When an individual receives a diagnosis for autism spectrum disorder, that means they are experiencing two types of unusual behavior. These behaviors include communication and social skill deficits and repetitive or restrictive behaviors. After receiving a diagnosis, children benefit from participating in an autism spectrum disorder treatment program. That way, they can receive the early intervention services they need, and parents can learn more facts about autism and find appropriate autism treatment programs.
Important Facts About Autism
Researchers know that there has been a steady increase in autism diagnoses in recent decades, but they cannot pinpoint why. However, they have made significant strides in understanding and treating autism, as well as providing autism treatment resources for parents. The National Autism Association outlines the following facts about autism:
- One out of every 54 children are affected by autism and, of those children, more than half of them are classified as having an intellectual disability or one that is borderline
- One of the symptoms of autism could be when children prefer playing alone and show an aversion to any display of affection
- Another symptom could be that, when the child is under the age of three, they are not responding to their name and show little to no interest in giving, pointing to, or sharing objects
- Compared to girls, boys have a four times great chance of receiving a diagnosis for autism
- Approximately 40% of children who are diagnosed with autism do not speak, but between 25 and 30% of children who have autism can speak a few words by the time they are 12 to 18 months and then they lose them
- During the last 20 years, there has been a dramatic increase in autism diagnoses
- Even though it is the most underfunded, autism is one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders
Facts About Treating Autism
We learn from the Autism Science Foundation that early intervention for autism is the most beneficial. That means, when a child participates in applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy programs, that could result in a better prognosis. Early intervention programs help children with autism develop the skills they need socially and for attending mainstream schools academically.
In addition to ABA therapy, some of the other most effective treatments for children with autism include occupational, physical, and speech therapy. Because autism does not have a cure, that means those who receive this diagnosis are going to need services and support throughout their entire life. Beware of any supposed cures for autism you find online because they can be harmful.
The Benefits of Treatment for Autism
When children participate in an autism spectrum disorder therapy program early in their life, that means they have a better chance of experiencing positive results throughout their lifetime. When you are learning more about the facts about autism, that should include understanding the benefits of early treatment. That way, your child can receive the support and services they need to develop or enhance their skills.
When children participate in autism therapy, it is a psychotherapeutic regimen actively encouraging and teaching communication and social behaviors that are intuitive to others. Professionals use different stimuli, subjects, and words to model a child’s typical developmental progression. Because there are no two children with autism that are alike, that means professionals might also have to introduce occupational, physical, and speech therapies.
Final Thoughts
After reading the facts about autism, you might still have questions about services and support. The earlier you start searching for services, the more support you are going to receive for your child. That means they are going to benefit the most from these early interventions.