What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is defined by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). ASD is a developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior, and it is known as a "spectrum" disorder because there is wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience.
ASD is characterized by:
1. Persistent Deficits in Social Communication and Social Interaction Across Multiple Contexts: This can include deficits in social-emotional reciprocity, deficits in nonverbal communicative behaviors used for social interaction, and deficits in developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships.
2. Restricted, Repetitive Patterns of Behavior, Interests, or Activities, as manifested by at least two of the following: Stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, use of objects, or speech. Insistence on sameness, inflexible adherence to routines, or ritualized patterns of verbal or nonverbal behavior. Highly restricted, fixated interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus. Hyper- or hypo-reactivity to sensory input or unusual interest in sensory aspects of the environment.
To be diagnosed with ASD, symptoms must be present in the early developmental period (typically recognized in the first two years of life), although they may not fully manifest until social demands exceed limited capacities, or may be masked by learned strategies later in life. These symptoms must cause clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of current functioning, and these disturbances are not better explained by intellectual disability (intellectual developmental disorder) or global developmental delay.
The DSM-5 criteria require that all of these aspects are considered in the context of a thorough assessment. Treatment for ASD is varied and tailored to the individual's needs but often includes behavioral therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and sometimes medications to manage associated symptoms like irritability or attention problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Services
What types of services do you provide?
We provide two main services: psychopharmacology evaluations and medication management. First, you’ll meet with a provider for an evaluation to determine your treatment plan, which may include medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, or other recommendations. Second, if medication is appropriate, our providers will help you manage and adjust your medication to make sure it works effectively.
What is the difference between therapy and medication management?
Therapy, sometimes called “talk therapy,” involves talking with a mental health professional to address mental health issues through dialogue and behavioral strategies. Medication management, on the other hand, is a medical approach where a mental health professional prescribes, monitors, and adjusts psychiatric medication to treat mental health conditions to address your physiological symptoms. Often, a combination of talk therapy and medication management is beneficial.
Does this replace my need for a therapist?
Our providers are here to address your concerns and offer support, but it’s important to note that they are not meant to replace a licensed therapist. Evidence suggests that for many mental health conditions, a combination of medication and psychotherapy is the most effective approach.
How does online psychiatry work?
Virtual psychiatry works just like in-person psychiatry, except instead of sitting in a doctor’s office, you’ll talk to your provider during live video appointments.
What to Expect
What should I expect during a mental health assessment or evaluation?
You’ll connect 1:1 with your new provider to discuss your needs. If appropriate, they’ll prescribe medication and send it to your pharmacy of choice. Regular check-ins will help you track how you’re feeling and any side effects, and your provider will make any needed adjustments.
How do I prepare for my first appointment? How long are typical appointments?
Before your scheduled appointment, you’ll receive new patient forms, which you’ll need to complete in advance. We will also ask for your insurance information, a valid form of identification, a list of any of your current medications, and any relevant medical records or previous psychiatric evaluations.
Typical appointment times vary depending on the nature of your visit and your treatment plan. Initial consultations usually last around 60 minutes, during which you'll have an in-depth discussion with your provider. Follow-up appointments are typically shorter, ranging from 15 to 30 minutes, but this may be adjusted based on your specific needs and progress.
What should I do in case of an emergency or crisis?
If you’re having a medical or mental health emergency, call 911.
Call or text 833-773-2445 for 24/7 Crisis and Mental Health Support from the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line.
Appointments
How do I schedule an appointment?
To schedule an appointment, please fill out our Appointment Request Form. Someone from the Monomoy Health team will contact you for more information and to help schedule your first appointment. We look forward to working with you!
Do you offer virtual/online appointments?
Yes, we offer virtual appointments. That means you can meet with your provider from the comfort of your home. We recommend choosing a well-lit and quiet space for your meeting.
Are my appointments and information confidential?
Yes. We adhere to the highest standards of privacy and confidentiality to ensure that your personal and medical information is safe, and privacy is a top priority in our practice. For more information, please download our HIPAA policy.
Our providers specialize in…
For more information about each of these conditions, click on each word in the list.
- Addiction and Substance Use Disorders
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
- Anxiety Disorders
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Bipolar Disorders
- Depression
- Disruptive, Impulse-Control and Conduct Disorders
- Dissociative Disorders
- Eating Disorders
- Gender Dysphoria
- Hoarding Disorder
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Opioid Use Disorder
- Perinatal Depression (formerly Postpartum)
- Personality Disorders
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Prolonged Grief Disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Sleep Disorders
- Somatic Symptom Disorder
