Despite all the new information about the autism spectrum, there are still a lot of myths and misunderstandings about the condition.
With the 2013 version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the three categories of “Autism”, “Pervasive Developmental Disorder”, and “Asperger’s Syndrome” were erased. The new perspective in reviewing those individuals with extensive difficulties in communication and behavior is that their behavior ranges in severity. Which is a good thing for agency professionals working with those on the autism spectrum, as each person has individual needs and solutions.
Because each youth or adult on the autism spectrum is like a combination lock. Each lock has different numbers which, in combination, allows one to unlock it and open it.
In the same way, each youth or adult on the autism spectrum perceives the world differently. One may be fascinated to the point of perseverating about cars, another about machines, another about newspapers, etc. To have a boilerplate approach to them won’t work. It helps to have a structured approach such as applied behavior analysis, which focuses on which behaviors create problems for the person and which to resolve.
To help with the public and professional concepts of autism, the here are some myths on autism. Here are three of them:
People with autism can’t understand the emotions of others. Those on the autism spectrum have difficulties managing their own emotions and at times don’t understand the communications of others. There are certain things they don’t comprehend, like non-verbal language. It’s hard for them to grasp sarcasm, a shrug of the shoulders, a joke, or a heavy sigh. But when someone gives them direct communication, such as crying and feeling sad, or laughing, this is understood. This helps when professionals and parents work with the person to make sure they are looking directly at them and conveying their words and mannerisms in sync.
Autism is just a brain disorder. It is common for people with autism or on the autism spectrum to also have other health conditions. For instance, gastrointestinal disorders such as acid reflux can occur. In addition, food or other allergies may affect them as well. Sometimes those on the spectrum also may have seizure-type disorders and need medication. When evaluating a person with autism, it is important to also know their medical health and coordinate care with their physician.
People with autism are like Freddie Highmore’s character in The Good Doctor. The idea of a spectrum now means that each person has their behaviors, perspectives, talents, and characteristics. This actor portrayed someone with autism who also has what’s known as savant syndrome, which means that they display certain capabilities (in this case, medicine) far more than the average person. While some on the autism spectrum may have some remarkable abilities, it does not apply to each person.
The key to all these myths is that each person on the spectrum should be considered as an individual. Treated as one and have their special plan which may work for them and not necessarily for others.
To get information on other myths, here’s an article from Nevada’s Department on Aging and Disability Services.
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PRAXES is a nationwide behavioral health software, consulting, and training company. No one in the behavioral health industry has a better reputation, and if you give us the chance, we’ll show you why! At PRAXES, our services improve the efficiency and structure of behavioral health agencies serving children and families nationwide. PRAXES brings over 45 years of administrative and clinical expertise. With more than 100 client companies nationwide, we offer the expertise to advance the quality of behavioral health services. We accomplish these goals through our new clinical decision software, our training of best practices, and helping companies meet regulatory standards. At PRAXES, we believe in being creative and fostering new ways to serve children and their families. Our vision is to empower the families our agencies serve with skills that not only improve their functioning, but help them to thrive in their everyday lives. When you give us the chance, you’ll be connected directly to our friendly staff, so you can expect immediate attention to your inquiry. So, don’t wait, call now!
Dan Thorne has unique perspectives on the field of mental health. As a clinician, he has had over 40 years of experience working with clients in the Southern California area. After obtaining his Bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Irvine, he worked with children in the Orange County Juvenile Hall. Here he honed his earliest techniques on at-risk children. After that, he obtained his Master’s degree in Counseling from California State University, Fullerton.
In the 1990’s, Dan turned his attention to the clinical and administrative side of behavioral health organizations. For three years, he was the Assistant Administrator of Starting Point, a chemical dependency facility in Costa Mesa, CA. In 2001, he took an opportunity to be the Director of Harbor View Community Services Center in Long Beach. When he arrived, the Center had only 80 clients and 13 staff. When he left, there were over 400 clients and 75 staff. Dan created several programs through their contract with the Los Angeles County Departments of Mental Health and Child and Family Services. Under his guidance, Harbor View became one of the leading providers of children’s services in Los Angeles County.
While improving the results of the client’s parents at the Center, Dan reflected on his experiences as a parent. His children themselves had special needs such as mental and intellectual challenges, and Dan knew the toll it takes on the parent. In order to help the child, the parent has to be healthy. From this concept, he created his parenting program. After years of refining it, teaching it to his staff at the Center, and then taking the results and comments from these efforts, he became the developer of the current PRAXES program. It is a culmination of Dan’s personal trials and tribulations as a parent along with empirical results and research of over 40 parenting programs.
Our vision at PRAXES is to advance the strength of parents and caregivers of children with special needs (mental health, intellectual, or physical) through education, support, and empowerment. Thus, they can live healthy and functional lives while caring for the child.
Apogee is a clinical decision software designed to help behavioral health practitioners with their treatment and patient engagement. It provides evidence-based and research-based components. Not only do they consist of elements from such practices as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Seeking Safety, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Functional Behavior Analysis, but also the Intensive Models for Parents, Youth, and Children.
PRAXES has over 30 years of accreditation experience. We know what it takes to get your organization accredited. Whether it’s Joint Commission, CARF, or COA, our team can provide an evaluation of your current status and review the standards which need improvements. We will assist you with the policies, documentation, and training required to be accredited.
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