Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

When navigating life with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), finding the right support and care is essential. With ASD affecting how you or your loved one communicate, behave, and relate to others, you may feel overwhelmed at times. At the Ottawa Centre for Cognitive Therapy, our ASD treatment approach focuses on helping you manage the unique challenges of ASD while promoting personal growth and well-being.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

ASD is a developmental condition that affects how one sees and interacts with the world. They might do the same things over and over and get really interested in very specific things. These behaviors and challenges begin in early childhood and continue throughout life. People with ASD have their own unique strengths and challenges, which is why we tailor our ASD treatment plans to each person’s specific needs.

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder

No two people with ASD are exactly the same. ASD is a complex condition with a wide range of severity and manifestations that varies from person to person. You might wonder how ASD affects social communication and behavior. People with ASD can have difficulties in engaging with others, and they may not use language in the same way as their peers. Some individuals with ASD may experience:

Social and Emotional Challenges:

• Talking and Listening – Seldom uses language to connect with others. It may be hard for them to talk or understand emotions.
• Body Language – Struggles with eye contact, facial expressions, and gestures.
• Making Friends – Doesn’t show interest in friends or having difficulties making friends and understanding social rules.

Unique Behaviors:

• Repetition – They repeat actions, words, and play with objects over and over.
• Attachment to Routines – A need for things to always happen in the same way. Changes to their daily habits can upset them.
• Strong Interests – They often have very narrow or intense interests.
• Sensory Differences – May have increased sensitivity to sounds, lights, or textures, or may not feel pain or temperature the same way as others.

ASD Development and Risk Factors

ASD usually shows its signs in early childhood. Research shows that family history and environmental factors like advanced parental age, premature birth, or exposure to certain substances may increase the likelihood of having a child with ASD.

Our Approach to ASD Treatment

There’s no cure for ASD, but therapy can make a big difference. It helps people with autism learn important skills and live happier, more fulfilling lives. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one approach that uses different tools and strategies to help people manage their emotions, behavior, and thoughts. The goal is to help them feel good about themselves and live life on their own terms instead of feeling pressured to fit in.

At the CCT we are all about understanding you or your loved ones’ needs and providing the right support. We work closely with our clients and their families to create a personalized plan that helps them overcome challenges and live their best lives.

Source: American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787