When a neurodevelopmental condition with wide-ranging symptoms was first described as autism in the 1940s by Leo Kanner, it was considered extremely rare. Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 out of every 68 children is identified with some form of autism spectrum disorder.
The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) tells parents that “a growing body of evidence supports the value of early diagnosis and treatment [of autism].” It also claims that evidence-based intervention significantly impacts the quality of life for children with autism and their families.
ABA Centers of America is raising awareness about autism so children can receive the early treatment they need. “Expert therapy can result in improved communication skills, decreased behavioral challenges, heightened social skills, and greater independence,” says Joseph Heilner, Executive Vice President and CMO at ABA Centers of America. “However, early detection is key. Autism is a condition that presents in very different ways, and there isn’t a blood test or medical examination that can detect the condition. When parents are aware of the behaviors to look for, they have the best chance of recognizing them as signs of autism and addressing their child’s needs in a timely way.”
Early signs of autism
Early treatment is crucial for children with autism. Intervention services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and behavior management techniques can help children thrive in school, at home, and socially later in life. The earlier these services are started, the better chances children have of developing positive behaviors that will last throughout their lives.
The early signs of autism can be difficult for parents to recognize, but one sign to watch for is difficulty making eye contact. Children with autism may avoid looking at their parents or other people while talking with them. This is a sign that they’re not processing language as well as they should be. Language deficits can lead to social interaction issues later in life.
A second sign of autism is a failure to respond when called by name. Although it’s normal for babies and toddlers to ignore a call for dinner or bedtime — after all, they’re usually busy playing — responding when called by name builds a bond between parents and children and facilitates language development.
A third sign of autism is the lack of a typical response to being tickled or cuddled. Children with autism often prefer to play alone and may be highly sensitive to touch. They can also react to other types of stimulation, such as light, textures, scents, and sounds.
“Our website and blog offer great resources for parents,” says Heilner. “We include a wealth of information to help parents navigate the process of assessing if their child has autism and determining the best route for treatment.”
Creating an individual plan to address each child’s needs
Once autism spectrum disorder is diagnosed, a therapy plan can address each child’s specific developmental needs. The expert staff at ABA Centers of America craft individualized plans to help each client and family navigate the social, emotional, and communicational challenges daily life brings.
“We begin therapy by analyzing each child’s individual behavior,” explains Heilner. “That is why every ABA therapy plan is different. ABA Centers of America doesn’t believe in a ‘one-size-fits-all’ treatment program. Each child we work with is an individual experiencing the world in a unique way which is why our therapy plans are customized to best meet every child’s goals.”
ABA Centers of America progressively adapt each child’s therapy plan as he or she grows. This continuum of care enables therapists to address issues as the needs of the child change.
ABA Centers of America’s treatment is far from clinical. In fact, the therapy methods implemented by ABA Centers of America are based on play and rooted in positive reinforcement. “Our interactive play space cleverly disguises evidence-based treatment methods as games and entertainment,” Heilner remarks. “This keeps kids motivated and engaged throughout their treatment sessions and provides the greatest potential for growth.”
ABA Centers of America believes in meeting clients where they are — both physically and mentally. With this in mind, the team provides in-home or in-school care for clients having travel challenges. “Once families begin the process with us, they know they are in good hands,” says Heilner. “A registered behavioral therapist is there to provide treatment in a fraction of the wait time typically experienced by those with autism.”
Autism is a complex disorder that affects each child differently. With early detection, an individualized therapy plan, and the right treatment center, every child can thrive.