Learning that a family member has received an Autism diagnosis can feel like a lot to take in for parents. But it doesn’t necessarily have to be seen in this light. We acknowledge the mix of feelings and questions that typically accompany news. However, we firmly believe that by providing support and strategies individuals with Autism can enhance their ability to thrive in society and achieve their potential.
What is Autism?
Autism is a condition that impacts a person’s ability to engage socially, communicate effectively and interact with others.
Common Autism Traits In Children
By the Age of 2, Autism Diagnosis is often much more accurate. Some Common characteristic of Autism in children include:
Challenge in communication Emotional State
Individuals with ASD may experience challenges in communicating their emotional state. They may not be able to convey their feelings through physical gestures such as pointing at images or making grabbing movements. As a result, it may require patience to accurately interpret their emotions.
Prefer spending time alone
Many individuals with ASD may often prefer spending time alone. This is often observed as they tend to independently play with their favorite toys for extended periods of time.
Fixation on certain activities
A common Autism trait in young children is fixation. This means they can be focused on one activity for an extended period of time. Nonetheless it’s crucial to motivate them to participate in activities and discover new hobbies to support their progress and growth.
These traits of Autism in children are not exhaustive and are just a few examples. A thorough evaluation needs to be conducted by a qualified professional to confirm the child’s unique needs along with the diagnosis of Autism.
Early Intervention
Early intervention for autism is like the warm sunshine that nurtures ASD children to reach their full potential. During the early years of a child’s life, the brain undergoes rapid development and is highly receptive to educational and behavioral support. This underscores the significance of intervention in fostering skills mitigating symptoms and enhancing future prospects for children, with autism. Some positive change/benefits that comes with early intervention, these include:
Improved communication
Children diagnosed with ASD often face challenges in communication. Luckily early autism intervention offers a nurturing setting & employs techniques, like speech therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to assist the child their voice. Parents who have explored early intervention are frequently amazed to see their child articulating their needs effectively & expressing affection with a radiant smile.
Improved social Abilities
Often, children on the spectrum may find it challenging to engage in social interactions. Part of this difficulty can be attributable to their differences in sensory processing and communication. However, with early intervention , ASD children can learn how to engage with others, thanks to the help of skilled therapists. The therapist often employ techniques such, as social skills groups and play therapy to offer opportunities for children to develop their understanding of cues and build friendships.
Improved Academic Results and Social Relationship
Children who are diagnosed with Autism may face challenges in effectively communicating and interacting with others. This can interfere with their academic progress. The good thing is early intervention can greatly assist in improving their communication skills thus enabling them to navigate through higher grades with ease.
Improved Parental Support (More competent caring)
There are some comorbid challenges associated with such as issues with sleep disturbances as noted by researchers (Schreck 2009). The encouraging news is that early intervention has proven effective in alleviating autism symptoms (Rogers et al., 1996). For instance during early intervention parents can receive guidance and support on improving their child’s sleep quality, diet, thus saving the child the burden of sleepless nights and navigating challenges effectively and fostering their child’s participation in activities. This approach leads to improved sleep habits & Increased daytime alertness.
Smoother Transition in to Adulthood
There is a known issue that has intrigued researchers for quite some time; the link between Autism and Seizures. As per a study by Gilberge in 1991 one third of individuals with autism have experienced seizures as they transitioned into adulthood. It’s important to note that not all individuals with autism go through seizures.
For those who do, it adds a layer of complexity to their lives. The connection between these two conditions continues to pique interest and drive research efforts. Early intervention for children can significantly reduce the chances of these occurring. However more research is necessary to comprehend the correlation between autism and seizures as well as how best to offer support to those affected by both conditions.
Nuture’s the child’s Emotional Well-being
Children diagnosed with ASD greatly benefit from early intervention, which serves as a solid groundwork for their emotional well-being. For example, the child’s therapists can play a role, in laying down a groundwork to nurture the emotional health by teaching them how to express their feelings, manage emotions, and provide effective ways to manage overwhelming sensory experiences.
Reduced Stress
Many recent studies have discovered a connection between stress & the challenges experienced by caregivers in families with children who have Autism. Take for example, research conducted by Lecavalie et al (2006), which gathered information from parents to assess stress levels, vs behavior issues. The findings showed a strong link between behavior problems and stress, with conduct issues being the most influential factor. Essentially early intervention can help alleviate the stress thus allowing parents to have more time for self-care work commitments and other important aspects of their lives.
A timely intervention for autism is like a gift focusing on nurturing and supporting a child’s abilities to help them shine brightly throughout their life. Lets warmly embrace this opportunity and work towards creating a community where every child with ASD has the chance to thrive.
