| Psychiatric treatment for children and adolescents |
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Treatment of autism spectrum disorders and co-occurring problems
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| Many families throughout America are experiencing an epidemic that is becoming increasingly prevalent — the epidemic of autism. Recent research data indicates that one in every 155 children has some form of an autism spectrum disorder, and many of those children have co-occurring problems (called comorbidities), including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended screening every child for this disorder before the age of 24 months.The causes for autism spectrum disorders are complex and neuro-behavioral in origin. The disorder encompasses a wide range of symptoms. Some affected children or adults may exhibit only mild effects, while others with more pronounced conditions experience severe disability. Research, patient information and public awareness about autism have increased dramatically, along with a profusion of “treatments” — some of which are beneficial, and some of which are questionable or ineffective.
At Healing Pathways, we treat autism spectrum disorders and related conditions using only evidence-based therapies. One unique feature of our clinic is our expertise in recommending and applying the science of behavior analysis in combination with judicious use of medications to treat the comorbidities and complications of autism. Our clinic collaborates with Applied Behavior Consultants Inc. (ABC) in the use of these two scientific approaches to treat the often disabling condition of autism spectrum disorder. We invite you to read more about this practice — the discipline of psychopharmacology, one of the special services that we offer. Use of different types of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies in children and adolescents to treat the spectrum of autism is becoming increasingly prevalent. Many parents and patients choose CAM approaches to help alleviate their worries about the safety and side effects of standard prescribed medications. Yoga is a mind-body CAM practice with origins in ancient East Indian philosophy. Various styles of Yoga that people use for health purposes typically combine physical postures, breathing techniques and relaxation. Although traditional clinicians regard Yoga as investigational in the treatment of autism, some studies suggest that Yoga can help alleviate anxiety and insomnia that children with autism commonly experience. Dr. Paul Copeland, a practicing integrative psychiatrist, is pleased to meet with parents of a child with autism and offer an honest opinion — based on the most current research evidence — about the usefulness of any CAM therapy for their child’s treatment. Our process of reviewing the history of prospective patients includes careful consideration of potential interactions between any unconventional therapies and medications that have been prescribed for the child. Healing Pathways also offers treatment of learning and emotional problems and stresses in children with special education needs and psychiatric disorders in children with developmental disabilities, as well as treatment of the adjudicated juvenile sex offender and comprehensive treatment of all major psychiatric disorders. Healing Pathways: Your road to contentment begins here. |