Our Unparalleled Approach

The Autistic Treatment Center at Prime Med of Ozark provides comprehensive assessment, diagnostic and treatment services for people with autism spectrum disorders. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families. We continually strive to be the premier resource for specialized autism services in Alabama and its surrounding counties by providing programs that meet the specific needs of each individual affected by autism. Our Autistic Treatment Center provides comprehensive services in one centralized location to make it as convenient as possible for children to receive the evaluation and treatment needed to help them reach their potential.

Overview

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects many children. It continues to be an important public health concern. There is strong evidence that genetic factors play a critical role. It affects a child’s social skills such as difficulty making friends or knowing when to use gestures or make eye contact when talking to someone.

In 2013, Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder and Pervasive Developmental Disorder, NOS (not otherwise specified) were rolled into one umbrella category: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

ASD is characterized by developmental delays, communication problems, abnormal social skills, learning disabilities and behavioral problems—all ranging from mild to severe. While some symptoms are apparent during infancy, most children exhibit ASD symptoms between the ages of 1 and 2.

The frequency of being diagnosed with an ASD has increased over the past few decades. Recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control estimate that ASD affects 1 in 68 children. Currently, 1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls are diagnosed with it, making boys almost 5 times more likely than girls to have this disorder.

It is now known that ASD is not caused by just one thing. Rather, this broad condition can have many different causes. Similarly, there is not just one brain problem found in ASD, but actually 8-10 factors that can influence abnormal brain function.

Originally thought to be genetic in nature but despite much research in this area which has identified many chromosomal differences associated with the condition, an autism genetic test has remained elusive, as these genetic variations are also seen in normal people.

Recent research is pointing towards the environment as being more involved with the development of autism than genetics. Autism could be described as developing following an environmental insult(s) in genetically susceptible individuals.

The studies of people suffering from ASD reveal that their brain patterns tend to have high activity or low activity (and both in some cases).

Activity Patterns In ASD

High Activity Patterns

Increased activity in the anterior cingulate gyrus (the “gear shifter”) and lateral (side) prefrontal cortex, relating to symptoms such as:

• Repetitious speech and behavior
• Getting stuck on thoughts
• Problems with transitions and change

A “Ring of Fire” pattern—an overall increase of activity throughout the brain—which may be associated with inflammation and be related to:

• Mood instability
• Emotional “meltdowns”
• Anxiety

Low Activity Patterns

A smaller, less active cerebellum, contributing to:

• Impeded or poor motor skills
• Problems with learning and thought coordination

Decreased activity in the back portion of the brain, especially in the parietal and temporal lobes, contributing to:

• Communication difficulties
• Learning problems
• Sensory processing issues
• Problems with abstract thinkin

Overall decreased activity and “scalloping” (a bumpy looking surface), which is associated with environmental toxicity. Sometimes, a head injury pattern is revealed.

What Makes Autistic Treatment Center At Prime Med Of Ozark Unique?

The program at Autistic Treatment Center at Prime Med Clinic located in Ozark, Alabama is different than – even opposite to – almost everything you’ve been told to do to help your child. Most schools and therapists, too, are operating on a deep misconception about what autism is and what works to treat it.

Traditional methods see autism as a disorder that is primarily behavioral (some even have the word “behavior” in their name). They seek to eliminate or extinguish unwanted behaviors and promote wanted behaviors through repetition, training, and rewards.

In the shadow of our extensive practices, research and treatment, we understand that autism is, at its core, a social relational disorder. Fundamentally, our children, regardless of whether they are not yet verbal or have Asperger’s Syndrome, have difficulty connecting to, relating to, and communicating with others. Sure, our children may have behaviors that look different, but these are symptoms, not causes, and trying to stamp them out is not the answer.

This means that, rather than trying for force our children to conform to a world that they don’t yet understand, we join them in their world first.

We have seen that children on the autism spectrum can:

• Learn to speak, even if they’ve never spoken.
• Experience real happiness, satisfaction, and love, even if they seem frustrated or combative right now.
• Have deep, meaningful, caring relationships with others, even though they may have appeared disconnected for years.
• Have fun, reciprocal conversations, even if they have a history of rigid communication.
• Make close friends, even if they don’t start with the interest or the tools to do so.
• Live a life that may include college, dates, sports, jobs, hobbies, travel, girlfriends/boyfriends – regardless of how many of these life experiences their parents have been told were simply not possible.