Autism Treatment
Autism spectrum therapist Dr. Joy Eberhardt provides autism treatment in Portland, OR, or virtually throughout Washington and Oregon
Autism Treatment in Portland, OR
Autism affects each child differently, but it always impairs their social skills, changes the way they communicate, and leads to behavioral challenges. At Orchid Pediatrics, autism spectrum therapist Joy Eberhardt, MD, FAAP, helps children and teens with autism, creating a personalized autism treatment plan that builds on their strengths while teaching the skills they need to overcome autism challenges. Early intervention and consistent support put children with autism on the path to optimal success in life. To schedule a therapy for autism appointment, call our office or book an in-person or telemedicine appointment online today.
What is Autism?
Autism, also called autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder that begins in childhood and persists throughout adulthood. This condition is called a spectrum disorder because it includes people with an expansive range of abilities.
Some children with autism don’t speak, while others talk constantly. The autism spectrum includes children with low and exceptionally high IQs, as well as people needing intensive 24/7 support and those who only need occasional assistance.
What Core Challenges Define Autism?
Despite their differing abilities, all children on the autism spectrum have two core challenges:
Communication and socialization challenges
Children with autism have a hard time communicating and socializing. A few examples include being unable to have a back-and-forth conversation, not instinctively knowing how to make friends, and struggling to share others’ interests.
Repetitive and restrictive behaviors
Restrictive behaviors refer to having one particular interest, preferring to engage in one activity, and focusing on one topic. Children on the autism spectrum often repeat the same behavior and desire to follow a predictable routine.
What Early Signs Does Autism Cause?
Some autistic children—but not all—show signs of developmental delays. For example, they may sit up, crawl, walk, or talk later than most children. Other early signs include:
Not smiling by six months
Not pointing by 12 months
Not using two-word phrases by 24 months
Not responding to their name
Not making eye contact
Wanting to play alone
Refusing to be comforted or hugged
Repeating words and phrases
Being interested in one toy, video, or TV show
Playing by lining up toys or with parts of toys (like spinning the wheels on a toy car)
Your child may be over- or under-sensitive to sounds, textures, smells, light, and temperature
What Does Autism Treatment Look Like?
You have many choices to make when it comes to autism treatment. A few examples include:
- Applied behavior analysis (ABA)
- DIRFloortime®
- Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)
- Pivotal response treatment (PRT)
- Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)
- Social skills therapy
- Speech therapy
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
The most important thing is finding the autism treatment that works best for your child, and that’s where your Orchid Pediatrics provider can help.
They complete a thorough assessment, define your child’s unique strengths, and create a treatment plan that meets their needs, including therapy, medication, and integrative options.
If you have any concerns about your child’s development, call Orchid Pediatrics or book an appointment online today.
Contact Orchid Pediatrics
Use the brief form below to contact developmental pediatrician, Joy Eberhardt.
Phone & Email
(503) 208-4007
info@orchidpediatrics.com
Office Location
4850 SW Scholls Ferry Rd.
Suite 301
Portland, OR 97225
