Historically, the general consensus I experienced growing up was that person-first language “children with autism” was preferred to emphasize a separate, complete personhood of someone with a disability, and that their autism was not all of who they were.

For example, instead of saying “the autistic child,” person-first language would say “the child with autism.” However, there has been a shift in the last several years, with many autistic people preferring identity-first language, “autistic person,” and advocating that it is inherently connected with their identity and they find pride and acceptance in using identity first, and want to minimize separation.

Dr. Arielle Rubin is a child psychiatrist who provides personalized psychiatry services through a patient-doctor relationship.

As a licensed doctor in Arizona and Texas, Dr. Arielle Rubin can diagnose and treat a wide range of mental health conditions affecting children and adolescents and adults, including autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and more. Dr. Arielle Rubin provides child/adolescent psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. Her special interests are in autism and related mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, trauma, and co-existing neurological disorders. She graduated from University of Arizona College of Medicine in 2018.

She completed her psychiatry residency at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and her child/adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Phoenix Children's Hospital, University of Arizona. She is fluent in Spanish.

If you notice any developmental delays or unusual behaviors in your child, it's a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional.

If your child is later diagnosed with autism, a child psychiatrist can help manage their symptoms and provide support for the whole family. In addition to children, it is important to note that teenagers and young adults can also benefit from seeing a child psychiatrist for autism.

The symptoms and challenges associated with autism can continue into adolescence and adulthood, and may require ongoing management and support.If you notice any social, communication, or behavioral issues in your teenager or adult, it is important to seek professional help.

A child psychiatrist can conduct a thorough evaluation, provide a diagnosis if appropriate, and develop a treatment plan that addresses the individual's unique needs.

The answer is no, not all people with autism require psychiatric care. However, it is important for individuals with autism to have a strong support system in place to help them navigate the challenges of daily life.

This support system may include family members, caregivers, therapists, and other healthcare professionals. It is also important to note that individuals with autism may have co-occurring mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, that can benefit from treatment by a psychiatrist. In these cases, a psychiatrist can work with the individual and their support system to provide appropriate care and support.

You can visit Dr. Arielle Rubin's website and social media accounts to stay up-to-date on her educational programming for individuals and parents of autistic people.

More information about the launch of these services will be available in July 2023, so be sure to check back for updates.

Dr. Arielle Rubin is dedicated to providing comprehensive support and resources to individuals and families affected by autism, and her educational programming is designed to help them better understand and manage the challenges associated with the condition.

Psychiatrists and psychologists, while they sound similar, are different roles in your loved one’s autism care. They receive different types of training and education, which can impact the way they approach autism support.

Psychiatrists, like Dr. Arielle are medical doctors who specialize in mental health and are trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions using medication and psychotherapy. They have completed medical school and a residency program in psychiatry, which includes training in the assessment and treatment of mental health disorders, including autism.

Psychologists, on the other hand, have a doctoral degree in psychology and are trained to assess and treat mental health disorders through psychotherapy and behavioral interventions. Many specialize in administering normalized psychological assessments, including those to diagnose autism. They do not prescribe medication, but may work with psychiatrists or other medical professionals to provide comprehensive care for individuals with autism.

Both psychiatrists and psychologists can provide support for individuals with autism, but their approaches may differ based on their training and expertise. Ultimately, your loved ones' care may be strengthened by involving  a combination of different types of support from various healthcare professionals.

Autism is typically diagnosed through a combination of testing and clinical assessment by a doctor or other healthcare professional.

The diagnostic process may involve a variety of tools, such as standardized questionnaires, observations of behavior, and interviews with the individual and their family.

The diagnostic criteria for autism are based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which outlines specific criteria for diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The DSM-5 criteria include deficits in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted and repetitive behaviors or interests.

It is important to note that requirements for getting services based on an autism diagnosis can vary depending on the individual's age, location, and other factors.

In the United States, for example, children with autism may be eligible for special education services through their school district, while adults may be eligible for disability support services. Healthcare professionals and support organizations can provide guidance and information on the specific services and resources available in a given area.

One reason it can be challenging to find information and resources specifically geared towards teens and young adults with ASD is that there is often a greater focus on early intervention and support for younger children.

Additionally, as individuals with ASD enter adolescence and adulthood, their needs and challenges may shift, making it important to find resources and support that are specifically tailored to their age and developmental stage.

However, there are still many resources available for teens and young adults with ASD and their families. Parents can seek out support groups, online forums, and social media groups specifically geared towards teens and young adults with ASD. They can also connect with local advocacy organizations, which may offer support and resources for individuals with ASD of all ages.

Dr. Arielle Rubin has extensive personal and professional experience working with individuals with autism at all phases of life. She has a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by individuals with ASD as they transition from adolescence to adulthood and is committed to providing personalized support and resources for families navigating this transition.