Autism Spectrum Disorder Challenges and Treatments

Filmmaker Scott Klumb is the owner of SMK Media in Boulder, CO. In his work as a filmmaker, Scott Klumb produces movies that look to inspire people and increase autism acceptance.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition that affects the way in which people interact and speak. People with the disorder can encounter challenges and struggles with social interaction and both verbal and nonverbal communication. ASD is typically observed and diagnosed in the first years of life, though there are no medical tests that can reveal it since it can only be observed in interactions and patterns of thinking. Diagnosing at a young age is important as treatment and guidance can be offered and provided from the beginning, and a person can learn how to live and adapt with the condition.

The United States has federal laws that provide free evaluations and even screenings for children that are not yet diagnosed but have signs for the condition. Treatments and therapies that can help children and people with autism are behavioral management therapy and cognitive behavior therapy, which aim to improve the social skills of a person.