Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are diagnosed today more than ever before: autism statistics have gone from 1 in 10,000 children in 1990 to 1 in 88 children in 2012.
How Amen Clinics Can Help
The Amen Clinics have been doing sophisticated brain imaging studies on this population for the past 21 years. All children, teens, and adults with ASD are individuals and have unique brain patterns—we know that one size does not fit all when it comes to ASD, and we treat all ASD patients as individuals.
SPECT Imaging
SPECT imaging (which stands for single-photon emission computerized tomography) is a special kind of photograph we take of the brain to help us better understand how it works and what is going on inside of it. SPECT can specifically help children and families with ASD by:
Helping evaluate whether or not the person has ASD
Helping determine the type of ASD to inform treatment decisions
Seeing how well treatment is working
Finding out if there are other co-occurring conditions that need treatment
Reducing emotional pain and stigma by demonstrating that symptoms and behaviors are not imaginary
Increasing treatment compliance by showing pictures of results
Helping families gain a better understanding of the disorder through visuals
Possibly helping with special services or legal issues