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Step 1
Autism is defined as developmental delay that includes symptoms of
speech difficulties, lack of eye contact and isolation. The behavioral
symptoms of autism include abnormalities of language and thinking
skills, repetitive behavior called "Stims" such as rocking movements,
walking on tiptoes, and flapping arms and hand gestures. Autistic
people have abnormal responses to sensations, people, events and
objects. They are prone to self-injurious actions.
According to Lewis Mehl-Madrona, M.D., Ph.D., "What causes autism
specifically is not known. Some experts believe there are bio-chemical
reasons for autism; others suspect that it is a psychiatric disorder.
Some believe that a combination of the wrong foods and too many
antibiotics and environmental toxins can damage the colon and lead to
physical and behavioral problems, including autism." Alternative
theories also include the unknown effects of childhood immunizations. -
Step 2
Treatments are varied and it is the hope of all parents that one will
be the breakthrough their child needs. One successful program is
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy, which can be done in the
home or in a school setting. It is an intensive one-on-one therapy to
teach basic communication skills and how to follow directions and cues.
The goal is for the child to be able to handle a typical school
environment at some point in the future. -
Step 3
Some families have the parent be the instructor or you can hire a
qualified ABA therapist for in-home care, autism centers or to go as a
"shadow teacher" with your child to school. Whatever program selected
should have some standard curriculum as well as address the unique
needs of the child. Some therapists incorporate music, proven to be
quite effective. Key is finding rewards that fit the child. -
Step 4
Finding funds for your program is the toughest thing to do. ABA
programs can be costly anywhere from $15,000 - $80,000 and beyond a
year. Funding for these programs are typically provided by the early
start program (in California) but waiting lists can be extremely long
so parents choose to pay out of pocket to get started as soon as
possible. -
Step 5
What can you expect from an ABA session? First of all, it's not
playtime. Sessions can last for 1 to 4 hours and are strict with a
reprimands and rewards system. Children get feedback within 3-5 seconds
of their choices. It's big on pictures too. Photos of objects are used
consistently to reinforce object recognition and proper cue responses.
For example, the therapist will show a picture of a pickle and make a
sour face and then a picture of a lolly-pop and rub her tummy and make
a yummy sound. Then they ask the child "which one do I want?" The child
grabs either the pickle or the lolly-pop card. If the correct response
is achieved, a reward is given immediately, even if it's just a verbal
"good job!" and a "No" is stated for the wrong response usually
accompanied by a pushing of the hand away. It sounds harsh but it works
and it must be repeated over and over again. It's reinforcing the
correct social response to objects and emotions that must be taught. -
Step 6
Parents must keep up the ABA system at all times throughout the day
even when therapy is not in session. Immediate responses to incorrect
behavior recognition is essential to overall success.
