WHAT IS IT? Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disorder that appears in the first three years of life and affects the brain's normal development of social and communication skills. Although ASD varies significantly in character and severity, it occurs in all ethnic and socioeconomic groups and affects every age group. Experts estimate that 1 out of 88 children will have some form of ASD, and males are four-times more likely to have an ASD than females. (SOURCE: National Institutes of Health)

 

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Most parents of autistic children suspect that something is wrong by the time the child is 18 months old and seek help by the time the child is age 2. Children with autism typically have difficulties in pretend play, social interactions and verbal and nonverbal communication. 

(SOURCE: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/)

 

HOW TO HELP: Scientific studies have demonstrated that early intensive behavioral intervention improves learning, communication and social skills in young children with autism. All good early intervention programs share certain features including:

• Structured with therapeutic activities for at least 25 hours per week

• Employs highly-trained therapists and/or teachers 

• Guided by specific learning objectives

• Records child’s progress regularly

• Focuses on core areas affected by autism: social skills, language and communication, imitation, play skills, daily living and motor skills

• Provides the child with opportunities to interact with peers

• Engages parents in the intervention

• Involves a team that includes a physician, speech-language pathologist and occupational therapist. (SOURCE: www.autismspeaks.org)

 

SMART WOMAN CONTACT: 

Bernadette Bascom 

bernadetteb333@bernadettebascom.com

https://www.bernadettebascom.com/