If your child receives a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it can be a bittersweet moment. The diagnosis could confirm your intuition that your child is not developing as they should, and you must quickly familiarize yourself with a complex and diverse condition.
But remember—you are not alone. There are many resources available to help your child thrive. Children with ASD can achieve independence, excel in school and build meaningful relationships. In fact, ASD is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders, affecting one in 36 children, with diagnoses possible before age 2.
For families, understanding an ASD diagnosis is the first step in moving forward. Autism is characterized by challenges with social interaction, communication and a tendency to engage in repetitive behaviors or insistence on sameness.
Today, effective treatment emphasizes teaching new skills through positive reinforcement and working to change social consequences of existing behavior. For those on the spectrum, essential life skills such as language and social engagement do not come naturally. Empowering kids to tackle challenges and finding motivators that encourage learning is key. With the right support, life can be packed with opportunities for your child to shine.
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There is good news for parents. Extensive evidence supports that starting intensive behavioral intervention early can make a substantial difference in a child’s development. Early intensive behavioral interventions are based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), the science of learning and behavior. ABA is the “standard approach” for teaching adaptive skills and decreasing autism symptoms.
Emerging research indicates early treatment, guided by a qualified clinician and starting at a significantly younger age, can mitigate the onset of autism. The sooner a child receives services, the better their chances are for learning key life skills, like communication and adaptive living skills. Research shows early diagnoses and interventions (as early as 15 months) are more likely to have major long-term positive effects on symptoms and later skills.
When exploring therapy options, it’s important to find a provider that offers a tailored approach to addressing your child’s specific needs. Think about what kind of support they require based on how they’re progressing with their learning and behavior, what makes your child unique and, most importantly, the degree to which your family can integrate therapeutic practices.
Endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, National Academies of Science and the Surgeon General, and long considered the gold standard for autism treatment, ABA is grounded in the science of learning and used to teach socially meaningful behaviors. ABA works to ensure a child has mastered a new skill so that it can be applied in any situation, especially where it naturally occurs. For example, a child must be able to brush their teeth not just during therapy with the bright blue toothbrush but at home or on vacation with any toothbrush.
Full-time ABA treatment of 30 to 40 hours per week for at least two years yields the best long-term outcomes. While that might seem like a lot of time, keep in mind typically developing children are playing and learning from the world around them all day long. Therapeutic treatment emphasizes teaching skills in a fun and engaging environment to help them approach developmental parity.
Parents should look for center-based providers who offer a one-to-one clinician-to-child ratio, which ensures children are practicing and playing with direct adult supervision designed to help them develop. These settings offer opportunities that may facilitate skill development and social interactions. Also consider those providers who regularly collaborate with a child’s speech and occupational therapist to ensure a coordinated team approach to treatment. Seek providers who incorporate parent training, which helps transfer skills learned in-center to home and the outside world more naturally.
Autism is a spectrum, and it is different for everyone—no two people living with autism are the same. With the right support and understanding, children with autism can grow, become more self-sufficient and truly thrive.
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Dr. Ivy Chong is the chief clinical officer of Little Leaves Behavioral Services, with 10 locations in the Mid-Atlantic region. She has nearly 30 years of experience working with individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. Dr. Chong is a licensed psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral, specializing in the assessment and treatment of individuals with ASD and developmental disabilities.
