Autism spectrum disorder or ASD is a known developmental disorder affecting one’s speech, thoughts, and behaviors. Experts acknowledge the importance of early autism treatment. Just like in most health conditions, early intervention lead to the best outcomes. Children with autism who received early care can develop adequate skills to take part in conventional classrooms. Studies claim that timely treatment in the right institution for two years before beginning school can lead to remarkable developments for children with autism.
Vaccines
Issues with vaccines and autism rose in 1998 when a study claimed that the MMR vaccine leads to autism. Although the study used a minimal sample size of 12, it garnered public attention since, during those days, many children were diagnosed with autism. After this claim, other researchers studied the link between the two to find out no connections. Until this day, some people fear that vaccines might lead to ASD even when UK’s Medical Counsel refuted the research.
Parents should be mindful that vaccines are essential to protect their children from certain illnesses. With sufficient research, vaccines and autism should not be up for debate as recent studies indicate that vaccines do not bring autism.
Diagnosis
Autism diagnosis usually happens in a child’s early years. For some, signs and symptoms were mild that they only become noticeable when they reached adulthood. Treatment must start shortly after the diagnosis of a person. Treatment programs aim to improve intellectual, communication, and social skills. Early autism diagnosis, combined with prompt and helpful treatment, brings about great results. ASD identification with children is as early as six months. US’ national health institute advises parents to have their child checked in routine assessments done by psychiatrists.
This article explores effective autism treatments.
1. Applied Behavioral Analysis
ABA is a treatment based on behavioral psychology that can methodically alter one’s conduct. It motivates good behaviors and dissuades obstructive habits. Moreover, ABA imparts new skills and puts these acquired abilities in action through scenarios.
2. Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention
EIBI is a variant of ABA suited for kids with autism who are very young under five and three years old.
3. Pivotal Response Training
PRT is another form of ABA which focuses on the kid’s enthusiasm to gain knowledge, keep track of their behavior, and start conversations with other people. PRT does this by concentrating on a child’s actions that may lead to learning more skills like speech, recreation, and people skills. PRT propagates skills throughout many contexts with various individuals.
4. Discrete Trial Teaching
DTT is a standard variant of ABA where the topics or skills being taught are divided into little steps. Every step has cues and prizes. These cues and prizes are halted gradually.
5. Speech Therapy
After an autism diagnosis, speech therapy is often one of the immediate treatments advised, especially for kids who have speech delays. Speech therapy is essential for people with autism because they face difficulties with communication. Speech therapy allows patients to develop skills that involve saying their needs or emotions. Licensed speech-language pathologists facilitate speech therapy. These experts often collaborate with the patient’s family, teachers, friends, and other support to maximize the outcomes. Language skills should be practiced in the patient’s natural environment, with people they are comfortable with.
6. Occupational Therapy
OT is an autism treatment focused on enabling the person to do his daily tasks. Occupational therapy enhances one’s quality of life by teaching individuals with autism about necessary skills that require fine-motor actions like getting dressed, writing, using scissors, and using tableware. Every OT program is founded on personal assessment and objectives. OT for younger kids with autism intends to enhance sensory integration problems. This therapy can aid people with autism to live a normal life by doing simple activities.
7. Physical Therapy
PT focuses on enhancing gross motor skills. Challenges with sensory integration are also addressed, precisely the person’s feelings and consciousness of his existence. Like occupational therapy, PT aims to boost a person’s capacity to take part in daily ventures. Physical therapy is an effective way to upgrade skills like striding, sitting down, body coordination, and equilibrium.
