If you have a child with autism, there are many hurdles to overcome in your journey as a parent. However, with the proper guidance and resources, you can be successful in helping your child in life. If your child was recently diagnosed with autism, you might have various questions related to autism. One pressing issue on your mind may be about autism and mental health. You might wonder if there is a correlation between the two conditions or if mental illness and autism going to be an issue for your child. Understanding this condition more fully will help you prepare for the future, and EMIT Therapeutics is here to help you do so.
Is Autism a Mental Health Diagnosis?
One of the common questions that parents have when they get an autism diagnosis is, does this mean their child has a mental health disorder? While autism requires a diagnosis from a doctor or mental health professional, it is considered a developmental disorder. Children with autism experience delays in developmental milestones that are usually evident by age two. However, children with high-functioning autism may not receive their diagnosis until later due to their good verbal skills.
Some signs of autism include:
- Struggles with communication
- Difficulty with social interactions
- May not make eye contact with the person speaking to them
- Repetitive or restricted movements
- Problems with change and rigid thinking
- Slow processing speed
- Difficulty with working memory
These behaviors make it difficult for the child to keep up in school and complete their regular daily activities without seeking help from an autism treatment program in NJ.
The Connection Between Autism and Mental Health
There is a connection between mental illness and autism. Most children with an autism diagnosis have a dual diagnosis. A dual diagnosis consists of having two or more conditions simultaneously. Autism is a diagnosis that often occurs with other conditions. Some of the common co-occurring conditions that children with autism may have can include:
- Anxiety disorder: This condition is characterized by excessive worry over big and small things. Your child may experience difficulty performing in school, sleeping, and interacting with others because of anxiety.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder: This disorder connects to your child’s rigid style of thinking. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a condition that is rooted in an obsessive desire to have order. The person with this condition feels driven to perform rituals like counting or handwashing to appease the obsessive thoughts.
- Depressive disorder — depression is a common disorder affecting millions of people across the country. Children with autism may develop depression as they get older due to the difficulties they face with their condition.
Help for Autism and Mental Health at EMIT Therapeutics
If your child has received an autism diagnosis, you can find hope and help with EMIT Therapeutics. At EMIT Therapeutics, our compassionate and professional therapists are here to help you and your child navigate this new reality. We are adept at working with children that have autism and may be dealing with co-occurring conditions such as a mental health disorder. We will provide the proper treatment for your child, ensuring they flourish and grow academically and socially.
Through our evidence-based programs, your child will develop skills and strategies for effectively managing social interactions, communication, and daily routines.
We provide evidence-based therapies to aid your child in overcoming the hurdles they will face in life. Some of these programs include:
- Applied behavioral analysis
- Early intervention program
- Telehealth treatment program
We work closely with the parents, as well, to ensure that home life is operating smoothly.
Don’t delay in seeking treatment for your child with autism. Now that you know more about autism and mental health, you can reach out to a coordinator for additional information. Contact EMIT Therapeutics at 844.983.0240, and we will schedule an evaluation.
