Intervention In Autism

The process of diagnosing a child with Autism can sometimes be difficult and lengthy. Since the diagnosis cannot be made as simple as drawing out blood, and testing for the disorder. The diagnosis must be made by studying the child’s behavior and social problem (cdc.gov). Diagnosis in Autism is often made in two stages. In the first step a pediatrician will screen to see if there are any developmental problems during regular checkups. Developmental screening is usually done by talking to the parents and child or even letting the child play for a few moments to determine if there are any learning, speaking, or behavioral problems. A pediatrician may want to give additional screening to a child that was born with low birth weight, prematurely,

Some of these medications may help calm any irritability, aggression, depression, hyperactivity, and attention problems that a person may have (nimh.nih.gov). Early detection is especially important in helping with early behavioral intervention. Early intervention can help a child, even though they have not been formally diagnosed, anywhere from the age of birth to 3-year-old with services that include therapy to walk, talk, and interact with others (cdc.org). There are various traditional and nontraditional treatment approaches offered. However, since not every case of autism is exactly alike it is hard to determine which one treatment approach is beneficial. It is best to evaluate the child and their needs and speak to their physician about what may be best for that child (Yapko p.

It was once thought that vaccination may have been a factor in the cause of autism, particularly the MMR vaccine (Yapko p.64). Research has shown to be too conflicting and has no supporting evidence of vaccines nor their ingredients playing a role in this syndrome. Another research that has been done to determine cause, is the relationship between gastrointestinal (GI) difficulties and a person with ASD. Since many people with ASD suffer from GI problems (Yapko p.64). Instead, we have learned that environmental factors, as well as genetic and biological factors may be linked to a cause of ASD. Environmental factors beginning from prenatal development can be linked to the contribution of autism. For instance, taking antidepressants during pregnancy and not getting enough folic acid. Other risk factors include having a sibling diagnosed with ASD and having older parents. Genetics is another risk factor, “about 20% of children with ASD also have certain genetic conditions. Those conditions include Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis among others.”