Treatment

Evidence-based autism treatment promotes the development of social and communication skills and minimizes behaviors that interfere with functioning and learning. Intensive, sustained, evidence-based autism treatment can increase an individual’s ability to acquire language, learn, function in the community, and fulfill his/her potential. ASD is a disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction, in addition to restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.

Intensive behavioral intervention (IBI) using the principles and procedures of applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the only empirically validated treatment for ASD. ABA is conducted typically between 10 to 30 hours per week, for multiple years. Evidence suggests that greater treatment intensity leads to superior outcomes. Evidence also indicates that ABA is more effective if initiated in early development; however, services initiated at any age are beneficial for the acquisition of valuable skills.

Early Intervention

Early Intervention is for children younger than 36 months old and is typically funded by the Regional Center; however, if you are able to get an ASD diagnosis you may also qualify to receive ABA services via your private insurance. If you suspect your child to have ASD, or other developmental delays, please contact your pediatrician for an appropriate referral or contact your local Regional Center to get you started with Early Interventions. You do not need to have a referral from a pediatrician to contact the regional center or to obtain services. As a parent, you can express your concerns about your child's development, which may lead to initiating and acquiring services. You can google regional center early intervention to find more information. You do not need to have a diagnosis to receive services, but if your child is delayed in 2 or more domain areas, then your child should qualify for services.

Signs and Symptoms of individuals with ASD:

Lack of eye contact
Not responding appropriately to greetings
Difficulty initiating and maintaining conversations with others
Not responding appropriately to others’ gestures and facial expressions
Difficulty using gestures and facial expressions appropriately
Appearing to be unaware of others’ feelings
Not engaging in pretend play
Preferring to play alone
Repeating sounds, words, or phrases out of context
Becoming distressed by minor changes in routines
Performing repetitive movements, such as hand – flapping or rocking
Playing with toys in unusual ways, e.g., spinning them or lining them up
Having unusually strong attachments to particular objects
Limiting conversations to very specific topics
Exhibiting oversensitivity to sounds or textures
Appearing to be indifferent to pain
Experiencing delays or plateaus in skill development
Losing previously acquired skills
Displaying challenging behaviors, such as aggression, tantrums, and self-injury

How to seek help:

If you have concerns about your child’s development, contact your pediatrician or physician and express your concerns. Request a referral to a specialist, neurologist, or licensed psychologists, who can perform more thorough assessments.