Autism Spectrum Disorder, often simply referred to as autism or ASD, is a developmental disability that inhibits a person’s capacity to communicate and effectively interact with other people.
Children with autism often face behavioral problems, have trouble with communication, struggle with social interaction, show signs of impaired cognitive function, suffer from difficulty with problem solving, and may require a special approach to learning to help address autism-related delays. Children with autism may be severely impacted, though many are also intellectually gifted. The level of assistance needed can also vary greatly.
How is autism diagnosed?
Every ABA program at Apollo Behavior is designed to meet your child’s specific needs. Using in-home, telehealth, or
Because there is no simple test for autism, diagnosis can seem challenging. However, obtaining a diagnosis is actually more accessible than ever before. When proper testing is performed by a developmental pediatrician, neurologist, or psychologist, diagnosis can be surprisingly straightforward. In some cases, autism can be diagnosed as young as 18 months of age. At age two, diagnosis is even more reliable. Early diagnosis is a critical part of ensuring that the child receives the services and help they need to learn how to live with their condition. Parents are encouraged to pursue evaluation if the child shows any signs of a developmental delay, such as repetitive behaviors, avoiding eye contact, speech delays, and more. Parents can use the M-CHAT Autism screening tool as a quick tool to figure out whether future discussions with their care provider are needed.
One diagnosis and assessment tool is the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2, or ADOS-2. This protocol involves interaction-based, semi-structured and structured tasks between the child and the assessor. The child’s behavior will be observed, and the examiner will give the child opportunities to demonstrate his or her social and communication skills. This assessment can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to complete, and it uses quantitative, combined scores to make a diagnosis.
Another evaluation method is called CARS-2, or Childhood Autism Rating Scale. With this tool, an evaluator will observe and assess the child, assigning scores to behaviors commonly associated with autism. This approach can be used to diagnose children or adults, and it can determine the severity of the child’s condition. The evaluation is performed on a 15-item scale.
Why is early autism diagnosis, education, and therapy important?
At a young age, a child’s brain has greater neuroplasticity, which means it has a greater ability to change. Studies have consistently shown that when treated as early as possible, children with autism respond better to therapy, make progress more quickly, and that their improvement is more significant and long-lasting. With early intervention, a child’s brain may actually be able to reroute and navigate around certain neural pathways. This often leads to a marked improvement in treatment effectiveness and a dramatic difference in the child’s long-term development.
Research shows that with early intervention, proper support, and thorough education at an early stage, children can learn healthy social skills, master skills that will help them react more effectively, and develop behavioral skills that will help them throughout life. Early intervention can prevent problem behaviors from evolving into habits. It can prepare the child for entry into school and other social settings. Overall, early intervention gives a child with an autism diagnosis a chance at a better, happier, and more well-rounded life.
How do I get referrals and services for my child?
If you have any concerns about your child’s development or you believe her or she shows signs of autism, the first step is to speak with your child’s healthcare provider. Your child’s pediatrician will perform an initial evaluation and address your concerns to determine whether or not further testing is necessary. You can also complete the Autism Speaks-recommended M-CHAT-R™ (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers-Revised), which is a screening tool that assesses a child’s likelihood of autism. The results can be a helpful resource for your child’s pediatrician, as well.
Your child’s pediatrician may refer you to a psychologist, neurologist or a developmental pediatrician for comprehensive testing. If any learning or developmental delays are found, including a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, your child is entitled to services under federal law. If you’re unsure about how to get started with therapies and treatments for your child please contact us so we can help you navigate the process and find the right type of therapies for your child. If you need any support, please reach out to us.
What Is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder, often simply referred to as autism or ASD, is a developmental disability that inhibits a person’s capacity to communicate and effectively interact with other people.
Children with autism often face behavioral problems, have trouble with communication, struggle with social interaction, show signs of impaired cognitive function, suffer from difficulty with problem solving, and may require a special approach to learning to help address autism-related delays. Children with autism may be severely impacted, though many are also intellectually gifted. The level of assistance needed can also vary greatly.
How is autism diagnosed?
Every ABA program at Apollo Behavior is designed to meet your child’s specific needs. Using in-home, telehealth, or
Because there is no simple test for autism, diagnosis can seem challenging. However, obtaining a diagnosis is actually more accessible than ever before. When proper testing is performed by a developmental pediatrician, neurologist, or psychologist, diagnosis can be surprisingly straightforward. In some cases, autism can be diagnosed as young as 18 months of age. At age two, diagnosis is even more reliable. Early diagnosis is a critical part of ensuring that the child receives the services and help they need to learn how to live with their condition. Parents are encouraged to pursue evaluation if the child shows any signs of a developmental delay, such as repetitive behaviors, avoiding eye contact, speech delays, and more. Parents can use the M-CHAT Autism screening tool as a quick tool to figure out whether future discussions with their care provider are needed.
One diagnosis and assessment tool is the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2, or ADOS-2. This protocol involves interaction-based, semi-structured and structured tasks between the child and the assessor. The child’s behavior will be observed, and the examiner will give the child opportunities to demonstrate his or her social and communication skills. This assessment can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to complete, and it uses quantitative, combined scores to make a diagnosis.
Another evaluation method is called CARS-2, or Childhood Autism Rating Scale. With this tool, an evaluator will observe and assess the child, assigning scores to behaviors commonly associated with autism. This approach can be used to diagnose children or adults, and it can determine the severity of the child’s condition. The evaluation is performed on a 15-item scale.
Why is early autism diagnosis, education, and therapy important?
At a young age, a child’s brain has greater neuroplasticity, which means it has a greater ability to change. Studies have consistently shown that when treated as early as possible, children with autism respond better to therapy, make progress more quickly, and that their improvement is more significant and long-lasting. With early intervention, a child’s brain may actually be able to reroute and navigate around certain neural pathways. This often leads to a marked improvement in treatment effectiveness and a dramatic difference in the child’s long-term development.
Research shows that with early intervention, proper support, and thorough education at an early stage, children can learn healthy social skills, master skills that will help them react more effectively, and develop behavioral skills that will help them throughout life. Early intervention can prevent problem behaviors from evolving into habits. It can prepare the child for entry into school and other social settings. Overall, early intervention gives a child with an autism diagnosis a chance at a better, happier, and more well-rounded life.
How do I get referrals and services for my child?
If you have any concerns about your child’s development or you believe her or she shows signs of autism, the first step is to speak with your child’s healthcare provider. Your child’s pediatrician will perform an initial evaluation and address your concerns to determine whether or not further testing is necessary. You can also complete the Autism Speaks-recommended M-CHAT-R™ (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers-Revised), which is a screening tool that assesses a child’s likelihood of autism. The results can be a helpful resource for your child’s pediatrician, as well.
Your child’s pediatrician may refer you to a psychologist, neurologist or a developmental pediatrician for comprehensive testing. If any learning or developmental delays are found, including a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, your child is entitled to services under federal law. If you’re unsure about how to get started with therapies and treatments for your child please contact us so we can help you navigate the process and find the right type of therapies for your child. If you need any support, please reach out to us.
Recent Posts
Categories