Autism Clinic

Saint Sophie's Psychiatric Center

Fargo, North Dakota

Autism Clinic

Autism Clinic
Saint Sophie’s LLC
map
3201 33rd Street South
Fargo, ND 58104
Phone: (701) 365-4488
How to Get Here
Maps & Directions
Saint Sophie’s LLC
3201 33rd Street South
Fargo, ND 58104
Phone: (701) 365-4488 How to Get Here
Young Women's Clinic

Our Providers

Andrea Okerstrom, PMHNP-S | About Saint Sophies
Andrea Okerstrom, PMHNP-BC

Andrea has extensive education and training in treating patients across the lifespan who are navigating mental health concerns.


Learn More

Care and Treatment of Autism

  • Overview
  • Treatments
  • Associated Therapies

Autism: What is it?

Autism is a complex, broad-spectrum condition that often first presents itself in childhood. Autism can affect the individual’s social skills, behaviors, and both verbal and non-verbal forms of communication.

Saint Sophies: What can we do to help?

Here at Saint Sophie’s we specialize in medication management. Although there is no medication to “cure” autism spectrum disorder, some medication can treat its symptoms. These symptoms may include but are not limited to anxiety, depression, oppositional behavior, aggression, and attention deficit hyperactive disorder. When symptoms are minimized, it can allow the individual to focus on learning additional skills. Providers at St. Sophie’s can help manage some of these symptoms through prescription medications. These medications are meant to be used in combination with behavioral therapy through outside facilities.

Medication Management of Autism Spectrum Disorder:

According to the National Institute of Health, the following medications could be used to improve symptoms of autism:

  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – These treat depression and other problems related to chemical imbalances. SSRIs may also reduce repetitive behaviors and decrease anxiety, irritability, tantrums, and aggressive behavior
  • Tricyclics – Another type of antidepressant also used to treat obsessive-compulsive behaviors. These can be more effective than SSRIs for some people
  • Psychoactive or anti-psychotic medications – These can reduce irritability in young people with autism while decreasing hyperactivity and reducing stereotyped behaviors
  • Stimulants – These increase focus and decrease hyperactivity in people with autism. They are particularly helpful for those with mild autism spectrum disorder symptoms
  • Anti-anxiety medications -This group of medications can help relieve the anxiety and panic disorders often associated with autism

When used in a medication management program, these medications can help your child conquer obstacles.

Patient Population specifics:

Ages 4+

What else should you be doing?

  • Behavioral Therapy
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Speech Therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Early intervention programs
  • Seeking out school support

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a Clinical Diagnosis, meaning that it is based on observations and self-reports of specific symptoms and developmental difficulties. St. Sophie’s does not currently offer psychological testing to aid in the Diagnosis of Autism but may refer to agencies that do if it appears appropriate.

Autism Resources:

Prepare For Your Appointment

Prior to your appointment, fill out the following:

Fax to (701) 365-0727

Call us to make an appointment
(701) 365-4488


RESOURCES

Patient Intake Paperwork

Suicide Rates Are On the Rise in North Dakota and Across the Nation

Suicide Rates Are On the Rise in North Dakota and Across the NationCurrent data shows that overall suicide rates in the United States are at their highest since 1941. In 2022 suicide was the leading c...

The Benefits of L-Methylfolate for Treatment-Resistant Depression

In patients with treatment-resistant depression, consider addition of L-methylfolate, which is the reduced metabolite of folate (B9). L-methylfolate promotes the synthesis of key monoamine neurotransm...

The American Psychological Association’s Advisory on Social Media for Children and Teens

Similar to the US Surgeon General’s advisory on pediatric mental health, the American Psychological Association has issued an advisory specific to social media use in children and teens. The potentia...

The Surgeon General Releases New Mental Health Advisory for Children – Saint Sophie’s is Ready to Help

The US Surgeon General recently published an advisory regarding the mental health of children and young people in the United States. This was in response to a steady increase in rates of depression, a...

Long-term Mental Health Effects in COVID-19 Patients

COVID-19 has left its mark on all of us. The pandemic altered our entire way of life, and it's taken its toll on people's mental health. For those who contracted the virus, however, there could be a s...

Autism Spectrum Disorder: Parents’ Medication Guide

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry posted a great resource, Autism Spectrum Disorder: Parents’ Medication Guide.

The Surgeon General’s Call to End the Opiod Crisis November 2016

Today, U.S. Surgeon Vivek H. Murthy published a landmark report on a health crisis affecting every community in our country. Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drug...

Mentally Challenging Activities are Key to a Healthy Aging Mind

One of the greatest challenges associated with the growing numbers of aged adults is how to maintain a healthy aging mind.

Depression Increasing Among U.S. Teenagers, Especially Girls

Reports from APA recently published found the number of U.S. teenagers and young adults with untreated depression is increasing.

What You Should Know About ADHD

At St. Sophie’s we have special expertise in diagnosing and treating ADHD. It is normal for children to have trouble focusing and behaving at one time or another. However, children with ADHD do not j...