A person diagnosed with autism may experience challenges in social skills, language development, and repetitive behaviors. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It tends to merge between the age of 2 and 3. About 1 in 68 American children are diagnosed with autism. It is more common in boys than girls. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has been documented to be the most successful.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the full name. There are mild, moderate and severe symptoms, hence it is a spectrum disorder. Behavior analysis is a field within psychology that focuses on understanding behavior and how it is affected by the environment. The use of scientifically validated teaching techniques to achieve a significant and positive change in behavior is known as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). The positive change is correcting the symptoms of ASD.
Positive changes in behavior are: (but not limited to)
1.increase socialization
2.increase communication skills
3. Reduce problem and repetitive behaviors.
Some of the common repetitive behaviors shown in people with ASD are aggression, self-harm, strange speech, and hand flapping.
Although autism is often a lifelong condition, it is beneficial for people to receive interventions and therapies. It becomes a concern when people do not reach certain developmental milestones. Learning to talk, walk, eat independently, and play with others are things a person should begin to learn between the age of birth and 3 years. In general, autism means that the person has developmental delays in some way.
Someone who has autism may need more support to develop certain skills. The earliest interventions are the best. Interventions can start from 18 months (with some agencies) to 2-3 years. People with autism have different abilities and limitations. It is important that each individual is treated accordingly and has the best interventions and therapies for their needs.
Genetic disorders, sleep disorders, seizure disorders, and sensory processing are other problems that can occur in people with autism. Although it is not found in all people with autism, in some there are genetic conditions that affect brain development. Some may have seizure disorders such as epilepsy. The seizures themselves can range from mild to severe as well. It is more common to experience sleep problems in childhood than in adulthood. With sensory problems, the individual will have trouble processing information. Pica is also something that someone with autism can experience. Pica is when someone eats edible things. As you can see, it is truly a spectrum disorder. It is important to locate a professional who can evaluate the individual to diagnose them with autism if they have it and identify their strengths and weaknesses.