We have received a number of questions about how to handle finding out that your child is on the ASD spectrum and what needs to be done to take control of the situation.
Our view is that each person must have a lifespan service plan which is results oriented and with a strong emphasis on the acquisition of skills and changes in behaviour .
Assessment and Diagnosis
From the age of 1 if your child appears to be showing any signs of problems with communications and is not achieving his/hers early development millstones an assessment and diagnosis should be sought with a full evaluation leading to a referral for relevant therapy interventions including speech and Language , behavioural , Educational and Sensory .
Early Intervention is vital
All studies have shown that the sooner you intervene the better the outcome .A structured learning programme with a relationship based approach to learnings with many learning opportunities embedded in the play will ensure significant progress .
The key to unlocking your child’s potential is by intervening fast and at the point of your first concern and it is vital that you decide what constitutes appropriate education interventions for your child.
Autism, kid looking far away without interesting
Its is a well know fact that the brain grows quickly between the ages of zero and three and this makes early intervention ideal ,in one study around 14% of children with autism who underwent two years of intensive education improved radically with some of these children no longer qualifying for autism diagnoses if they where being evaluated at a later age ( early intervention Denver model ) .
It makes sense to treat a child with autism as early as possible and the reasons for doing so are both research based and common -sense.
Non-verbal children with autism are more likely to gain speech skills the earlier intervention begins .
So if you are a parent/parents facing into the autism battle do not hold back for one second demand a full and immediate interventions and look at a mixed approach integrating developmental and/or relationship based techniques with those of applied behaviour analysis .
Contact Don’t leave them behind ion you require any further information or advice.