Dr. Heidi Erickson specializes in providing individualized care for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Understanding that autism manifests in diverse ways, Dr. Erickson is dedicated to addressing the specific needs and strengths of each patient.
In her comprehensive approach to autism care, she conducts thorough assessments to gain insights into the unique challenges and capabilities of each individual. Collaborating closely with families, she develops personalized treatment plans that may include behavioral interventions, communication therapies, and strategies to manage related issues such as anxiety or sensory sensitivities.
Autism is a group of complex neurodevelopmental disorders that affect your ability to think, feel, communicate, and interact with others. It typically presents in early childhood.
Autism is referred to as a spectrum disorder due to the varying symptoms and levels of disability, as well as to encompass a number of disorders that have autistic traits. Examples are Asperger syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), and childhood disintegration disorder.
The severity of autism varies significantly, but all of the disorders have some degree of difficulty with social interaction, a need for consistency with surroundings and activities, and repetitive behaviors that affect daily life.
Autism treatment is aimed at managing symptoms, and it includes medication, behavioral therapy, and education. Because each person with autism presents differently, there’s no one-size-fits-all treatment.
Behavioral and educational therapy works to teach children social and language skills and proper behaviors in a highly structured and intense format. Dr. Erickson provides behavioral analysis along with counseling for the family.
Dr. Erickson may prescribe medication to help manage anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive behaviors for the person with autism.
Many children and adults with autism also have psychiatric disorders, including:
Managing mental health issues that appear in people with autism may lessen symptoms and improve quality of life.
However, it’s important to note that there’s an overlap between symptoms of autism and other mental health disorders. For example, people with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia may also have episodes of social inappropriateness. Getting help early may increase the likelihood that you get the right treatment and decrease the risk of a misdiagnosis.
If you are in crisis or you know of a person that may be in danger, call 911 immediately or contact one of these services for immediate assistance.
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Crisis Text Line: Text “DESERVE” TO 741-741
Lifeline Crisis Chat (Online live messaging):
https://988lifeline.org/chat
Self-Harm Hotline: 1-800-DONT CUT (1-800-366-8288)
Essential local and community services: 211
https://www.211.org/
American Association of Poison Control Centers: 1-800-222-1222
National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependency Hope Line:
1-800-622-2255
National Crisis Line – Anorexia and Bulimia: 1-800-233-4357
LGBT Hotline: 1-888-843-4564
TREVOR Crisis Hotline: 1-866-488-7386
AIDS Crisis Line: 1-800-221-7044
Veterans Crisis Line:
https://www.veteranscrisisline.net
TransLifeline: 877-565-8860
https://www.translifeline.org