Autism Treatment for Adults
If your child has autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and is transitioning from adolescence to adulthood, you can benefit from an expert team of specialists at University of Maryland Medical System that includes neurologists, psychologists and social workers.
The UM Clinical Center for Adults with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (CCAND) is located in a quiet part of Baltimore and is the ideal setting for treating adults with autism.
To make an appointment, call 410-328-6266.
Treatment for children with autism is available at the UM Children's Hospital.
What is Autism?
Autism is often referred to autism spectrum disorder as it refers to a complex set of neurobehavioral problems specifically associated with social skill difficulties, motor stereotypies or other repetitive behaviors, and delays in speech and/or nonverbal communication.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 of every 54 children in the United States today. Most children with autism will reach adulthood and thus, will require ongoing care as adults.
Autism is linked to a number of genetic disorders such as Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, Fragile X syndrome, and Phelan-McDermid syndrome. In other people, autism is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. There is no evidence that autism is caused by vaccinations.
Regardless of the cause, each individual case of autism is unique and the CCAND clinic approaches each patient in this manner. Some patients are intellectually high functioning and need modest clinical support while others require a more hands-on approach in many areas of their care.
Treating Conditions Related to Autism in Adults
Autism has no cure or treatment.
We offer therapies to relieve symptoms related to ASD including seizures, anxiety and aggressive behavior.
We'll also work closely with your primary care physicians to ensure your entire care team is involved every step of the way.
Because no two individuals with autism are alike, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. Each person has individual communication and socialization challenges.
The three levels of autism based on the type of support a person needs are:
- Level 1 — High-functioning individuals who require support
- Level 2 — Individuals who require substantial support
- Level 3 — Individuals who require very substantial support
At the University of Maryland Medical System, we can help all levels, and have expertise in treating Level 2 and 3.
Seizures
There is a connection between autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy. Although children with autism are only slightly more likely to have epilepsy, seizures are the most common neurologic complication for ASD.
Approximately 20-40% of individuals with autism may have epilepsy and current evidence suggests that genes linked to autism may predispose individuals to seizures. Individuals with autism and epilepsy require more intensive and careful clinical evaluation, diagnostic testing, and treatments. The CCAND Clinic was designed specifically with these special needs in mind. The multidisciplinary approach that we offer provides a high level of care to complex patients.
Our epilepsy specialists provide comprehensive treatment for seizures that include medication as well as interventional therapies for more severe seizures.
The CCAND Clinic works collaboratively with the University of Maryland Epilepsy Center. As a comprehensive, state-of-the-art program for the evaluation and treatment of epilepsy, the University of Maryland Epilepsy Center has the professional expertise and facilities to provide the highest level of medical and surgical services for patients.
Anxiety
People with ASD often have anxiety disorders and depression. In addition to medication for anxiety, we also offer cognitive behavioral therapy. This can help with problem-solving and decision-making. You may also have social cognition training to help interpret social cues.
Aggressive Behavior
While types of aggressive behavior vary, it is generally defined as behavior that is verbally or physically threatening that may be harmful to another person or to oneself. This includes cursing, hitting, biting and throwing objects.
Treating aggressive adults with ASD with psychotherapy is difficult but can help. We may combine medication with cognitive behavioral therapy.
Make an Appointment
Learn more about autism treatment for adults or schedule an appointment with one of our autism specialists. Call 410-328-6266.