Autism | Counseling Center | BYU-Idaho

# Autism

Autism is a disorder that results in significant impairment of social, emotional, occupational, or other areas of function.

If you are at imminent risk for self-harm please go to the Madison Memorial Emergency Room. For individuals who are at risk for harming themselves or are having a similar significant crisis, please text or call 988 to access the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

## Overview

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by the following:

- Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction (e.g. social-emotional reciprocity; non-verbal communication behaviors; developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships). 1
- Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities (e.g. stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, use of objects, or speech; insistence on sameness, inflexible adherence to routines, or ritualized patterns of verbal or nonverbal behavior; highly restricted, fixated interested that are abnormal in intensity or focus; hyper- or hyporeactivity to sensory input). 2

It is important to note that while symptoms must be present in the early developmental period, they may not fully manifest until social demands exceed limitations or may be masked by learned strategies. This helps explain why some individuals may receive a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder beyond childhood. Additionally, while the degree of impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning must be considered clinically significant, the level of impairment varies, hence this is a "spectrum" disorder.

The etiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder continues to be widely debated and there is currently no consensus. Depending on the age, symptoms, and severity of impairment, treatment can include behavioral management therapy (e.g. Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), social skills training), occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and pharmacological therapy. 3

**1Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 th edition, American Psychiatric Association, 2013.** 
**2Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 th edition, American Psychiatric Association, 2013.** 
**3**Autism Science Foundation

## Resources

The following resources are not created, maintained, or controlled by BYU-Idaho and are intended to serve as an educational resource. BYU-Idaho does not endorse any content that is not in keeping with university policy or doctrines and teaching of the Church.

Autism Society

This site includes resources for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, family members, and professionals.

Find Resources

Asperger/Autism Network

The Asperger/Autism Network provides information, education, and resources for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, family and friends, and professionals.

Learn More

The Journal of Autistic Culture

Understanding the Spectrum - This article helps clarify the meaning of the Autism spectrum. 
Oughtism and Oughtistic Narratives in the Lives of Autistic People and their Families - This article discusses how social practices impact the lives of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families.

The Will of Opportunity - The Path of Autism to College

TEDx talk by Kerry Magro about how people with Autism can pursue higher education.

Watch the Video

TAO (Therapy Assistance Online)

******Adjustment/Life Transitions/Navigating Change****** 
 
****CBT - Calming Your Anxiety (Adult and Student)**** 
-Module 1: Understanding Anxiety and Worry - Session 5 
-Module 2: Relaxation and Anxiety Reduction - Session 1-4 
-Module 3: Thoughts, Assumptions, Core Believes - Sessions 1-3,5,6 
-Module 4: Mindfulness - Session 1-3 
-Module 6: Lifestyle Factors - Session 1-3 
 
****Communication and Interpersonal Relationships**** 
-Communication Styles - session 1,2 
-Problem Solving - session 1,2 
 
****Loneliness and Increasing Social Connections**** 
 
****Behavioral Activation - Improving Your Mood**** 
-Module 1: Behavioral Activation - Session 1-3 
-Module 2: Make An Activation Plan and Identifying Values - Session 1-3 
 
****Communication and Interpersonal Relationships**** 
-Communication Strategies 
-Relationships 
-Communication Styles - Session 1,2 
-Problem Solving - session 1,2 
 
****CBT - Calming Your Anxiety (Adult and Student)**** 
-Module 1: Understanding Anxiety and Worry - Session 1-6 
-Module 2: Relaxation and Anxiety Reduction - Session 1-4 
-Module 3: Thoughts, Assumptions, Core Believes - Sessions 1-6 
-Module 4: Mindfulness - Session 1-3 
-Module 5: Facing Your Fears - Session 1,2 
-Module 6: Lifestyle Factors - Session 1-3 
-Module 7: Anxiety Review - Adult Session 1,2; Student Session 1 
 
Visit TAO