Early Identification and Intervention in
Autism

Early identification and intervention in autism is essential to the treatment of autism.

The many facets of autism continue to present a mystery that has only been solved in bits and pieces. While doctors are now aware of the various symptoms associated with autism, there is still no definitive cure although various treatments can be quite effective. Because symptoms can differ from one child to another, the diagnosis and treatment of an autistic child must be done on an individual level.

Early identification and intervention in autism is the key to successful treatment. Doctors, educators, parents, and other concerned adults must be aware of the defining behaviors that could indicate the presence of autism. These often include the following:

• Social difficulties-Autistic children often struggle to interact socially with others, and they may be unable to maintain true relationships with peers.
• Communication problems-A child with autism may have speech problems, language difficulties, and other communication disorders making it sometimes impossible to verbalize their needs.
• Developmental issues-In many cases, an autistic child may exhibit developmental delays in virtually every area of his or her development. He may struggle emotionally and socially. He may have learning difficulties, and he may also exhibit poor motor skills.
• Processing difficulties-For some autistic children, the thinking process may be impaired. Normal judgment, abstract thinking, and social awareness may be areas in which autistic children have difficult reacting in a normal manner. Those with autism often have difficulty with sensory processing as well, whether this refers to sounds, smells, sights, touch, etc.
• Behavior problems-All of the above issues can directly affect the behavior of an autistic child. These children often do not adapt well to change, and they may present an often unrealistic need for routine or a preoccupation with items that could also lead to inappropriate behavior.

Doctors and educators now understand that absolute necessity for early identification and intervention in autism. Early intervention and identification mean a better chance for appropriate services and more positive outcomes. In many circumstances, children with some form of autism can now be identified as young as 15 to 18 months. Typically, children are diagnosed based upon set evaluation standards. Not only is the child evaluated, but the family may be as well, so that appropriate treatment procedures can be implemented and the family's needs can be met.

An individual plan should be set up that addresses each child's unique problems, behaviors, strengths, and goals. The intervention process should include everyone who is associated with the care and education of that child, including doctors, caregivers, parents, family members, educators, friends, and anyone else of relevance. Intervention techniques often include the following:

• Careful planning-A detailed plan that includes problems to be addressed, steps to address those problems, examples or models of successful plans, and overall goals should be a part of the intervention plan.
• Specific curriculum-Along with the treatment plan, a specific curriculum should be designed that addresses the individual child's strengths, weaknesses, and needs. This curriculum should include specific procedures, such as speech therapy, behavioral counseling, and physical therapy, as well as any educational curriculum needs.
• Family plan-The success of a program must include everyone who is involved in the child's life, and thus it is especially important to involve family members in the treatment plan. Learning should be a continual process both at school, in therapy, and at home. Lines of communication must be kept open between therapists, doctors, and family members to ensure that the child is getting the best treatment available.

Finally, parents of children who have been diagnosed with autism need to be as educated and aware of intervention plans and treatment procedures as possible. It is the job of the parent to advocate for their child. Before treatment and intervention procedures are implemented, ask yourself the following questions:

• What questions and standards were used to identify autism in my child?
• Did those questions include family history, medical issues, psychological problems, environmental issues, genetic screening, auditory and speech screening, neurological consultations, verbal and physical skills, and living conditions?
• How will the treatment be used?
• What are the risks of the treatment?
• What is the success and failure rate of the proposed treatment?
• How long will it take before a definitive answer can be given as to the success or failure of the treatment?

With careful planning, cooperative efforts, and extensive monitoring, you and your child's doctors can create a successful intervention plan for your child.

• Preschool Activities for Autistic Children
• Possible Causes of Autism
• Tips for Raising Kids with Autism
• What Is Your Autism Empathy Rating?

• Lesson Plans for Autistic Children
• Adult Autism Symptoms
• Social Skills Activities for Kids with Autism
• Speech Therapy Ideas for Autistic Children
• Famous Autistic People

• Adonya Wong Interview: In My Mind
• Main Page
• Teaching Children with Autism
• Autism in Infants
• Dealing with a Diagnosis of Autism