1. Get a Proper Assessment of Your Child's Functionality
Before you can begin to design a treatment program for your child with autism, you first have to have him assessed to determine his level of functionality. All children with autism are not alike and some are higher functioning than others. Consulting a behavior specialist to get your child properly assessed is important. A behavior specialist can evaluate where your child is on "the spectrum," identify problem behaviors that need addressing and recommend appropriate behavioral therapies.
2. Find an Appropriate Therapist
Once you know where your autistic child is in terms of functionality, you need to find a behavioral therapist or program that will address your child's individual needs. Your doctor can recommend potential therapists, but it's up to you research and interview those therapists. The therapists in your child's life will be integral to the level of recovery your child achieves, so choose wisely.
Children under the age of 3 usually receive therapy at home or at a child-care center. After 3 years old, children usually receive therapy in a school-based setting. High-functioning, older children can often benefit from integrated classrooms with children without disabilities where they can observe and follow normal social behavior. If your child is overwhelmed or overstimulated in an integrated classroom, a segregated class may be more appropriate. Individual, one-on-one supplemental therapy may be necessary on an ongoing basis.
3. Employ the Applied Behavioral Analysis Method
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is quickly becoming the behavioral therapy of choice to treat autism and carries recommendations from the Surgeon General. ABA uses positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior and discourage bad behavior. The concept of this behavioral therapy method is simple" A therapist or parent asks the child for a behavior and when that behavior is performed, a reward is given. Rewards can be stickers, bits of food, high-fives or anything else the child values. If you begin early, there is good evidence that ABA therapy can produce significant results. How much ABA therapy your child needs will depend on her level of functionality. Some children require as much as 40 hours per week, but usually require less with progress.
4. Continue Behavioral Therapy at Home
Behavioral therapy does not end when school is over or your child comes home from the therapist. To get the maximum effect from this therapy, it must be continued at home. Your child's therapist will show you how to continue the exercises done in treatment sessions at home. Additionally, you should set up your child's home life for success by keeping to a structured daily routine, breaking tasks down into simple steps, rewarding good behavior and discouraging bad behavior. When you communicate with him, it's important to be as clear as possible. Using exaggerated facial expressions to express satisfaction and dissatisfaction is usually recommended. It's helpful to train others in your household about how to best interact with your child so that he doesn't get mixed messages. Consistency is key.
