Clinic: 636-949-5760 | Research: 636-946-8032 | 4801 Weldon Spring Pkwy, Ste. 300, St. Charles, MO 63304

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Identification, Evaluation, and Management of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

-Clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics – January 2020

Participate in a Study

To have your child be considered for an AUTISM research study, please complete the following information:

What’s in it for me?

There are several reasons people participate in clinical research:

  • Gain access to treatments before they are publicly available
  • Obtain a psychiatric evaluation and physical exam at no cost
  • Help others by contributing to medical research
  • Available medications are not helping to relieve symptoms
  • No cost medications
  • Possibility of experiencing less side effects than current treatment
  • No cost to you – no insurance is needed to participate
  • Receive compensation for time and travel (can vary from hundreds to thousands of dollars)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Overview

Autism is a brain disorder that often makes it hard to communicate and relate to others. With autism, the different areas of the brain fail to work together. Autism tends to run in families, so experts think it may be something that you inherit. Symptoms of autism are usually noticed first by parents and other caregivers sometime during the child’s first 3 years. Parents often become concerned when their toddler does not like to be held, does not seem interested in playing certain games, such as peekaboo, and does not begin to talk.  Many teens gain skills but still lag behind in their ability to relate to and understand others.
False claims in the news have made some parents concerned about a link between autism and vaccines. Studies have found no link between vaccines and autism. It’s important to make sure that your child gets all childhood vaccines. They help keep your child from getting serious diseases that can cause harm or even death.

Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Helpful information to know about symptoms of ASD:

  • Significant problems developing nonverbal communication skills. 
  • Failure to establish friendships with children the same age.
  • Lack of interest in sharing enjoyment, interests, or achievements with others.
  • Lack of empathy or understanding another person’s feelings.
  • Delay, or lack of, talking.
  • Stereotyped and repetitive use of language. 
  • Difficulty understanding other people’s perspectives. 
  • An unusual focus on parts of toys rather than playing with the entire toy.
  • Preoccupation with certain topics. For example, older children and adults may be fascinated by video games, Pokemon cards, or books.
  • A need for structure and routine, without changes.

For more information or to find out if you qualify, please call (636) 946-8032