What is Autism

Stemming from the Greek word “autos,” meaning “self,” autism describes individuals who detach themselves from social interaction.

Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), refers to a wide range of symptoms including challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviours, speech and nonverbal communication. The ways in which people with autism learn, think and problem-solve can range from highly skilled to severely challenged.

There are many subtypes of autism, largely triggered by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Since autism is a spectrum disorder, each person with autism exhibit a unique set of strengths and challenges. Some people with autism may require substantial support in their day-to-day lives, while others may need less support and, in some cases, live independently.

What Are the Indicators of Autism?

One common symptom to all types of autism is the challenge to communicate and interact with others and their surrounding environment. Some people with autism are unable to engage in pro-social communication. Others may have difficulty understanding other people’s feelings, reactions, and nonverbal cues.

Other sensory, emotional and cognitive symptoms linked to autism may include atypical behaviours in any of these areas:

Underreact or overreact to sensory stimuli
Difficulty regulating their emotions or expressing them appropriately
Trouble interpreting real dangers like vehicles or heights vs. harmless objects such as a stuffed animal
Can complete tasks involving immediate memory or visual skills, but have difficulty with symbolic or abstract thinking

Signs of autism usually appear by age 2 or 3. Some related development delays can appear earlier and diagnosed as early as 18 months. Research shows that early intervention can greatly improve the chances for positive outcomes later in life for people with autism.

Types of Autism

Autism is characterised by a spectrum of closely related disorders with a shared core of symptoms. Most individual on the autism spectrum has problems to some degree with social interaction, empathy, communication, and flexible behaviour. But the level of challenges and the combination of symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. In fact, two children with the same diagnosis may demonstrate highly contrasting behaviours and abilities.

Regardless of what doctors, teachers, and other specialists label your child’s autism spectrum disorder, your child’s unique needs are what truly matter. Finding treatment that addresses your child’s needs as early as possible, rather than focusing on what to call the problem, is the most helpful thing you can do.

Diagnosis

If you are concerned that your child has autism, it is important to determine a clinical diagnosis. Based on the diagnoses, we then recommend that your child receives treatment as soon as possible. Early intervention will improve your child’s chances for overcoming his or her developmental delays.

Treating Autism with Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based practice that is a highly effective therapeutic intervention that focuses on improving social interactions, learning new skills, and maintaining positive behaviours. ABA also helps individuals (control) manage situations where negative behaviors arise and teaches socially acceptable alternative behaviours.

For children and adults with autism, ABA has demonstrated significant progress to improve their social skills, communication, reading, and academics as well as adaptive learning skills, such as fine motor difficulties, hygiene, grooming, domestic abilities, punctuality, and job know-how.

Applied Behavior Analysis is a flexible treatment involving many techniques for understanding and changing behaviour.

Can be adapted to meet the needs of each unique person
Effective in many different settings – at home, at school, and in the community
Teaches skills that are useful in everyday life
Can involve one-to-one teaching or group therapy
Positive reinforcement is one of the main strategies used in ABA