We have all heard that it is best to give children who are diagnosed on the autism spectrum and or with any other developmental disorder early childhood intervention. But why is intervening early so important? And what should early childhood intervention programs look like?
Many signs of autism are observable well before the age of three, but in the United States the average age for diagnosis for autism spectrum disorder is around four years old. A child can be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder much earlier and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) (https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/signs.html) has many of the signs or red flags posted on their web site. Children may display some of these signs such as avoiding eye contact, inability to respond to one’s own name, anxious behavior, gaze aversion, social smiling or babbling as early as twelve months. If a parent notices many of these early signs or red flags, they should bring up their concerns with their pediatrician for further evaluation.
The National Research Council (NRC) recommends that intervention focusing on social and communicative development start as soon as possible. A wait and see approach is not recommended.  If you are worried about your child’s development it is always worth bringing up to your pediatrician or seeking further evaluation.
Why start therapeutic intervention early?Â
Therapeutic services for children from birth through three years old, are considered early intervention. Study after study shows that children who receive early and intensive treatment have far better outcomes in areas of cognition, social behaviors, and communication. In 2009 the University of Washington published a five-year study demonstrating that the IQs of the children in the early intensive intervention group had improved an average of approximately 18 points. This was compared to a little more than four points in the comparison group where children went to community- based programs alone.
Young children’s brains are growing at a rapid rate, this is a time where so much is happening, and their brains are more malleable. Early education and intervention provide the child with opportunities to learn and grow which will help them achieve greater success in the future and an improved quality of life.
What does early intervention look like?
Early intervention can include a variety of therapies that focus on the deficit areas including speech, occupational, physical and ABA therapy. Programs should be research based and tailored to the child’s needs. They ought to include the adults in a child’s life, such as having their parents present to learn skills and encourage communication. Therapeutic programs will traditionally include spontaneous communication, cognitive development, play and social interaction skills and proactively approach problem behaviors.
It is recommended that therapy be intensive: five days a week for five hours with a lot of individual adult attention (children may participate up to forty hours a week of therapy).
Programs should utilize structured instructional trials and teaching in the child’s natural environment. This means sessions could occur at a center but may also be very beneficial in the home and every day settings to ensure success. In some instances the child and the therapist will work in a structured way at the table. Conversely, there may be other times when they play together to encourage socialization and communication. Therapists may even accompany the family on outings to teach further communication and foster positive behavior. Regardless of the environment, rest assured the ABA therapist will use research and evidence-based treatment programs that have demonstrated success and growth for children with autism.
Where can I learn more?
Both the NAC (National Autism Center) and the CDC have a wide-range of helpful information on their websites regarding signs of autism and early childhood therapeutic recommendations. Additionally, your state may provide a free evaluation to find out if your child qualifies for intervention services. You can learn more about this through the ECTA (Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center). Whatever resources you access or therapeutic tools you use the key is to do it promptly. It is early intervention that will allow children with autism to enjoy the most out of their lives.
For more information click on the links below:
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html
http://www.nationalautismcenter.org/
http://ectacenter.org/contact/619coord.asp