Autism therapy entails a broad array of evidence-based approaches to improve the functional abilities of autistic kids. Generally, a child should go through individual therapy sessions before attending skills classes with a group of other special kids. During these one-on-one sessions, they develop behavioral skills including compliance and following instructions. They also gain self-help skills that help them to become independent hence making day-to-day life easier for the entire family. One of the most asked questions among parents is: when is the right time to start ABA therapy?
Often, parents do not understand why their kids gravitate towards certain activities. One kid will listen to a teacher and another could be a source of disruption. Autism therapy starts with understanding why they do such things to get insights. Knowing what motivates a child is key.
The motivating factors can be social/verbal or motor/sensory. When the needs of the child are met, they start acting based on the incoming sensory stimulations as well as their desires to move. A normal child gets bored with sensory stimulation if they can easily process sensory information and so they drift toward social and verbal interactions. If, on the other hand, they have difficulties processing motor world information, they may not move on to the social world. Autism therapy comes in to close this bridge so the child can make a proper transition. Ideally, it should start before they join a formal school.
Importance of Early Intervention
ABA teaches on social, verbal, reasoning, and motor skills to manage challenging behaviors. It is based on observation and positive enforcement. If a child with autism doesn’t get ABA therapy before school, they tend to lag behind in academic and developmental milestones. For example, if they are slow in verbalizing speech, they will have trouble communicating with teachers. Parents are therefore advised to see a therapist as soon as they sense signs of developmental disorder in their children. Furthermore, it is imperative for the child to receive treatment for their specific needs. ABA is mostly effective for kids under 5 years but older kids can still benefit.
Autistic kids have special needs and so their therapies must be tailored to meet the laid-out objectives. Such goals include behavioral and academic improvement. Writing and reading are skills that should be addressed during individual autism therapy sessions. Various researches have shown that autism can be diagnosed effectively under 2 years of age. The treatment program should start the earliest possible for better gains.
