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About Autism

About Autism

A Closer Look at ASD

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong, neurologically based developmental condition that affects how individuals perceive the world, communicate, and interact with others. Because autism exists on a spectrum, every person’s experience is unique—ranging from mild challenges to more complex needs. While autism is often recognized in early childhood, it can also go undiagnosed until later in life, especially in individuals with milder traits.

Autism is characterized by differences in social communication, sensory processing, and behavior. Early signs of autism may include:

  • no babbling or pointing by age 1
  • no single words by 16 months or two-word phrases by age 2
  • no response to name
  • loss of language or social skills
  • poor eye contact
  • excessive lining up of toys or objects
  • different social responsiveness than other children

These behaviors have been observed in older children:

  • impaired ability to make friends with peers in expected ways
  • impaired ability to initiate or sustain conversation with others
  • stereotyped, repetitive, or unusual use of language
  • restricted patterns of interest that are abnormal in intensity or focus
  • inflexible adherence to specific routines or rituals
  • lack of fear or danger awareness
  • sudden (to you) changes in mood or demeanor
  • dislike of being touched/touching too much
  • not responsive to verbal and nonverbal cues
  • difficulty expressing needs or responding to questions

A formal developmental evaluation is needed to diagnose ASD. If you suspect your child may have autism, speak with a pediatrician and seek an evaluation.

You Are Not Alone
AutismUp was created by families, for families. Whether you’re at the beginning of your autism journey or seeking additional support, we’re here to help every step of the way. Together, we can unlock possibilities and create a future where individuals with autism thrive.
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Autism Evaluations

Early and accurate diagnosis is key to accessing the right support. Several providers in the Greater Rochester area offer autism evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults. While AutismUp does not endorse specific evaluators, we provide a list of available diagnostic resources to help guide families through the process.

UR Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics

The Levine Autism Clinic houses the primary clinical services program of the Division of Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at the University of Rochester Medical Center. This multidisciplinary program provides individualized evaluation and specialty health care to children with known or suspected developmental disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Spina Bifida, and Intellectual Disability.

The Levine Autism Clinic
Address: 200 River Road, Rochester, New York
Phone: (585) 275-2986
Website

Dr. Bryan Harrison

Dr. Harrison is a licensed clinical psychologist. Helping people and their families is his passion. He received his undergraduate degrees from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and earned his doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Rochester.

He completed his clinical internship at the University of Rochester, University Counseling Center. In this role, he provided individual and group therapy to college-age students with a range of presenting concerns, helped to implement a social skills group for students with autism and anxiety, and served as liaison to the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. He completed a post-doctoral fellowship within the Division of Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at the University of Rochester Medical Center, providing individual therapy to caregivers of children with developmental differences, conducting autism diagnostic evaluations, and rotating within the Pediatric Feeding Disorders Program.

In addition to his work with AutismUp, Dr. Harrison is a board member of the Genesee Valley Psychological Association and has worked with Autism Speaks and FACES of Autism. Dr. Harrison is also a member of the Pittsford District PTSA and Flower City Down Syndrome Network.

Dr. Bryan Harrison
Address: 610 Pittsford Victor Road, Pittsford, NY 14534
Email: admin@bryanharrisonphd.com
Website

 

Interested in being listed, contact our Director of Membership & Community Impact Kelly Conlon.

Next Steps After Diagnosis

If your child has been diagnosed with autism, you are not alone. AutismUp offers navigation services, support groups, and educational resources to help you take the next steps. Contact us at (585) 248-9011 for guidance, access to our New Diagnosis Handbook, and information on local services.