The Seaver Center for Autism Research and Treatment at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is advancing the understanding of autism spectrum disorder.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasing in prevalence, but so are options for evaluation and therapies, said Paige Siper, PhD, Chief Psychologist for the Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, and Michelle Gorenstein, PsyD, Director of Outreach for the Seaver Center. “The interesting and exciting part about the work that we do is that we get to see toddlers through adults, and I think that is something very unique about this field,” said Dr. Siper, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. The virtual talk can be viewed here.
Paige Siper, PhD, Chief Psychologist of the Seaver Center
“Autism Spectrum Disorder Across the Lifespan” was hosted by the Mount Sinai Office for Diversity and Inclusion. It was part of a series featuring speakers from around the Mount Sinai Health System as well as the community to raise awareness and promote an inclusive and equitable health care environment for people with disabilities.
Dr. Gorenstein, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine, said that an important tool in the field is Applied Behavioral Analysis, a class of interventions based on principles of operant learning theory—that is, providing positive reinforcement for observable behavior, like asking for a push on a playground swing, or making a choice. Another therapy, Relationship Development Intervention, is a family-based method that builds social and emotional skills. And there are a variety of therapies to treat conditions that can accompany ASD, such as anxiety, ADHD, or epilepsy.
Michelle Gorenstein, PsyD, Director of Outreach for the Seaver Center
ASD is characterized by difficulty with social communication, as well as the presence of repetitive behaviors or restricted interests. ASD is primarily a genetic disorder but can also be influenced by environmental factors. Dr. Siper said multiple studies have shown that vaccines do not cause ASD, dispelling a common myth.
One in 54 children in the United States are diagnosed with ASD, and boys are four times more likely than girls to receive the diagnosis. ASD can be identified in children as early as age 18 months, which makes early intervention very important in improving social, communication, motor, and daily living skills. “Early intervention can change outcomes,” Dr. Siper said. “It’s the opposite of watch and wait.”
The Seaver Center is dedicated to caring for people of all ages with ASD, furthering research into risk factors and drug development, and leading clinical trials. “One of the unique things about our Center is that it really does translate the basic sciences to the clinic,” Dr. Siper said. For more information, visit the Seaver Center site.
Additional disabilities-related resources are available on the Mount Sinai Office for Diversity and Inclusion site.