top of page

The Power of Early Intervention: Transforming Lives before the Age of Five


Autism therapy ABA center

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) looks different for everyone, but it generally involves challenges with social communication and interaction. People with ASD may struggle to engage in conversations, read body language, and build relationships. They might also show repeated behaviors or have specific interests that they focus on intensely (DSM-5-TR; American Psychiatric Association, 2022). When it comes to autism in young children, early diagnosis and intervention is key. 


First, let’s talk about what to do if you suspect your child might have autism. 


  1. Talk to Your Child’s Doctor: Schedule an appointment with your pediatrician to discuss your observations. They can provide guidance and may conduct initial screenings.

  2. Get a Referral: If your doctor thinks further evaluation is needed, ask for a referral to a specialist, such as a child psychologist or psychiatrist, who has experience diagnosing autism. When seeking a diagnosis for autism, it’s crucial to work with a professional who specializes in comprehensive diagnostic assessments. Some providers may only perform a single test, requiring you to visit multiple specialists for a complete evaluation, which can delay the process. Instead, look for experts trained to conduct thorough assessments that encompass interviews, developmental history, behavioral observations, standardized tests, cognitive evaluations, and social-emotional assessments. At Mindcolor Autism, we offer comprehensive diagnostic evaluations conducted by licensed psychologists, ensuring a streamlined and effective approach to understanding your child’s needs.

  3. Prepare for and participate in the evaluation: Gather important information about your child’s developmental history, behaviors, and any relevant medical or educational records to share with the specialist. Be present during the assessment, which may involve direct observation, interviews, and standardized tests. It might take more than one session.


Next, let’s talk about what to do once your child has received a diagnosis of ASD.


  1. Seek scientifically validated intervention (ABA). Seek treatment that utilizes scientifically validated procedures developed by qualified clinicians. This form of therapy is called Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and is the most recognized and proven therapy for ASD. Many experts agree that ABA is the best option for helping children with ASD. It is supported by top organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the National Institute of Mental Health (Council of Autism Service Providers, 2024).

  2. Start early. Research shows that the earlier a child with ASD begins ABA therapy, the better their chances for positive outcomes (e.g., Howard et al., 2005; Remington et al., 2007). This is because the early years are crucial for brain development and learning. Some of the benefits of early intervention include:

    1. improved social skills, 

    2. increased likelihood of learning in a regular education environment without the need for specialized support,

    3. better academic performance, 

    4. improved communication skills,

    5. significant improvement in measures of cognitive skills

    6. reduced need for intensive services as they grow older, 

    7. behavioral improvements,

    8. and meaningful reduction in challenging behaviors. 

  3. Become involved. Early intervention often includes family training and involvement, helping families learn strategies to support their child’s development. This collaborative approach can lead to more effective outcomes. Seek a provider who actively communicates with you and your family in a friendly and collaborative way. Here at Mindcolor Autism, our supportive clinicians join with you on every step of your ABA journey, ensuring you feel comfortable and have the tools you need to support your child at home and in other environments. 


Finally, let’s talk about how to assess the quality of ABA services once you start. 


  1. Understanding Goals and Progress: Your provider should set clear, measurable goals at the start of therapy. Regularly discuss these goals with your provider to assess whether progress is being made and adjust as needed.

  2. Regular Communication: Your provider should always maintain open communication with you. You should feel comfortable asking questions and providing feedback about your child's progress.

  3. Frequency of Sessions: Ensure the frequency and duration of therapy sessions are appropriate for your child’s needs. For young children the best available evidence demonstrates that intensity of treatment dosage (i.e., the number of hours per week) is the best predictor of achieving meaningful treatment outcomes (e.g., Eldevik et al., 2009; Klintwell et al., 2015) 

  4. Qualified and Trained Staff: It is important that your ABA team has the appropriate credentials, certifications, and experience in working with children with autism. Your case should be overseen by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst © (BCBA) who is present and in person and intervention should be delivered by Registered Behavior Technicians © (RBTs). 

  5. Individualized Treatment Plans: Make sure the ABA services provided are tailored to your child’s unique needs and strengths. A high-quality program should use data to adjust the treatment plan based on individual responses (Council of Autism Service Providers ABA practice guidelines, 3rd edition, 2024 pp. 28-29). 

  6. Ethical Practices: You should ensure that the services provided are respectful, promote your child's dignity, and are based on evidence-based strategies.

  7. Parent Feedback and Satisfaction: You should regularly assess your own satisfaction with the services. Quality ABA providers will seek your input informally (i.e., checking in regularly about your experience with care) and formally (i.e., through satisfaction surveys). 


The journey of supporting a child with ASD begins with early diagnosis and intervention, which is crucial for fostering positive outcomes. By engaging in open discussions with healthcare professionals and seeking a comprehensive evaluation, parents can lay the groundwork for effective support.  Choosing scientifically validated treatments like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and starting therapy as early as possible can lead to significant improvements in social skills, communication, and overall development. Additionally, parental involvement is key, working collaboratively with providers not only enhances the therapeutic process but also equips families with the tools they need to support their child at home. As you embark on this path, be proactive in assessing the quality of ABA services. Focus on clear communication, individualized treatment plans, and ensuring that your child receives care from qualified and ethical professionals. By staying engaged and informed, you can make a meaningful difference in your child’s life, guiding them toward a brighter future. Remember, every step you take brings you closer to unlocking your child's potential.


Interested in learning more about our services at Mindcolor Autism? Contact us directly, here.


Chief Clinical Officer at Mindcolor Autism


----------------------------------------------------

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing


Council for Autism Service Providers. (2024).  ABA practice guidelines – 3rd edition. Retrieved from https://www.casproviders.org/standards-and-guidelines 


Howard, J. S., Sparkman, C. R., Cohen, H. G., Green, G., & Stanislaw, H. (2005). A comparison of intensive behavior analytic and eclectic treatments for young children with autism. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 26(4), 359–383. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2004.09.005, Remington, B., Hastings, R. P., & Sainsbury, T. (2007). Early intensive behavioral interventions: Outcomes for children with autism and their parents after two years. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 37 (4), 559–573. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-006-0196-0


Eldevik, S., Hastings, R. P., Hughes, J. C., Jahr, E., Eikeseth, S., & Cross, S. (2009). Meta-analysis of early intensive behavioral intervention for children with autism. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 38, 439–450. https://doi. org/10.1080/15374410902851739; Klintwall, L., Eldevik, S., & Eikeseth, S. (2015). Narrowing the gap: Effects of intervention on developmental trajectories in autism. Autism, 19, 53–63.

99 views

Comments


bottom of page