About Ascend Special Education in Phnom Penh and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

At Ascend Special Education, we are dedicated to helping children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and other developmental challenges. Our mission is to empower families, enabling children to achieve their fullest potential while building a path toward integration into general education.

Why Early Intervention Matters

Research and experience underscore the importance of early intervention for children with developmental differences. Early intervention provides the most effective and efficient path to progress, addressing developmental gaps during critical learning periods. By starting early, families can foster significant improvements in communication, social interaction, and overall developmental milestones.

Comprehensive Support Tailored to Your Child

Based in Phnom Penh, Ascend offers a wide range of specialized services to meet your child’s unique needs. Our offerings include:

• Assessments and Diagnostics: Our qualified team is trained to perform developmental assessments tailored to your child’s needs. However, we recommend that families begin with an initial evaluation by a pediatrician experienced in learning disabilities to ensure a comprehensive understanding of their child’s development.
• Therapeutic Interventions: From Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and speech therapy to occupational therapy, we employ evidence-based strategies to help children build essential skills.
• Academic Support: We provide targeted assistance for children with slow learning, ensuring they can thrive academically while addressing individual learning challenges.

Understanding Developmental Differences

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD affect each child differently, creating unique challenges and strengths. At Ascend, we emphasize the spectrum nature of these conditions, recognizing that each child has individual abilities and potential. Our approach is holistic and personalized, combining international best practices with cultural sensitivity to Cambodia’s local context.

Empowering Families for Long-Term Success

We know that supporting a child’s growth involves the entire family. That’s why we work closely with parents and caregivers, offering training, guidance, and tools to create nurturing environments both at home and in school. By building a supportive community in Cambodia, we enable families to navigate challenges with confidence and optimism.

Join Us in Helping Your Child Thrive

If you are seeking expert guidance and compassionate care for your child with ASD, ADHD, or other developmental challenges, Ascend Special Education located in the heart of Phnom Penh is here to help. Together, we can create a brighter future, ensuring that every child is given the opportunity to grow, learn, and prosper.

Text Below refers to DSM-5, Categorizations, and the American Psychiatric Association 2013

Scale and Severity of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Until 2013, autism was categorized into three separate diagnoses under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM): autistic disorder, Asperger’s disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). However, with the release of the DSM-5 by the American Psychiatric Association in 2013, these diagnoses were consolidated under a single umbrella term: autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This change reflects a deeper understanding that these conditions share similar characteristics and exist along a spectrum of symptoms and abilities.

Under the DSM-5, ASD is further categorized by three levels of severity, each reflecting the level of support required in daily life. These levels are assessed based on the individual’s challenges with social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors:

Level 1: Requiring Support

 Individuals may have noticeable difficulties with social interactions and require some support to manage repetitive behaviors and daily routines effectively.

Level 2: Requiring Substantial Support

 Social and communication challenges are more pronounced, and individuals require significant support to engage in everyday activities and manage behaviors.

Level 3: Requiring Very Substantial Support

 Individuals face severe impairments in communication and behavior, requiring intensive support for daily functioning.

This classification allows for a nuanced understanding of each individual’s needs and helps inform tailored intervention strategies. The unified diagnosis of ASD under DSM-5 continues to guide clinical practice, research, and understanding, ensuring a more consistent approach to identifying and supporting individuals on the autism spectrum.