How Early Diagnosis & Treatment Of Autism Is Helpful?

Psychologists explain that children are usually diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder between the age of 2 to 4 years where parents recognize speech delays and slow communication skills as the first few concerns. But the new research could give a better insight to the parents even before the child is born.

Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition that creates challenges of communication and social interaction in many children worldwide. Usually diagnosed in childhood, it is a lifelong condition with symptoms like:

• Atypical speech pattern and voice tone
• Difficulty maintaining conversation
• Avoiding eye contact and limiting it
• Child’s preference to be alone
• Limited response to social interaction
• Repetitive speech or other behavioral pattern
• Difficulty in starting a conversation

 Is Early Autism Diagnosis Helpful?

A study found that about 14% of children with autism who took two years of intensive program called the Early Start Denver Model improved radically. Similar results are seen with other programs known as LEAP. These programs proved that one can change the way the brain functions. Studies also suggest that such interventions and indulgence in programs can create a positive difference for a couple of years following the treatment.

What Happens In Early Intervention Programs?

When the child’s brain is still forming at an early age, early intervention can be done according to the diagnosis. It lets a child achieve his or her full potential and hence shall be given as soon as possible. It is interesting to note that many children who successfully completed these programs are no longer in the spectrum of autism disorder. Early intervention programs include:

• Family training
• Speech therapy
• Physical therapy
• Nutritional services
• Hearing impairment services

It is important to note that children with treatment of autism had few things in common.

One, high intelligence quotient or IQ which is better than average for another child with autism

Two, better language and motor skills

Does Early Diagnosis & Treatment Make Sense?

Of course! However, let us tell you that it is not clear and mandatory if more intensive and early diagnosis will always provide better results. Some parents who rushed as quickly as possible to doctors experienced delay in improvement whereas some parents who waited long saw better results quickly. But this does not mean that you wait for the treatment to begin.

In fact, the early intervention makes a great sense in terms of research and social sense.

1. Preschoolers and toddlers are usually under no obligation to study and can spend a good whole day for therapy.
2. Since a child doesn’t have many negative thoughts and behaviors, it is relatively easy to stop their negative behavior.
3. The child can learn socially acceptable behavior at a very early age and deal with symptoms of autism in their future.
4. Most of the state organizations provide such treatment for free of charge and this is why there is very little risk.
5. The program is fun, play based and has no risks. So even if your child has been wrongly diagnosed for any reason then he or she would enjoy the process of learning and improving upon their social and mental aspects.

If you wish to ask what are the chances of therapy to work properly then that completely depends upon the child. However, remember that even a little improvement is far better than no improvement and it is better if a child can express his or her own desires to others.

Wrap Up

From early autism diagnosis to getting a child in an appropriate intervention therapy, it is still unlikely that all the symptoms can be completely erased. The intervention, however, is capable of developing a person’s behavior and intellectual symptoms.

Moreover, every US state has its own intervention program for newly born kids to the age of 2. The goals are usually based on physical skills, thinking skills, social and communication skills.