Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that causes behavioral, communication, and social challenges. Children with this condition might repeat a particular behavior and may not be comfortable with the changes taking place in their normal activities. Most children with autism have various ways of paying attention, reacting to things and learning. The condition has no cure. However, researchers claim that early detection and treatment can significantly improve their development.
New technique to detect ASD
Researchers have come up with a new method to enable doctors to identify ASD in children quickly and accurately. In a study that the University of Waterloo led, researchers characterized the way children with ASD scan the face of a person differently than neurotypical children. From the findings, the researchers developed a technique that considers how children with ASD gaze transitions from a particular part of an individual’s face to another.
The developers of this new technique say that this technology helps make the diagnostic process less stressful for children, and if it is combined with current manual methods could assist doctors in avoiding a false positive ASD diagnosis. Unlike other techniques of determining if someone has ASD, this method makes it easier for doctors to diagnose the condition with a lower chance of making mistakes. Techniques for helping children with ASD include:
Social stories
Researchers have discovered that social stories and comic strip conversions can help autistic individuals to develop social understanding and remain safe. Social stories can also help autistic children understand how others might react to a particular situation. They can also help them cope with changes in routines or unexpected and distressing events. To understand this technique better, take time to read more about it and its effects because it is quite surprising to learn how social stories can help children with ASD. There are a lot of resources online which you can use to develop social stories for your autistic child.
Communication and behavior therapies
Many programs address the range of language, behavioral, and social therapies associated with ASD. Some programs concentrate on teaching children new skills and minimizing problem behaviors. Others focus on teaching children how they should communicate more effectively with others or act in social situations. Applied behavior analysis can help minors learn new skills and generalize them to many situations through a reward-based motivation system.
Educational therapies
Children with ASD usually respond well to highly-structured educational programs. The programs that succeed, traditionally include a team of experts and various activities meant to enhance social skills, behavior, and communication. When pre-school children receive intense and individualized behavioral interventions, they usually show good progress.
Family therapies
Family members and parents of autistic children can learn how to interact and play with the minors in a manner that promotes social interaction skills, teach communication and daily living skills, and manage problem behaviors. Children spend most of the time in their lives at home. Positive reinforcement from family members can make children with ASD feel appreciated and improve their social interaction. Parents can reward their autistic children after they learn something new or act appropriately. For instance, they can reward the kids by letting them play with their favorite toys or stickers.
Other therapies
Speech therapy can help improve communication skills, occupational therapy can help teach activities of daily living, and physical therapy can improve balance and movement, based on a child’s specific needs. A psychologist can advise parents about the right way to address problem behavior.
Children living with autism require attention and support from everyone around them. That can significantly help the children improve their social interactions and self-esteem. As a parent, you also need to understand the weaknesses that come with this condition. You should consider several things when selecting programs or therapies for your child. You also need to speak to many people, including your social worker, doctor, school administrator, and health insurance representative.
