Disorder early intervention involves services that will help babies and toddlers with the symptoms of ASD. Early intervention can target these disabilities and assist in development. Services can be tailored to suit the needs of an individual child, but may include such things as:
- Assistive devices
- Hearing services
- Speech services
- Counseling for the family
- Medical and psychological services
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
To ensure disorder early intervention, a parent must first recognize the signs of ASD and seek services as early as possible.
Recognizing the Early Signs of ASD
Early signs of ASD will usually appear in children in the first 1-2 years of life. One sign parents can try to observe is the child’s social interaction and communication with others.
If a child is autistic, they may not look others in the eye or not consistently respond when someone calls their name. They might not smile back at family members and may have difficulty understanding simple instructions.
The child may also have intense interests. For example, they might wish to play with the same toy continuously. The child may also play with toys in unexpected ways, such as lining up the toys or placing the toys in a pile.
Children with autism might become upset when their routine is interrupted. They may also engage in repetitive movements, such as arching their back or flapping their hands.
Moreover, autistic children might also have sensory sensitivities. For example, the child could become easily upset at bright lights or show frustration when the environment changes.
Benefits of Early Intervention
When parents become aware of the signs of ASD and intervene early in the child’s development, this can make a big difference in the child’s life.
Early intervention can improve the child’s health, maturity, and physical development. This may also help the child in the future by enhancing their ability to form relationships and engage with others.
In addition, early intervention can assist in the child’s development of their ability to read, write and problem-solve. This will help the child once they start school.
Early intervention can also help the child be aware of his own behavior, attention, and impulses. In addition, it can help the child be aware of their own emotional needs and the emotional needs of others. This will help to decrease challenging behaviors in the future.
Another benefit of early intervention is it helps to reduce three key challenges to development in adolescence and adulthood: child maltreatment, substance misuse, and risky sexual behavior.
Managing the Cost
Paying for services for a child with ASD and the costs associated with those services may depend on the state where the family lives. Some states provide services for free.
However, families may have to pay for certain services. They could be charged a “sliding-scale” fee, which will base the costs on their income.
Health insurance may also cover some services. But if parents are required to pay for these services, they may have to prioritize them and decide which are essential for their child. Families may also want to consider more cost-effective options, such as group therapy sessions, community-based programs, or online resources.
Recognizing the early signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder and seeking intervention services is essential. Investing in early intervention can help children with ASD reach their full potential and thrive in their daily lives.
You may want to talk to someone about the services that are available to you and where to turn for help. Action Matters is here to help you! Reach out today.