mind that you have to be more patient and understanding as you embrace your journey to motherhood, especially when your child has special needs. We understand that it can be scary in the beginning since you do not have an idea on the psychology of raising children with autism. As such, we have decided to come up with an article that discusses the top tips and tricks on how you can become a better parent to your kid.
Make sure that you familiarize the things listed below so that you will not commit an error in raising your child. Keep in mind that there will always be challenges and struggles that will come your way. Make sure that you do not allow these shortcomings or problems bring you down. Instead, focus on becoming a better parent and enjoy your journey. Things will get better as soon as you continue to remind yourself with these tips:
Study The Signs And Symptoms
Take note that autism is a mental disorder that is quite complicated to understand. “Young people with autism are very good at “getting stuck” and being less flexible.” John Strang, Psy.D. emphasizes. Because of this, you have to make an effort in learning more about this illness. Do not just sit in the corner and wallow in depression because your child has a mental condition that you cannot understand. Believe that you will soon learn the basics of how to raise your child despite the challenges that autism brings. At the same time, it is best if you will connect with people who are going through the same experience that you have. Learn how to communicate with parents who are also in the process of raising autistic children.
Ask For Help And Support
Always remember that it is okay to reach out to certain people and individuals to ask for their assistance in raising your child. Do not feel embarrassed if you have to ask for help from your parents or relatives. Take note that there are some financial stuff that you have to pay if you want your child to live a healthy life even if he has autism spectrum disorder. If you believe that you are not financially ready to answer for these expenses, do not hesitate to borrow some cash from your family. “Counselors who are not familiar with ASD often tend to ascribe an Asperger or neurodiverse couple’s conflicts and challenges to “personality clashes,” or family of origin issues,” says Eva Mendes, LMHC. Aside from this, you can also ask a friend or a close family member to watch over your child when you have something important to do at work or for your business.
Work With Your Husband
Like any other individuals who are coping with a partner’s ASD, or their children’s ASD, the best thing to do is to prepare yourself for the challenges and have the right mindset. Keep in mind that you have a husband who can help you deal with the different challenges that come your way. Avoid shutting your partner away because you are too stressed or anxious in raising your child. Instead, accept his helping hands and enjoy the journey together. You will be surprised at how things will become better in your family life the moment you learn how to work with him together. Trust that your husband also wants the best for your child. He will always be there in every step of the way. Just make sure that you do not last out on him when you are exhausted or tired.
Arrange For Therapy Sessions
One of the things that you can do to help your child is to arrange therapy sessions for him. During these meetings, a professional therapist will guide your kid on learning some basic things that will make his autism more bearable for you. This expert knows exactly what to do to increase your child’s attention and focus. “Psychotherapy can help by offering a safe space for kids, teens and adults on the spectrum to be able to express themselves more readily, to be able to learn more effective coping skills to manage stress, as well as symptoms of other mental health issues that may be unique to you or your child.” Karla Helbert, LPC, E-RYT, C-IAYT explains.
Aside from this, he can also help your child understand the effects of every action that he takes. As a result, you will start to notice an improvement in his behavior. However, it is essential to emphasize that the success of therapy sessions does not happen overnight. You have to ask your child to attend these sessions regularly so that he can go through the proper process of the treatment. It is best if you will ask the therapist about his professional rate so that you will have an idea of how much to prepare for his fees.
Always take note that you must also care for your mental health when it comes to raising a child with autism. Do not let the stress and anxiety take over you. The best thing to do is to prepare yourself for the challenges and have the right mindset.
My son’s Playschool teacher, Nursery teacher, and Kindergarten teacher all said the same thing – “Mrs. Smith, your son is inattentive in class. He lacks focus and is hyperactive at most times. It’s tough to teach him the lessons when I have to oversee thirty other students aside from him. Please, Mrs. Smith. This is a recommendation letter for a Neurodevelopment Pediatrician. Can you have your son assessed as soon as possible so we can see if he needs therapy and other types of treatment? His behavioral health needs to be addressed.” Continue reading A Mother In Denial – There Is Nothing Wrong With My Child! (ASD And Behavioral Health)
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Despite the fact that mental illness is more common for individuals with autism spectrum compared to the general population, the behavioral health of autistic people most often lacks attention. This article looks at some of the most predominant behavioral or mental health problems including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, and depression.
“People with ASD are at increased risk for depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).” –Eva A. Mendes LMHC
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders
A person who has OCD frequently experiences repetitive thoughts and behaviors that upsets and irritates them. OCD is common in about 3% of individuals who do not have autism and is more common in those who have autism. Genetics and psychological predisposition are some of the causes of why someone becomes obsessive-compulsive, and it can also run in families. This mental illness can be stressful and exhausting, and it can disrupt one’s everyday life for the individual who has it and his family as well. Fortunately, OCD is treatable.
There are two aspects of OCD: obsessions or the thoughts and compulsions or the behaviors. OCD can be easily unnoticed in people on the autism spectrum because it can be mistaken as a repetitive behavioral pattern. However, it is very distinctive. If you think you might have OCD, you should do well to let your general physician know about your worries. He is the best person who can help you determine what to do and can refer you to a specialist who can better assess you.
Today, the awareness for OCD has been increasing, although it may still be under-recognized and hence under-treated. On the other hand, if you have autism and you think you might have OCD, it is crucial that you get an opinion from a team of specialists who can assess, diagnose, and treat you for both your autism and your OCD.
Treatment For OCD
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and medication are the two benchmarks of OCD treatment. CBT provides the tools to assist the patient in changing the way he thinks and acts. Being the most popular and well-researched psychological treatment for OCD, proof has been found that specialized CBT is very effective for treating OCD and anxiety in individuals on the autism spectrum.
For OCD, taking medications is also an essential part of treatment, particularly more effective when combined with CBT. The primary treatment for this mental illness is referred to as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs, which include drugs such as Paroxetine and Fluoxetine. Some individuals who have autism are susceptible to side effects, so it’s recommended that they begin with a low dose. Eventually, your doctor can slowly increase the dose over time while he monitors your signs and symptoms using the OCD scale.
Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are very prevalent in individuals on the autism spectrum. An estimated 40% usually have at least one anxiety symptom compared to the general population with only 15%. Consequently, anxiety leads to depression and sadness, which is why a combination of depression and anxiety is also common.
“Research also shows that there is a high occurrence of depression, mood, and anxiety disorders in families of those with autism spectrum disorders.” -Karla Helbert, LPC, E-RYT, C-IAYT
Source: publicdomainpictures.net
Research suggests that these factors can lead to stress, which is probably the reason why anxiety is quite common in individuals on the autism spectrum. Other factors that may contribute to anxiety include a history of social difficulties, inability to respond to threats appropriately, and biological differences in brain function
Treatment For Anxiety
As with OCD, behavioral and cognitive treatments are an important treatment just as medications. This usually involves establishing a working relationship with one’s therapist and strengthening his necessary skills to overcome the anxiety symptoms, for instance, exposing the patient to anxiety-provoking challenges.
Depression
Feeling a little sad or down is common to all of us at times. However, when we feel sad or down for more than a few weeks, or the sadness disrupts our daily activities, this may signify depression. There is about 20% of the general population that will apparently experience depression, and it is even seen more in individuals with autism. The symptoms of depression for every person, though, may be alike or totally different, and it can be mild, moderate, or severe.
“It is painful and difficult to identify, because so many neurotypical partners see these as problems existing within in themselves, rather than as their reactions to confusion, to feeling systematically ignored, or to feeling not heard for many years.” –Sarah Swenson, MA, LMHC
Everyone who suffers from depression has trouble sharing how they feel and think. But for those on the autism spectrum, it is more difficult because they have trouble identifying their own feelings and thoughts, and so it can be particularly hard for them to convey their concerns.
Treatment For Depression
Depression treatment may be medical or psychological, regardless of the person having autism or not.
The most crucial step in getting help for the autistic person is for him to confide on someone that he trusts – a partner or a family member, for instance. Then when he feels more comfortable, he can tell his general physician about it, or perhaps he can ask his significant other to accompany him to his physician.
Source: women.com
Conclusion
OCD, anxiety, and depression are just three of the several mental health illnesses that individuals on the autism spectrum may suffer. If you or someone you know is experiencing one of these three, do not hesitate to seek help – the earlier, the better.