Do you think your child may be on the Autism spectrum?
Does that sound worrisome to actually hear your child may have Autism? You may have been to a parent teacher conference and the teacher mentions that your child has odd behaviors or a certain type of “Quirkiness” which makes them unique. Having Autism is very unique. A person with Autism uses more of their temporal and occipital lobes than the frontal lobes of their brain. What that means is that they are more adept at following patterns because of their perception and recognition of patterns. They may favor visual experiences because of this as well. By using less of their frontal lobes they may not have as much strength in planning and decision-making as someone without Autism. The result of this is that we have to focus on the strengths of the individual and not to try to have them fit into a preconceived model of learning. We may have to do it their way instead of them doing it the old way.
Your child may not have all of the symptoms to get a diagnosis of Autism but they may have some attributes. Understanding your child and supporting them will help them in their future development.
Here are some common symptoms of someone who may be on the Autism spectrum:
• Difficulty developing friendships
• Selective Mutism
• Lack of empathy
• Unable to make eye contact
• Being socially awkward
• Specific/Focused Interests
• Compliance with routines
• Pattern recognition
• Poor motor skills
The symptoms may sound limiting in today’s society but with awareness and understanding of an individual on the Autism spectrum, these symptoms can be perceived as strengths instead of weaknesses.
Here are some positive attributes that are also seen in someone who may be on the Autism spectrum:
• Honesty – whether they are giving someone positive or negative information their statements will reflect their feelings
• Living in the moment – Instead of distractions such as social cues, individuals on the spectrum depend on sensory input around them. They are practicing mindfulness by being in the present moment without years of studying how to do that!
• Not typically judging others – more accepting of other’s differences
• Less focus on materialism
• Less likely to play mind games with others
• Fewer hidden agendas
If you or your child could benefit from speaking to a therapist about issues associated with Autism, please contact Specialized Therapy Associates at (201) 488-6678 to make an appointment.
Dr. Caruso is an Assistant Director with Specialized Therapy Associates (STA), in Paramus, N.J. She began working at STA with over 10 years of experience in practicing psychology, specializing in working with children, adolescents, and young adults. Her specialization has focused on treating a wide variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and other life stressors.
Before coming to STA, Dr. Caruso worked as a School psychologist focusing on the learning styles of students with special needs. She also specialized in coping mechanisms for anxiety and depression experienced in the school system by students, teachers, and staff. Some of her research has focused on the impact that mindfulness had on parents of children with special needs. Other research she has focused on looking at the impact that electronics/media have on individuals, both mentally and physically. She thoroughly enjoys this work and is now working on specializing in the care of individuals within the LGBTQ community as well as identification of how individuals learn and their current behaviors.
Dr. Caruso practices person-centered psychotherapy and utilizes positive psychology, empowerment, and relational approaches to therapy, as well as Cognitive Behavioral approaches. She values diversity in all forms, including race, ethnicity, sexual identity and gender expression, and sexuality. She looks at each person as a unique individual considering all factors that contribute to the issue at hand and views therapy as a partnership with her client. She focuses on creating a safe and welcoming environment where clients feel as comfortable as possible.
She received her Bachelor’s in Psychology at William Paterson University and her Master’s in Psychology and School Psychology Certification from Montclair State University. She received her doctorate in psychology from St. Elizabeth University with a focus on Social Justice. She also is currently an adjunct professor at the St. Elizabeth University working in the Master’s programs focused on Theory development, Psychopathology and Diagnosis, Child Development, and Introduction to counseling. She also works with the undergraduate program on incorporating Mindfulness, and Positive Psychology to achieve a work/life balance.
Dr. Caruso has provided numerous training and workshops to professionals on a variety of issues. During the pandemic, Dr. Caruso has worked on completing evaluations virtually to help identify issues with executive functioning, ADHD, and identification of dementia with her patients.
