Autism in Children

Chances are, you know a family that has a child that seems different from the rest. Impaired social and developmental skills may be symptoms of a developmental disorder, such as autism. Autism can manifest in many levels, which is why it is most often referred to as a spectrum disorder. Some children and adults with autism may be highly functioning, other may appear to have difficulty interacting appropriately with others or become and others can be diagnosed as early as six months of age. For infants up to 18 months old, parents may notice that their child provides no response to people or may fixate on an object. Toddlers may not respond to their name, avoid eye contact, or have monotonous motions like rocking their bodies or flapping their arms. When diagnosing autism in children, the earlier you see symptoms, the sooner you can start therapy at Summit’s Edge and improve your child’s quality of life.

Empirically-based treatment for Autism

Because of the wide range in the autism spectrum, there are many different types of treatment.  Some therapy types include:

• Behavioral management therapy: includes highly structured, skill-oriented activities with one-on-one time with a therapist
• Cognitive behavior therapy
• Early intervention
• Education and school-based therapies
• Joint attention therapy
• Medication treatment: Can improve behavior like irritability, aggression, and self-injury
• Nutritional therapy
• Occupational therapy: Helps teach life skills like getting dressed and being able to feed yourself.
• Parent-mediated therapy
• Physical therapy: Improves ability to be able to participate in everyday activities.
• Social skills training
• Speech-language therapy: Autism can affect speech and communication & speech therapy helps improve communication skills so that the child can express what they want or need.

These therapeutic approached work to diminish the impact that autism can have on the life of the child and their parents and increase their chances of success and quality of life.

Some children who no longer meet the conditions for the autism spectrum may be diagnosed later on in their life with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorders or Asperger’s Syndrome which is a very high-functioning form of autism.

Summit’s Edge wants parents to know that autism in children does not mean that your child will not live a long and fulfilling life.  Together we are able to assist your family to set attainable goals to improve social skills and refine development.