What Does Early Intervention Do for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication and social interaction. It can be mild or severe, and symptoms vary from child to child. Many parents are concerned about whether their child has Autism and wonder what “Early Intervention” can do for kids with ASD. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms of Autism, what signs to look for, and the benefits of Early Intervention.

What Does Early Intervention Do for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Diagnosing Autism

Typically, Autism Spectrum Disorders are detected in a child before age 2. 

This may be useful for the early identification and intervention of children. For example, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that medical doctors continue to check if a baby shows any early signs of Autism. Several diagnostic techniques are employed in diagnosing children with ASD.

How does Autism affect communication?

How does Autism affect communication?

Most children who have Autism may not even speak, while some may learn to use language in the early years, but the child’s language skills are eventually lost later. Most children experience difficulties communicating, including:

Delayed speech development

It is not unusual for a child to start speaking later than others. Delayed speech development is quite common, affecting up to 10% of all children. However, it can be challenging to know whether a child is simply a late-talker or if there is cause for concern. Some of the signs that may indicate a problem include difficulty making eye contact, trouble following directions, and an inability to use gestures or body language. Additionally, children with delayed speech development may have difficulty using words correctly, often substituting made-up words or incorrect grammar. If you are concerned that your child may be exhibiting signs of delayed speech development, it is crucial to speak to a pediatrician or Speech Therapist. With Early Intervention, many children can overcome speech delays and lead healthy, successful lives.

Repetitive or unusual speech patterns

When parents talk to their children, they usually expect their kids to respond in complete sentences. However, repetitive, or unusual speech patterns are common in young children and usually disappear as they grow older. One of the most common speech patterns is Echolalia when a child repeats back words or phrases that they hear. This can be part of typical language development, or it may be a symptom of an underlying condition, such as Autism or Tourette Syndrome. Stereotyped speech is another typical pattern when a child repeatedly says the same thing. This may be a way of coping with anxiety or boredom. Unusual speech patterns can be significant, but they usually don’t interfere with communication or daily life. If you’re concerned about your child’s speech patterns, please consult with a Speech Therapist or your child’s doctor.

Difficulty making eye contact

Many Autistic children find it difficult to make eye contact, often due to sensory processing issues and difficulty understanding social cues. For some autistic children, making eye contact can be overwhelming or even painful. Others may avoid eye contact because they find it easier to focus on other things. Making eye contact is an essential part of communication, and it can be very frustrating for autistic children who cannot do so. However, there are ways to help autistic children overcome this difficulty. 

For example, parents and caregivers can provide visual support and cueing, and therapists can teach specific strategies for making eye contact. With patience and practice, many autistic children can learn to make eye contact with the people around them.

People with ASD may also have difficulty understanding body language, gestures, and facial expressions. This can make it challenging to communicate with them. For example, Early Intervention can help children with ASD develop communication skills.

What are the benefits of Early Intervention?

Early Intervention is critical for children with ASD, as it can help them develop the skills they need to thrive. Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disorder that affects communication and social skills. Here are five benefits of Early Intervention for children with ASD:

  1. Early Intervention can help improve communication skills.
  2. Early Intervention can help improve social skills.
  3. Early Intervention can help decrease challenging behaviors.
  4. Early Intervention can help improve learning and cognitive skills.
  5. Early Intervention can help improve the overall quality of life.

Early Intervention is vital for children with ASD, as it can help them develop the skills they need to lead happy and successful lives. For example, if you suspect your child may have ASD, talk to your pediatrician about Early Intervention options.

There are many benefits to Early Intervention for children with ASD. Early Intervention can help children develop the skills to communicate and interact with others. It can also help them learn how to cope with the symptoms of ASD and improve quality of life for not only the child, but for their families as well.

If you think your child may have ASD, it is essential to seek help from a professional as soon as possible. Professionals can help you understand symptoms of Autism, learning signs of Autism, Autism in kids, early intervention for Autism, benefits of early intervention, and diagnosing Autism.

While there is no cure for ASD, Early Intervention can make a big difference in the lives of children with ASD and their families. With Early Intervention, many children can improve communication skills and learn how to cope with symptoms. Early Intervention can also help improve the quality of life for children with ASD and their families. For example, if you think your child may have ASD, it is crucial to seek help from a professional as soon as possible. An increasing number of children diagnosed with Autism overcome their deficits and become productive members of society. Early Intervention is key!

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Elaina Pagliarulo AACOTA/L, AAT Handler

Elaina is a part of our MTC Occupational Therapy Department and received an education from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, McHenry County College, and Husson University. She has a strong passion for working with both animals and children. Elaina has always wanted to incorporate both of these passions into her career and is incredibly excited to bring Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) to Mobile Therapy Centers!

MTC's Therapy Dog: Rocky

Rocky is an Australian Mountain Doodle who loves to learn, play, and meet new people. Rocky joined our MTC team when he was just 8 weeks old and has been training to support the clients of MTC from day one. His kind and loving nature makes him the perfect match for Animal-Assisted Therapy, and Rocky can not wait to meet all his new friends through the MTC AAT program!