Read the latest healthcare insights.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts brain development, resulting in difficulty with communication, differences in sensory processing, and a tendency to repeat patterns of behavior. Nexus provides insights into the three stages of autism and caring for children who experience common challenges associated with intellectual and developmental conditions.
The 3 levels of autism explained: support needs and what each level means for treatment. »
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental condition that affects how individuals communicate, interact, and experience the world around them. The DSM-5-TR defines three autism severity levels which describe support needs, not intelligence or potential. Clinicians rate the level of support a person… Read More The 3 levels of autism explained: support needs and what each level means for treatment.
Why behavioral assessment alone is not enough for children with profound autism and co-occurring medical conditions. »
A child’s aggression scores have been climbing for three weeks. The behavior plan is consistent, the team is experienced, and nothing is working. The clinical instinct may be to adjust the behavioral intervention, but there could be an unrecognized medical… Read More Why behavioral assessment alone is not enough for children with profound autism and co-occurring medical conditions.
Autism diagnostic criteria: what changed and why it matters. »
If your child has recently been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, or you are in the process of seeking an evaluation, you may have questions about what the autism diagnostic criteria actually requires. Autism is diagnosed against a standardized set… Read More Autism diagnostic criteria: what changed and why it matters.
The clinical impact of routine disruption in autism during summer break. »
Summer break often brings a shift in pace, schedule, and expectations. In autism care, these seasonal changes can introduce substantial disruption. When structure changes, underlying clinical needs may become more apparent.1 For referral partners, autism routine disruption during summer break… Read More The clinical impact of routine disruption in autism during summer break.
Aggression in autism: Why it happens and how caregivers can respond. »
Aggression in autism can be one of the most difficult and emotional challenges families face. A child who is usually affectionate may suddenly hit, kick, bite, throw objects, or lash out physically when overwhelmed. These moments can be frightening and… Read More Aggression in autism: Why it happens and how caregivers can respond.
What challenging behaviors in autism may be communicating. »
For many children and young adults with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, behavior is not random, manipulative, or intentional. It’s a form of communication. When language is limited or absent, behavior often becomes the primary way an individual expresses needs,… Read More What challenging behaviors in autism may be communicating.
Inpatient autism treatment: When hospital-based care becomes necessary. »
Inpatient autism treatment offers specialized, hospital-based psychiatric and medical care for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. These programs are designed for patients whose severe behavioral challenges and/or medical needs cannot be managed through outpatient care or community services.… Read More Inpatient autism treatment: When hospital-based care becomes necessary.
Why individualized care matters in an inpatient autism program. »
When you’re caring for a child with autism, every small victory is worth celebrating. Experiencing moments of connection, like your loved one learning a new word, can be deeply rewarding. But when progress stalls, behaviors escalate, or safety becomes a… Read More Why individualized care matters in an inpatient autism program.
