Tag: child development

The Autism Diagnosis Process: What to Expect

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When it comes to parenting, the unknown can be one of the hardest parts. Worries creep in if you suspect something’s wrong with your child’s development. If you think your child may be showing signs of autism, there’s no guidebook to tell you what to do next.

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed. The process gets easier when you know what to expect.

If you’ve found your way to this post, you’ve likely taken the first step: questioning whether your child shows signs of autism.

Recognizing this possibility is a significant and sometimes challenging move. Rest assured, you’re not alone. This guide is here to provide you with valuable insights and support as you navigate through this process.

Understanding Autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects how a person interacts, learns, and behaves. Everyone on the spectrum is different. Signs of autism usually start showing up when a child is very young.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Autism symptoms can be different for everyone. If your child is not growing or learning like other kids their age, or if they have any of the following signs, you might want to talk to your pediatrician:

  • Not smiling at others by six months
  • Not gesturing or pointing to communicate by 12 months
  • Not babbling by 12 months
  • Not using single words like “no,” “mama,” “dada” by 16 months
  • Not using two-word phrases like “want cup,” “go play” by 24 months
  • Not responding to sounds, voices, or their own name by three years
  • Poor eye contact by three years
  • Little interest in other children or caretakers by three years
  • Losing skills they once had at any point by three years

The Diagnosis Process

Getting a diagnosis of autism starts with an evaluation. Experts will examine how a child behaves and will look at their past development. If your child’s pediatrician thinks it might be autism, they’ll send your child to an expert for a closer look. This process includes:

  • A parent interview
  • Review of medical, psychological, and school records
  • Assessment of cognitive, developmental, and adaptive functioning skills
  • Observation of your child during play

What Happens Next?

After an autism evaluation, our team of specialists will review and interpret the results. If your child is diagnosed with autism, our team will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan. This plan includes therapies to help improve communication, social skills, and behavior.

At LEARN, we work with families on a plan tailored to your family’s needs. We will adjust the treatment plan as needed. We’ll also provide you with resources and support.

Connect With Us

Whether you’re just noticing signs or you’re already deep into the diagnosis process, our team is here to help. We know that recognizing and diagnosing autism can be challenging. But with the right support and guidance, you can navigate it confidently.

5 Benefits of Early Intervention for Autism

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Reviewed by Jocelyn Thompson, LCSW, BCBA
Vice President, Clinical Services, LEARN Behavioral

Discovering that your child has been diagnosed with autism can be an incredibly challenging and emotional experience for parents and caregivers. It can make you feel uncertain, overwhelmed, and worried about what to do next.

It’s important to know that early detection and intervention can not only make a significant difference in your child’s development — but also offer a sense of reassurance and ease for you as a parent.

What Is Early Intervention?

“Early intervention” for children with autism refers to the process of identifying and addressing developmental domains — including social, communication, and behavioral skills — as early as possible in a child’s life. It involves providing specialized support, therapies, and services designed to meet the unique needs of each child with autism.

The age range for early intervention is most effective when started as early as possible, ideally before the age of 3. Research has shown that the earlier a child with autism receives intervention, the better their outcomes are likely to be in terms of improved skills, reduced behaviors that interfere with development and learning, and overall quality of life.

The positive impact of early intervention for children with autism is undeniable. It paves the way for their growth and progress.

Here are five compelling reasons why embracing early intervention can put your mind at ease and set your child on a path toward fulfilling their potential:

1. Early Intervention Can Improve Your Child’s Socialization Skills

Children with autism often struggle with social interaction and communication, which can lead to isolation and difficulties in making friends. Early intervention can help children develop socialization skills by providing opportunities for them to interact with others in a structured and supportive environment. This can include teaching them how to initiate conversations, understand social cues, and form friendships.

2. Early Intervention Helps Improve Your Child’s Communication Skills

Many children with autism struggle with communication — whether it’s speaking, processing language, or using non-verbal cues. Early intervention through applied behavior analysis (ABA) can help children express themselves and better understand others, which can lead to improved socialization and overall quality of life.

3. Early Intervention Helps Your Child Learn Appropriate Behaviors

Sometimes life with autism can be challenging. There can be a fair share of meltdowns and tantrums. Early intervention through ABA addresses these often difficult moments and helps children learn appropriate behaviors and how to strengthen ways to learn and interact with others.

4. Early Intervention Sets Your Child Up for Academic Success

Children with autism can struggle academically, which can lead to frustration and low self-esteem. With the help of early intervention, though, children and families can prepare for future academic success. During early intervention, young learners develop social and communication skills that will benefit them not only in their daily lives but also in the classroom once they enroll in school.

5. Early Intervention Can Improve Family Dynamics

Autism can be challenging not just for the child, but for your entire family. Early intervention supports your family by providing resources and tools to help you better understand and support your child. It can also help reduce stress and improve overall family dynamics between you and your child, as well as your child and their siblings.

These are just a few of the many reasons why early intervention for kids with autism is beneficial. By starting treatment early, children with autism can develop the skills and abilities they need to lead fulfilling and successful lives.

Jocelyn Thompson, LCSW, BCBA, is the vice president of clinical services at LEARN Behavioral. During undergrad, she studied under the direction of Dr. Ivar Lovaas and completed an internship at the Lovaas Institute for Early Intervention. Jocelyn has worked with diverse populations as a behavior analyst and social worker for the past 15 years.

For more resources on early intervention, listen to our podcast episode featuring Dr. Geraldine Dawson, co-creator of the Early Start Denver Model, and read our blog on brain plasticity and early intervention written by Ronit Molko, Ph.D., BCBA-D and Dr. Evian Gordon, Chairman and CEO of Brain Resource.

Understanding Your ABA Provider’s Partnership with Schools

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As parents, we always want the best for our children. That’s especially true when it comes to their education and development.

For parents of children with autism, finding the right support system is crucial. A key part is the partnership between your applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider and your child’s school.

This partnership is important for your child’s treatment and Individualized Education Program (IEP). Here’s what you should know.

Why Is an ABA Partnership with My Child’s School Important?

Collaboration: ABA providers and schools work together to help your child develop. This partnership makes it easy to switch between therapy sessions and school.

Consistency: By working in tandem, ABA providers and schools can create a consistent learning experience for your child. Consistency in ABA therapy reinforces targeted skills and behaviors. That leads to improved progress.

Alignment with your child’s treatment: ABA providers and schools help make sure your child’s education goals match their treatment plan. This means that the strategies and interventions at school match the ones used in ABA therapy.

How Does This Partnership Benefit My Child’s IEP?

Goal-setting: ABA providers work with schools to set goals that are meaningful and achievable for your child’s IEP. We create goals to help your child improve in communication, social skills, and academics.

Progress monitoring: ABA providers often talk to school staff to check how your child is doing with their IEP goals. By collaborating, we can share data and make sure interventions work in both places.

Behavioral support: ABA providers help school staff use behavior strategies from your child’s IEP. This support helps the school team handle challenging behaviors and create a welcoming learning environment.

Dispelling Misconceptions: The Partnership Is Not Competitive

It is important for parents to understand that the partnership between ABA providers and schools is not competitive. Instead, we base it on mutual support and shared goals. Here’s why:

Complementary roles: ABA providers and school staff have different roles, but they both help your child develop. ABA providers focus on intensive therapy and individualized interventions. Schools provide a broader educational environment. Both work together to create a comprehensive support system.

Information exchange: Regular communication between ABA providers and schools allows for valuable information exchange. ABA providers can report how your child is doing, and schools can tell you how they’re performing in school and with other students and school staff. This two-way communication strengthens the partnership and makes sure everyone involved is on the same page.

Advocacy: ABA providers often act as advocates for your child within the school system. They work with school staff to understand and help your child with their specific needs. This advocacy promotes a positive and inclusive educational experience for your child.

The partnership between your child’s ABA provider and school is important for their education and growth.

By working together, we can ensure that your child’s treatment is consistent and effective. Parents can contribute to their child’s success by communicating openly. Ultimately, this sets children with autism up for success in school and life.

To learn more about ABA therapy and school, visit our website.