Early Diagnosis and Autism Treatment Is Critical

Autism Therapy Experts in Fort Worth, TX Explain why Timing Matters

A recent report by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which summarizes over 12 years of extensive research and clinical activity, suggests that there is a change in the diagnostic categories of several developmental disorders. Children with pervasive developmental disorder or Asperger’s syndrome diagnosis are now considered to have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Hence, one of the key conclusions of this critical study is that children should receive early behavioral treatments such as Applied Behavior Analysis (Ab) therapy, even if a formal Autism diagnosis is pending.

The Autism therapy experts at Behavior Pioneers discuss the benefits of early Autism treatments and explain why timing plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of treatment.

Advantages of Early and Intensive ABA Therapy

Autism is a complex, neurological condition that manifests itself differently in every individual and does not have any medical cure. However, several studies1,2,3 by renowned psychologists show that early Autism treatment through ABA-based interventions can be quite promising.

• Intensive ABA therapy for an average of 30 – 40 hours per week over an extended period of time can help children with ASD catch up with their neurotypical peers, and in some cases, potentially lose their Autism diagnosis completely.
• Using ABA-based techniques and interventions from prior to age 4 and for a minimum of 20 hours per week can significantly boost the development of children with ASD, in turn reducing their dependence on special services.
• Higher the intensity and commitment to long-term therapy, better the outcomes.

Early Diagnosis Matters

In the United States, the average age of Autism diagnosis at present is 4 years. However, it is possible to diagnose ASD in children as early as 18 months old. Although the AAP recommends screening children for Autism at 18 months and 24 months, only half of the primary health care practitioners actually carry out such screenings.

With no two children ever exhibiting the exact same symptoms of ASD, this condition could go unnoticed for a long time, until there are apparent indications. If the primary care clinicians conduct timely and early diagnosis, it can be highly beneficial for families and children dealing with ASD. These benefits include:

• Quicker Access to ABA Therapy: Intensive and long-term commitment to ABA therapy can be quite expensive. With an early formal diagnosis, parents can not only start effective, intensive ABA therapy interventions for their child, but also secure the necessary financial support that may be available through Medicaid or private insurance companies.
• Better Chances of Treatment Effectiveness: If parents suspect their child may have ASD, it is never too early to begin ABA therapy. Early behavioral interventions have greater chances of changing, reorienting, or remolding the developing brains of children with Autism and preventing challenging behaviors from becoming habitual.
• Faster Assimilation in Society: Early ABA interventions could prepare the children for group learning environments, such as school, team sports, or other collective pursuits, before they reach the qualifying age for participating in such group activities.
• Higher Absorption of Learnings: While neurotypical individuals may pick up a number of skills through observation or imitation, children with ASD often need additional support for developing basic life skills. Early Autism diagnosis and individualized ABA-based interventions will not only accelerate skill development, but also promote greater absorption of new learnings, in turn enhancing the child’s functioning and independence.

Autism Therapy and Early ABA Interventions

ABA therapy represents a broad group of behavioral modification techniques that use positive reinforcements and rewards for treating individuals with ASD. Here are some examples of early ABA-based interventions:

• Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT): Targets the child’s pivotal developmental areas, such as motivation or self-management. Helps the child learn social skills and teaches them how to respond to verbal cues.
• Early Start Denver Model (ESDM): Focuses on the child’s social-emotional makeup and strengthens language and cognitive skills through play therapy.
• Discrete Trial Training (DTT): Breaks down each target skill into smaller steps and focuses on repetition and incidental teaching until the child achieves the predetermined developmental goals.
• Joint Attention, Symbolic Play, Engagement & Regulation (JASPER): Uses a combination of developmental and behavioral principles and techniques to build the foundation of social communication.

Behavior Pioneers, LLC, is an autism treatment center in Fort Worth offers Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)-based autism therapy near me for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Their goal is to bring about sustainable and meaningful changes in the lives of children and families dealing with Autism. Besides clinic-based Autism treatments in Richardson, TX and Carrollton, TX, they offer in-home ABA therapy throughout Fort Worth, TX and Dallas, TX.

Led by Clinical Director Brian Tanenbaum, the team at Behavior Pioneers has top-notch credentials. Their team includes Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT), and specialists in Educational Psychology, Special Education, Early Childhood Disorders, Child Development, and Low Incidence Disabilities and Autism.

To learn more about their Autism treatments and in home autism therapy near me and in and around Fort Worth, TX, call 877-725-8397 or contact them online. Their ABA therapists are committed to early diagnosis and Autism treatments for improving the overall life satisfaction of individuals with ASD.

Apara Autism Center is dedicated to making meaningful improvements in the lives of those we serve.