When the diagnosis of autism is made by a physician, it can be devastating to parents. Where do they turn, who can help, what will happen? Parents can be overwhelmed and may feel that they, somehow, are at fault.
The impact of autism on the child can be serious, particularly if speech and language do not appear and the child engages in problem behavior out of the frustration that results from not being able to express wants, desires, pains or fears. Children with autism may not engage in affection or accept affection from parents or siblings. They may seem to exist in their own world. They may engage in fixed, repetitive patterns of movement. Children may have a very restricted range of interests. As a parent, none of these things seem part of what an infant or toddler does.
There are literally hundreds of resources available to help you find ways to provide your child with support. The organization called Autism Speaks has been providing parents with a wide variety of guides and supports for many years. The 100 days kit is the best known and is free for the asking. A hard copy of the 100 Day Kit is available by calling 888-AUTISM2 (888-288-4762)
The value of the internet is clear in finding resources to inform and guide parents daunted by the diagnosis of autism. Literally hundreds of sites are available to enable parents in gaining understanding and locating available resources.
The website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention includes a wealth of information about autism and its diagnosis and treatment. The CDC provides summaries of the disorder, its diagnosis and treatment and the resources available to families of children with the diagnosis.
Insurance companies and local school districts are mandated to provide services to children with the diagnosis of autism. These services may begin when the diagnosis is made and may include applied behavior analysis (ABA), speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and special education services. These educational treatment programs are based on assessments within each of the disciplines involved and must be reviewed at least once each year with complete reassessments being done once every three years.
Applied behavior analysis as a treatment for children with autism was first demonstrated to be effective in the mid-60s and has been growing as the treatment of choice since that time. The methods and procedures are provided by board certified (and in over 30 states licensed) practitioners. The cadre of Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BACB) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT) are highly trained experienced clinicians who specialize in bringing the benefits of ABA into children’s homes and schools.
ABA services may be provided as part of the services from the local school district. The Federal and State laws governing such services include parents in the planning and decision-making process. These laws and regulations require that the parents be provided with a clear understanding of what is planned, how it will be done and what evidence is to be provided to document how a child is progressing.
In addition to school based services, ABA services are provided in the home as well as an individual treatment and may be provided for 20 or more hours per week depending on the severity of issues presented by a child. Progress is documented daily and treatment programs are adjusted on the basis of that progress. Parents are provided with training in using ABA procedures so that the child will be afforded consistent treatment continually and ultimately will replace the clinicians as they gain skill.
A word of caution is needed however. While throughout the last six decades ABA has repeatedly demonstrated its effectiveness, there are individuals who attempt to exploit the vulnerability of families by making claims that other approaches are better and more rapid than ABA. They present what are characterized as ‘cures’ with no scientific underpinning. Be cautious. Find multiple sources of support for any claims made by those offering rapid cures.
You will find what you need and will be able to provide your child with an effective approach to becoming an effective member of this society. If you encounter apparently insolvable issues, email us!!