Autism is not one.
Autism is many.
What is Autism?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), often referred to as autism, is a syndrome characterized by challenges related to life skills, play habits, communication, or social skills.
Autism is often described as a spectrum disorder, as there are varying levels of the disorder and every person’s case is unique to them. We know there is not one single autism spectrum disorder, but many subtypes that are based on a combination of genetic and environmental factors. People with autism may have very different abilities within any given environment, and those varying abilities can affect how they acquire their knowledge and skills in life.
Signs of autism often emerge by the age of two or three. Indicators of developmental delays associated with ASD may emerge as early as 18 months, and, oftentimes, it can even be diagnosed around this age. Research suggests that early treatment interventions show success later in life for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
Understanding Autism
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that can cause social, communication, and behavioral challenges. People with ASD may be diagnosed with one of three subtypes of ASD: autistic disorder, Asperger’s disorder, or pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS).
Although symptoms and severity vary, people with ASD often have difficulty understanding and responding to social cues, which can make social situations difficult. They may also have repetitive behaviors or interests, and they may be sensitive to changes in their environment.
Although there is no cure for ASD, early intervention and treatment can help improve symptoms and allow people with ASD to lead happy and fulfilling lives.
Impact of ABA
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach that has been shown to be effective in improving social skills, communication, and behavior in children with autism. ABA involves breaking down challenging tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Children are then taught these steps through a system of rewards and positive reinforcement.
Early Intervention for Autism Treatment
Early intervention is essential for treatment. The earlier the intervention, the better the chances are for a child to learn appropriate behavior, communication, and social skills that will enable them to live comfortably and explore the world around them.