What Parents Need to Know About Autism Treatment for Children

If you have a little one on the spectrum, you’re probably aware that autism rates have risen rapidly over the last decade. Recent stats show that 1 in 44 children in the US were identified with ASD. As a parent, one of the most disheartening things you’ll probably read or hear after diagnosis is that there’s no cure or medication for autism spectrum disorder.

However, this doesn’t mean you should forgo treatment and therapy. The right treatment for autism can make a huge difference in your child’s quality of life and skill levels. However, selecting the right treatment program or therapy can feel very daunting in the beginning. If you’re overwhelmed and not sure where to start, keep reading to find out some of the most important things to know about autism treatment.

1. Don’t Put Off Treatment

One of the most critical things for parents to know about autism treatment is that the sooner you start the better. Early intervention usually brings the best results. The younger you enroll your child in treatment for autism, the easier it can be for them to learn new skill levels and behaviors.

Autism spectrum disorder can sometimes be detected by 18 months or even younger. By the age of 2, an experienced medical professional can typically give a reliable diagnosis. However, it is common for children to receive a final ASD diagnosis only when they’re older too.

Are you waiting for a final diagnosis? Or maybe you have received a preliminary diagnosis? If so, it may be a good idea to already start researching treatment options. The sooner treatment for autism happens the easier it might be for your child to respond and build key skills and behavioral patterns.

At the same time, don’t despair if your child received a late diagnosis. Research has shown that psychosocial interventions for ASD can be effective right up into adulthood.

2. Opt For A Personalized Treatment Plan

If you are in the process of researching treatment for autism, one of the most important pieces of advice we can offer is it’s imperative you opt for a personalized treatment plan. No two children are the same, and no two children on the spectrum are the same! Your child most likely has:

• Unique triggers
• Differing skill levels across domains
• Specific behavioral patterns that may need addressing

Applying a blanket-style treatment approach might bring some results, but it won’t accelerate your child’s development in the way that tailored treatment for autism can. Tailored treatment can also take a lot of the guesswork out of choosing the type of treatment for autism your child should get.

If your child’s been recently diagnosed, selecting between physical therapy, speech therapy, or even things like medication management can be very overwhelming. With a tailored approach, you can rest assured that your child is getting the assistance they need. Here at Level Ahead, we know firsthand how impactful personalized treatment for autism can be. This is why we offer highly personalized programs that is finely tailored to meet your child’s specific, unique needs.

The very first thing we do is assess your child’s strengths, weaknesses, and skill levels across all domains. We evaluate behavior over multiple settings and scenarios. This enables us to create a targeted plan that addresses their needs and select the best therapist from our team. From here, we will continue to re-tailor your child’s plan. This ongoing re-assessment and tailoring ensures they can progress as per our projections.

3. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Is The Leading Treatment For Autism

Currently, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the gold standard when it comes to autism treatment. It’s recognized by both the US Surgeon General and the American Psychological Association as an evidence-based best practice treatment.

If applied correctly and tailored to the individual, ABA can teach new behaviors. It can help children and adults with ASD increase skill levels and alter dangerous behaviors. It can also improve social interactions and help maintain positive behaviors. One of the reasons why ABA can be such an effective treatment for autism is that it involves ongoing positive reinforcement.

4. Parental Training In ABA Strategies Is Important

Another thing to know when seeking the right treatment for autism is that training for parents is critical. Raising a child who’s on the spectrum can leave you feeling overwhelmed and powerless at times. Your treatment team is a great resource for behavior management, calm down strategies, and outside providers when services other than ABA are needed.

Any good autism treatment specialist knows that empowering parents is critical. Because of this, one of our key focus areas is assisting parents. We provide professional guidance and support so you can continue to give your child supplemental involvement during after-therapy hours. Instead of just focusing on the child, we band together with families to form a cohesive team.

5. Treatment For Autism Needs To Be Consistent And Comprehensive

Personalized ABA therapy can achieve astonishing results. But it has to be consistent, comprehensive, and intensive. All children’s needs are different, so there isn’t a blanket guideline on how many hours of therapy are required for a successful outcome. However, it’s essential that therapy isn’t sporadic or widely spaced out. Here at Level Ahead, our treatment plans typically include 15-35 therapy hours per week.

6. Your Home Environment Is Usually The Best Setting

Finally, it can also be very helpful for parents to know that the home environment is often the best setting for autism treatment. Autism treatment can take place anywhere, including in group settings. It can happen at a daycare, a community center, or wherever is most convenient.

However, children who have ASD often thrive most with one-on-one intervention in the home environment. One reason for this is that the home is the natural environment. It also allows parents to participate in implementing intervention methods. The familiarity of the home environment also puts the child at ease. This can make them more receptive to the therapy sessions.

Are You Looking For Tailored Treatment For Autism?

The right autism treatment can be pivotal in an ASD child’s skill development. However, you need to look for a treatment program that’s tailored, personalized, and consistent. We’d recommend you also look for a program that offers hands-on, professional guidance for parents.

Are you on the hunt for treatment for autism in Georgia and Nebraska that ticks all the boxes? Here at Level Ahead, we focus on creating an alliance for success. We specialize in kind, gentle, professional, and impactful therapy ABA therapy.

Our therapists will work intensively to uncover latent potential within your child. We’re passionate about opening windows of opportunity and unlocking the unlimited potential in children with ASD. Let’s do this together. Contact us today to get started.