The Importance of Autism Therapy

Autism therapy exists to try and minimize the symptoms and effects of autism and related disorders, in an attempt to improve the day-to-day life of autism sufferers.

Most children show signs of autism in early infancy. The severity of symptoms varies greatly, but all people with autism have some core symptoms in the areas of: Social Skills, Language, and Behavior.

Social interaction symptoms include: poor eye contact, resist cuddling and holding, and seems to play alone (in their own world). Language symptoms include: speech delays, repetitive use of language (echolalia), and doesn't understand one-step directions. Behavior symptoms include: repetitive movements, moves constantly, and has specific rituals to follow. That is why autism therapy is so important in early infancy.

There are two types of autism therapy, that which is educational and that which is medical, along with support. They both work great when you start early in the child's life.

While psychological treatments may not cure the disorder outright, most experts believe that the overall effect is positive. Concentrated programs that are introduced to autism patients at a young age often help them integrate into society better, maintain social relationships, acquire jobs and in general, function better. Some of the techniques used in psychological treatments include speech and language therapy, social skill development, applied behavior analysis (ABA) and occupational therapy.

Perhaps most effective is the applied behavior analysis (ABA). Linked to the work of Dr. Ivar Lovaas, ABA has had success helping teach autistic children social and behavioral skills, to the extent that some patients have even been given a non-autistic diagnosis after treatment. Of all the approaches out there, ABA has been under more scrutiny than any other, and is the most recognized form of autism therapy. ABA mainly consists of three parts:

· There is the applied approach, which involves ideas to improve and support behavior that is socially significant

· There's the behavioral component, which is based on straightforward scientific behavioral understanding models

· Finally, the analysis component, which involves tracking progress and making modifications using rewards and consequences.

For a very significant portion of autistic children, ABA can dramatically improve their quality of life. It can help with larger problem areas such as self-injurious behavior, but also seemingly less significant issues like eye contact (which actually affects a child's social interactions greatly). ABA works best on children that demonstrate significant symptoms, but there is usually an appreciable improvement in many cases.