Autism in Children
For children who experience the world differently... We help them navigate with more confidence and less effort!
What is Childhood Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a child communicates, relates to others, and experiences the world around them.
It is a spectrum, meaning that each child is affected differently and with varying degrees of intensity. Some children with autism do not speak; others speak fluently but have significant difficulties in social interactions. Some have above-average intellectual abilities; others require more intensive daily support.
What they all share is the need for support tailored to their specific profile. That's why we say each case is unique, and the goal of the support is not to change who they are, but rather to help them navigate a world that wasn't always designed for them.
Main types of Anxiety Disorder
The manifestation of Anxiety may be slightly different when we talk about children and adolescents:
das crianças e dos adolescentes:
Types of Anxiety Disorder in Children
em Crianças
- Separation anxiety: intense fear of moving away from parents; it can arise as school refusal.
- Selective Mutism:speaks normally at home, but blocks in other contexts (school, consultations).
- Specific phobias:exaggerated fear of objects or situations (animals, dark, thunderstorms, injections).
- Social anxiety:extreme shame and fear of public speaking or being judged.
- Generalized anxiety: constant concerns (health, school, parental safety), with tension and “anticipation of the worst”.
Types of Anxiety Disorder in Adolescents
em Adolescentes
- Social anxiety: intense fear of judgment in interactions (presentations, sports, parties).
- Generalized anxiety: constant worries (future, grades, body, relationships), with tension, irritability and insomnia.
- Panic disorder:sudden attacks of anxiety and fear that they will happen again.
- Agoraphobia: avoid places with many people (transport, shopping centers) for fear of not being able to leave.
- Specific phobias:exaggerated fear of situations such as heights, flight, driving, blood, injections.
- Health-related anxiety: excessive concern with diseases or use of medicines.
Symptoms of Childhood Autism
Os mais comuns incluem:
- Has a favorite topic and can talk about it for hours on end
- Speaks very formally or with a rhythm different from what's expected for their age
- A clothing tag, a noise, or fluorescent light can be unbearable
- Minor setbacks can trigger very intense and difficult-to-manage reactions
- Avoids eye contact or stares in a way that seems strange to those unfamiliar with them
- Prefers playing alone over having to share or negotiate with other children
- Doesn't know how to start or maintain a conversation
- Claps hands, rocks body, or repeats movements to self-soothe
- Understands words but misses the tone, gesture, and context
- If the plan changes, the whole day falls apart
- Doesn't realize someone else is sad unless told directly
- "Are you kidding me?" is a genuine question; they don't understand irony
💡 If any of these situations sound familiar… we're here to help!
Childhood Autism Diagnosis
An ASD diagnosis should be performed by a specialized professional (psychologist, psychiatrist, pediatrician, among others) and is based on a comprehensive clinical evaluation, which may include interviews, questionnaires, and psychological tests.
At NeuroImprove, we also use Quantitative Electroencephalography (qEEG), a complementary examination that allows for a more precise diagnosis and, consequently, a more effective treatment.
PHDA Combined
As the name suggests, it is a combination of the symptoms presented by the two other subtypes: inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive.
Combined ADHD
As the name suggests, this involves a combination of the symptoms seen in the other two subtypes: inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive.
Values below expected
Values above expected
Childhood Autism Treatment
Childhood ASD treatment should be individualized and adapted to the child's life stage, taking into account their age group, and their family, school, and social context.
At NeuroImprove, we follow a integrated approach:
Neurofeedback
The child knows what they need to do, but the brain simply doesn't cooperate. Neurofeedback specifically trains this ability, non-invasively and without medication. Learn more
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
By addressing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, we teach the child to cope with frustrations more effectively. Learn more
Family Involvement
What works in a session must also work at home. That's why we work with you to ensure the treatment results are maintained in your child's daily life.
Involvement of Other Professionals
When the child requires more than one perspective, we coordinate with the school and other healthcare professionals so that everyone is working towards the same goals.
👉 Do you want to know in detail how we work?
What other families are saying
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My daughter had a lot of anxiety that was even affecting her at school level but thanks to this treatment she improved immensely. This would be very noticeable in school and it does not seem the same. I recommend.
I really liked the accompaniment. What we want to improve is always taken into account and affects us the most. I am a completely different person, much calmer and more focused. Neurofeedback makes all the difference! I strongly advise those who manage to get green for this type of treatment
I liked it from the care to the treatment, my son is 8 years old suffers from anxiety and has attention deficit. With the help of neurofeedback you can already control your anxiety, you are calmer and more confident and your attention has improved a lot.
We are having an excellent experience. In a few sessions and you can already notice results. Great professionals and very welcoming, both at the reception and therapists. Thank you
I found a friend at the NeuroImprove Clinic when I was already desperate because all the doors were closing for my son. Today he is a teenager with friends and a super normal life, and with a very strong self-esteem. This achievement of mine is due to this magnificent clinic that has a team of excellent professionals.
Fantastic clinic and team and always looking for agenda solutions and helping the children in this case my daughter. I highly recommend coming to Porto from Lisbon because the confidence is maximum and the support, the professionalism of the teams, the way they explain the progress of the sessions can only give improvements..
It's been a very positive experience. Although there are not many sessions yet, we have already noticed differences in our son. We always give feedback in all sessions and we have the opportunity to follow the results with the evaluations made before, during and after the program. Thank you all, they are an excellent team. Catia Lopes
An excellent follow-up with results that exceeded my expectations in my child's Hyperactivity.
I noticed a lot of differences in my son, namely in his behavior, more in relation to me, that we were with authority problems, but thank goodness he has corrected! And if I eventually need treatment again, this is where I will go for sure! Many thanks to the whole team always ready to help, and Dra. Beatriz for all the support and affection given throughout our journey! Thank you all at NeuroImprove 🙏❤️
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