Dr. Elizabeth Vance, PsyD, LCSW
🛡️ Verified ClinicianLicensed Clinical Psychologist & Psychotherapist
Dr. Vance is a licensed clinical psychologist and somatic therapy pioneer with over 14 years of clinical outpatient experience. She specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), somatic down-regulation techniques, and values-based emotional regulation frameworks.
What is definition of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Mental Health Conditions?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication difficulties, repetitive behaviors, and encompassing a wide range of symptoms and functioning levels. It is considered a mental health condition because it affects how individuals think, feel, and interact with the world around them. People with ASD may have difficulty understanding and expressing emotions, have sensory sensitivities, exhibit rigid or repetitive patterns of behavior, and may struggle with changes in routines and social situations. The severity of symptoms can vary greatly among individuals on the autism spectrum, which is why it is referred to as a spectrum disorder.
