Autism Spectrum Disorder

What is Autism?
Autism is a complex developmental disability that causes problems with social interaction and communication.  Symptoms usually start before age three and can cause delays or problems in many different skills that develop from infancy to adulthood.

Different people with autism can have very different symptoms.  Health care providers think of autism as a “spectrum” disorder, a group of disorders with similar features.  One person may have mild symptoms, while another may have serious symptoms.  But they both have an autism spectrum disorder.

Currently, the autism spectrum disorder category includes:

• Autistic disorder (also called “classic” autism)
• Asperger syndrome
• Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (or atypical autism)

(National Institue of Child Health and Human Development)

Clients suffering from Autism or Asperger's Syndrome benefit substantially from the equine and adventure programs by developing skills in communication and social concepts. These programs are intended to impart life skills and improve behavior by teaching coping strategies through use of interactive and experiential methods.

Casa Mia Ranch is currently participating in a pilot program of an assessment tool: The Ziggurat Model. The Ziggurat Group specializes in assessment for autism spectrum disorders. The group utilizes an interdisciplinary model. The assessment team consists of members who may include a licensed psychologist, a speech therapist, an occupational therapist, and an educational diagnostician.