Integrated Autism Treatment

Find personalized autism treatment at KindlyMD. Tailored care and support to help manage symptoms and promote growth and development at every stage.

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Our Approach to Autism Care at KindlyMD™

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. Every individual with autism uniquely experiences the world with their own strengths, challenges, and perspectives.

With proper support, individuals with autism can develop essential skills, build meaningful connections, and thrive daily.

At KindlyMD, we take an integrated approach to autism treatment, offering mental healthcare, specialized therapies, and personalized support to help individuals and families navigate autism at every stage.

To learn more about personalized autism treatment options at KindlyMD, including specialized therapies and comprehensive support services, schedule an appointment or continue reading below to understand the various approaches available and how we can help your family navigate the autism journey.

What is Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental condition that influences how a person communicates, interacts with others, and processes sensory information.

The term "spectrum" highlights the wide range of autism experiences, from mild to significant challenges, each shaped by unique strengths and needs.

Some individuals with this health condition may require minimal support, while others may benefit from structured interventions to help with communication, behavior, and daily living skills.

Early identification and personalized care can make a meaningful difference in helping individuals reach their full potential.

Understanding the Autism Spectrum

Since autism affects individuals in different ways, it is categorized into three levels based on the level of support needed:

Level 1 (Requiring Support) – Individuals at this level may experience mild difficulties with social interactions, communication, and flexibility in daily routines. They often function independently but may benefit from structured guidance and coping strategies.
Level 2 (Requiring Substantial Support) – Those in this category face more noticeable challenges in verbal and nonverbal communication, social engagement, and adapting to changes. They may require consistent therapy and interventions to develop social and adaptive skills.
Level 3 (Requiring Very Substantial Support) – This level includes individuals with significant difficulties in communication, daily functioning, and independence. They may have limited verbal skills and heightened sensory sensitivities and require full-time support for daily activities.

Understanding where an individual falls on the autism spectrum helps guide personalized treatment approaches, ensuring they receive the proper care and support to thrive.

Causes of Autism

The exact causes of autism are not fully understood, but research suggests that a combination of genetic and environmental factors plays a role.

Genetic Factors – Autism tends to run in families, and specific gene mutations have been linked to an increased likelihood of developing ASD.
Brain Development – Brain structure and function differences, including how neurons communicate, may contribute to autism traits.
Environmental Influences – While no single environmental factor causes autism, prenatal health, parental age, and certain pregnancy complications may contribute to increased risk.

Autism Symptoms

Autism symptoms vary widely and can range from subtle differences in communication to significant challenges in daily functioning. Common characteristics include:

Difficulty with verbal and nonverbal communication
Challenges in understanding social cues or forming relationships
Engaging in repetitive behaviors or routines
Sensory sensitivities, such as strong reactions to sounds, textures, or lights
Intense focus on specific interests or activities
Differences in processing emotions or adapting to change

While autism is often diagnosed in childhood, some individuals may not receive a diagnosis until later in life, particularly if their symptoms are less noticeable or they have learned to adapt over time.

Autism Diagnosis

Receiving an autism diagnosis is an important step toward understanding an individual’s unique needs and strengths. A formal diagnosis can provide clarity, guide treatment options, and help families access the right support services.

Early identification allows for timely intervention, significantly improving a person’s development and overall well-being.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis

Early diagnosis allows children to access tailored therapies supporting language development, social skills, and behavioral regulation. Identifying autism at a young age can help families create individualized care plans that provide the best opportunities for growth and success.

The Role of Healthcare Providers

Diagnosing autism involves a comprehensive evaluation by healthcare professionals, including:

Developmental screenings
Behavioral assessments
Neurological or genetic testing

Healthcare providers look at communication skills, social behaviors, sensory responses, and overall development to determine the most appropriate support and treatment options.

A Look at Autism Treatment Options

Autism treatment is not one-size-fits-all. A personalized approach that considers an individual's unique strengths, challenges, and goals can lead to the best outcomes.

Traditional Medical Treatments

Some individuals with autism benefit from medication management to help address associated symptoms such as anxiety, hyperactivity, or mood regulation. Medications do not "treat" autism itself but may help with specific challenges, allowing individuals to better engage in therapies and daily activities.

Alternative Care

For individuals with autism, conventional treatments such as behavioral therapies and medications can be beneficial but may not always provide the relief needed. Alternative therapies, including Medical Cannabis, offer additional options for managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

Mental Healthcare

Mental health support plays a crucial role in autism treatment, helping individuals develop coping strategies, social skills, and emotional regulation techniques.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – A structured, evidence-based therapy that helps individuals build communication, social, and adaptive skills through positive reinforcement.
Specialized Therapies —These may include speech, occupational, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to support language development, sensory processing, and emotional well-being.

Medical Cannabis for Autism

In Utah, autism is a qualifying condition for a Medical Marijuana Card, allowing individuals to explore Medical Cannabis as an alternative therapy.

Emerging research suggests that cannabis compounds, particularly cannabidiol (CBD), may help regulate neurological imbalances associated with autism.

Some potential benefits of Medical Cannabis for autism include:

Reduced Anxiety & Mood Regulation – Cannabinoids interact with neurotransmitters like glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which affect emotional regulation and social behavior.
Improved Sleep Patterns – Many individuals with autism experience disturbed sleep cycles, and cannabis may support more restful sleep.
Relief from Repetitive Behaviors & Hyperactivity – Studies suggest that Medical Cannabis can help reduce behaviors such as rocking, flapping, and fixation on objects.
Support for Co-Occurring Conditions – People with autism often experience epilepsy, gastrointestinal issues, and anxiety, which Medical Cannabis may help alleviate.

At KindlyMD, our team offers Medical Marijuana Card Evaluations for individuals with autism who are interested in exploring Medical Cannabis as a treatment option.

Comprehensive Autism Treatment at KindlyMD™ in Utah

Every individual with autism has a unique path. At KindlyMD, we are committed to providing the support, tools, and therapies needed to help individuals and families navigate autism confidently.

Visit our clinics in Salt Lake City and northern Utah to explore autism treatment options tailored to your child's needs and strengths and receive compassionate, individualized care. We offer a range of services, from behavioral therapies to family support programs, all under one roof.

Schedule an appointment to take the next step in personalized autism care.

Testimonials

Hear from our patients about how our compassionate, integrated approach to mental health care has made a difference in their lives.

“The people are very nice and helpful! [They are] so good at listening and offering suggestions on what would help my pain and RLS.”

Michael C.