Is Autism a Mental Illness or a Developmental Disorder?
Autism is a developmental disorder, not a mental illness. It affects how the brain develops, particularly in areas related to social interaction, communication, and behavior. People with autism experience the world in a unique way, which can lead to differences in how they express emotions, process sensory information, and interact with others.
Mental illnesses, on the other hand, are typically associated with changes in mood, thinking, or behavior that can be caused by factors like stress, trauma, or chemical imbalances in the brain. Autism is not caused by these factors and is not a mental illness.
Understanding autism as a developmental disorder helps us focus on early intervention and support. With the right therapy and resources, individuals with autism can learn valuable skills, improve their quality of life, and thrive in their communities.
At Little Rays ABA, we specialize in tailored ABA therapy to help children on the autism spectrum build essential skills and reach their full potential.
Ready to get started? Contact us today and let us guide your child’s growth with personalized, evidence-based ABA therapy in Florida.
SOURCES:
https://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/understanding-autism-basics
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/symptoms-causes/syc-20374968
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/autism/what-is-autism-spectrum-disorder
https://www.cdc.gov/autism/about/index.html
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