What does an autism diagnosis actually mean?

What does it mean if a child has the diagnosis of being on the autism spectrum, or is thought to have this diagnosis? And what does NACD do about it?

NACD does something very different. Instead of ascertaining how your child fits within the spectrum, NACD seeks to clearly describe and define exactly what your child is doing and needs to be doing to function well or “normally.” Every child labeled as being on the spectrum is truly unique and needs to be perceived as such. Being labeled as being on the spectrum does not mean your child has a disease, let alone an incurable disease. Autism is a neurodevelopmental issue, meaning something or things have interfered with your child’s development. NACD’s job is to identify the specific underlying issues, remediate them, and put the pieces together.

NACD works with you to assess your child as a unique individual with unique development. An accurate assessment of your child’s specific problems points the way to an individualized solution. We work to address these problems at their neurological source, not to manage them on the surface, while simultaneously helping you deal with the day-to-day issues and problems, from harmful behaviors to dietary and sleep issues. We work with the whole child.

Since 1979, NACD has worked with over 50,000 families, and children on the autism spectrum have been at the center of that work for decades. This page explains how the approach works, what a program addresses, and what NACD families have experienced.

What your child’s program can address

Every program is assembled from a toolbox of more than 1,000 techniques, in whatever mix your child actually needs. These are the areas autism spectrum programs most often draw from.