Once your child has been diagnosed with ASD, begin researching best practices for effective learning. Autism is a lifelong disability, however, research indicates early intervention using the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) can make significant changes in your child's ability to learn and meet his or her potential. ABA therapy is one of many programs available however, when researching different programs, talk to other parents who have gone through the program, examine data, and research the professionals in the program's credentials as a therapist. Be cautious of programs offering "cures" or "recovery" as autism is a lifelong challenge and effective means to prevent or cure autism do not exist at this time.
Although most public schools do not offer the intense ABA therapy needed for a child diagnosed with autism, there are many private agencies or professionals that can help develop an appropriate program to meet your child's individual needs. The most important step for a parent is to make sure the professional you choose is licensed by the state in which you live and or is a board certified behavior analyst with experience in working with children on the spectrum.
Programs should be individualized, use positive reinforcement strategies and increase wanted behaviors while decreasing unwanted behaviors. The philosophy of applied behavior analysis is to look at the function of a behavior. For instance, if your child screams every time you run water for a bath, then you either postpone the bath or skip the bath, the function of the screaming is to avoid a bath. By giving in and delaying or skipping the bath, the parent is then reinforcing the escape and avoidance behavior. At the same time, screaming can also mean something different when it occurs when a child wants a cookie and the parent says no. If the parent gives the child a cookie to stop the screaming, the behavior has been reinforced again, thus guaranteeing the behavior will be repeated again in the future because it worked for the child; he got what he wanted.
Parents should be involved in the development of the plan and asked what they would like to see their child learn in the process. Be thinking of what is most important to you, your child and family. Therapy should be preformed 20-30 hours per week even with children as young as 3 years. Early intervention and intensity are keys to success with someone diagnosed with ASD.
Kerri Duncan has been supporting families with children diagnosed with autism. She aims to increase awareness and educate those involved in the lives of individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. If you need more information and support, click here to see how she can help you and your child reach a brighter tomorrow.
For more information contact Kerri Duncan, Ed.D., BCaBA at 417.860.7640 or at http://www.facebook.com/hart4autism
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