Autism can vary greatly from person to person, presenting in different forms and intensities. For example, one individual might have significant communication challenges and repetitive behaviors, while another might struggle with conversational give-and-take or have intense interests in specific topics. This diversity within the spectrum means that treatment must be tailored to each person's unique strengths and needs.
Individuals with Autism often perceive and interact with the world in unique ways. They might have a heightened interest in sensory aspects of their environment, prefer consistent routines, or have specific play and socialization preferences. Their interests in certain topics can be deep and focused, sometimes leading them to become experts in those areas. The severity of Autism varies: severe cases may involve challenges with daily self-care and limited communication, while milder forms might include difficulties in understanding figures of speech or maintaining focus.
It's important to note that with the right support, individuals with Autism can learn flexibility, explore new interests, and communicate more effectively. Respecting each person's abilities, strengths, and individuality is crucial.
This process involves a full developmental interview, standardized autism assessments such as the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (GARS), and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). Our goal is to provide a thorough understanding of each individual's unique profile of strengths and challenges.
Post-assessment, we compile a comprehensive report and, if needed, offer recommendations for follow-up services. In treating Autism, we also consider co-occurring psychiatric conditions and offer a range of therapies, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). ABA is particularly effective for developing communication, social, play, and coping skills, and involves creating a treatment plan based on a functional assessment of behaviors and strengths.
At Mind Align Psychiatry, under the leadership of Dr. David Danish, we are committed to providing individualized, respectful, and evidence-based care for those with Autism Spectrum Disorders, enhancing their abilities and quality of life.
Dr. David Danish, MD
Dr. Danish is a psychiatrist known for his expertise in treating treatment-resistant depression. He integrates both on-label and off-label medications, supplements, and holistic approaches, offering a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan for each patient. His innovative and research backed strategies provide hope and relief to those struggling with complex depressive disorders.
Dr. Danish graduated from Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, and then from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio in 2007, where he earned the Mastin Scholarship for outstanding academic achievement. He came to Philadelphia for his adult psychiatry residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, followed by a two-year fellowship in child & adolescent psychiatry at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He is board certified in both adult psychiatry and child/adolescent psychiatry.During his 15 years of experience in psychiatry, he has treated patients of all ages (from preschool to geriatric) and various backgrounds. He is experienced in treating mood, anxiety, neurodevelopmental, executive function, and psychotic disorders.
After working for over a decade in both emergency room and inpatient settings, gaining experience with the more acute presentations of these disorders, he went on to develop and grow a multi-disciplinary center for psychiatric disorders-- Philadelphia Integrative Psychiatry, located in the suburbs west of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
At this practice he leads a team of practitioners, nurse practitioners and therapists, treating hundreds of patients with conditions across the psychiatric spectrum. Philadelphia Integrative Psychiatry employs cutting edge treatment, including the most up to date and research-backed psychopharmacology, neurofeedback, biofeedback, EMDR, and altered mind state for treatment resistant depression (TRD), and soon will provide Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for TRD and altered mind state assisted therapy for depression & PTSD.
In addition to his role as a clinical lead, he is excited and honored to have been accepted as a member of the team at Behavidence. Behavidence offers a phone-based technology that employs digital phenotyping and a machine-learning algorithm to evaluate onset, progression, and relapse of mental health conditions. At Behavidence he will help direct research, product design, and patient and practitioner outreach and education. This new approach could offer a significant advance in how various conditions are screened for, diagnosed, and monitored in the field of psychiatry.
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