Early intervention services for autism spectrum disorder are highly likely to lead to long-term positive effects and improved skills. Sometimes, doctors can diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among children below the age of 2 years. Some children may show normal developmental features. However, they may start regressing during their 2 years or just before they reach that age. Early intervention services in Westchester, NY  are available during the preschool age of 2 or 3 years of age. At this age, the brain of the child is still developing. 

Early Intervention Services for Autism

Early intervention services for autism are avialable for children as young as 2 years old.

Professional psychologist observing an autistic boy in her office

It is easy to change the child’s brain at an early age compared to when they grow older. Early intervention services for autism gives the children a better chance of developing and attaining their full potential. The child also has a greater chance of learning and progress when they get treatment at an early age. Parents should begin treatment as soon as the doctor diagnoses the child with an autism spectrum disorder. Children who undergo early intervention go off the spectrum when they grow older.

Early intervention in autism treatment programs uses applied behavior analysis (ABA). This is the most efficient approach to the condition. Health care professionals highly recommend ABA for the treatment of adolescents, children, and teens. This approach to treatment works best for early intervention services for autism. The therapy done during the early intervention is intensive. It takes place for around 20 to 40 hours. For an older child or one who has undergone the early intervention, the treatment program is less intense. It includes functional activities such as social interaction, chores, feeding, and hygiene. This type of treatment occurs for only a few hours a week. 

Physicians should work closely with the staff members in the school attended by the child. This is to ensure the school is aware of the behavior modification plan in the autism treatment program is effective even in the school setting. Early intervention services for autism also helps children take part in group activities to enhance their social skills. The doctors encourage children to interact with their peers. This way, they develop and learn essential social skills. Parents play a major role in the development of children with ASD. Doctors assist parents to take good care of their children while at home.

Targeted Intervention

A targeted intervention program in Westchester, NY focuses more on functional activities. Targeted intervention programs have been shown to improve social, language and cognitive skills. During a targeted intervention program in Westchester, NY everyone learns to interact in a meaningful way. The goal of a targeted intervention program is to focus on the outcomes of autism-specific characteristics. These interventions improve attention, social engagement, as well as symbolic and functional play.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Treatment Programs

Autism treatment programs in Westchester, NY provide comprehensive evidence-based ABA autism spectrum disorder treatment. There are various types of treatment therapies available for children with ASD in the targeted intervention program. The treatments include occupational therapy, behavior analysis, physical therapy, social skills training, among others. 

The different types of treatment come in various categories including:

  • Communication and behavior approach: The best approaches provide organization, direction, and structure to the child. They also incorporate family participation.
  • Dietary approaches: Some biomedical interventions require the patients of autism spectrum disorder to change their diets. This includes using mineral and vitamin supplements or removing some food from the diet of the child. Lack of enough vitamins and supplements and food allergies cause symptoms of autism spectrum disorder.
  • Medication: There is no cure for ASD at the moment. Also, no medications can treat the core symptoms of the disorder. However, some medications help children with ASD to develop and function well.
  • Complementary and alternative medicine: Some doctors and parents opt for treatments that are different from the recommendations of pediatricians. These treatments include services or products used instead of or in addition to traditional medicine.

Get Early Intervention Services for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The early intervention services for autism is important for the development of a child with autism. Early intervention helps the child to learn behavioral and social skills at an early stage. Take a step and consult a health professional on the best treatment for your child as soon as possible.