
About Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by differences in communication, social interaction, and behavior. It varies in symptoms and severity, hence the term "spectrum." Individuals with Autism may have diverse strengths and challenges. It's essential to understand that Autism is not caused by parenting styles or caregiver influences. Compassionate and individualized intervention can positively impact navigating challenges. By fostering a nurturing environment, caregivers can help children with Autism thrive.
The CDC states that the rates of prevalence are currently 1:44. One in forty-four children currently have an Autism Diagnosis in all socioeconomic, ethnic, and racial groups; one every six days, according to their statistics. Early detection and intervention of the symptoms of Autism provide the best outcomes. There are two criteria for an Autism diagnosis through the DSM-5:
Persistent deficits in social communication and social interactions - difficulty making and keeping friendships, misunderstanding nonverbal communication, and demonstrating an abnormal social approach.
Restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviors, interests, and activities - repetitive motor movements, insistence on sameness, highly fixated interests, and an abnormal perception of sensory information.
Those with Autism Spectrum Disorder are able to live healthy, valuable lives due in part because they have skills and behaviors taught through ABA therapy and their supportive team. These include increasing language ability as well other functional behaviors like social interaction skills or motor control skills for everyday tasks which can be difficult.
Detect the early signs:
Lack of eye contact
"Playing" with toys in a way that the toy was not intended for (e.g., instead of coloring on paper, the child will tear paper into small pieces).
Missing developmental milestones
Non-responsive to their name
Stereotypical motor movements (e.g., repetitive finger movements)
Benefits of ABA therapy:
- Get a comprehensive therapy experience for your child.
- Tailored, individualized therapy to ensure that your child is getting what they need.
- Feel confident that you're giving your child the best chance at success.
- Let us take care of everything, so you can focus on what's important - your child.
P: 626 230 4094| F: 725 500 5882 | info@brightmindsca.org
Frequently asked questions
If there is a question that isn't answered here, please feel free to consult with us via email or telephone. We know this is a big decision and we want to be there for you through the entire way.
-
ABA, when implemented correctly, uses all of the things that your child loves to help motivate them. Without the right amount of motivation, there is no drive to change/introduce a behavior. Furthermore, the discrete trial (SD->R <-> SR) can be modified in terms of presentation, difficulty, support, and model to best fit your child's learning methods. Bright Minds' BCBAs are highly experienced in teaching to meet the way that your child learns, NOT to the other way around.
-
Your child will benefit from ABA whether they are in kindergarten or eighth grade. ABA will benefit children who have behavioral deficits or excesses. Of course, the earlier the intervention, the better the outcome but it is never too late to start providing support for your child. We will assess the level of your child's baseline, use the things that they love to create a fun, age-appropriate therapy plan.
-
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a life-long disorder. Therefore, ABA therapy can also go on for quite some time. ABA Therapy is also voluntary - it is within your rights as a parent to withdraw from any therapies at any time. Bright Minds will always consider titrating hours of therapy when your child begins hitting their benchmarks. The whole goal of therapy is to teach, support, and eventually fade ourselves out to allow your child the most independence.
-
That is a question for your insurance provider. Bright Minds will run a benefits check for you to see if you're covered for ABA services through your insurance. It is required that you have a conversation with your insurance provider to understand your benefits fully.
-
Yes! When people think of "old-fashioned" ABA, they think of a table with some flashcards but those days are over. Our science of behavior has not changed but the presentation has! We now use techniques that resemble play and activities while we're collecting crucial behaviors and capturing those pivotal teaching moments.
-
A behavior program has several components that are going on at the same time, all of which look like fun and games to your child. First, we have a skill acquisition plan. This is to teach new skills or teach replacement skills. Secondly, we have a behavior intervention plan. This is to reduce those behaviors that are maladaptive and increase adaptive, replacement behaviors. Learning new skills and managing behaviors goes hand-in-hand. Third, we have a program for parents and guardians that is separate than the programs that your child will have. This is to teach families how to implement the same interventions and procedures with your child for continuity.
Please feel free to give us a call at 626-230-4094 or email at info@brightmindsca.org if you have other questions!
24.12.2016
Parent Resources
AutismPartnership.com
Autismsocietyca.org
Citations
American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. 5th ed. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association; 2013.
Lord C, Risi S, DiLavore PS, Shulman C, Thurm A, Pickles A. Autism from 2 to 9 years of age. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2006 Jun;63(6):694-701.
Hyman SL, Levey SE, Myers SM, Council on Children with Disabilities, Section on Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. Identification, Evaluation, and Management of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Peditarics. 2020 Jan;145(1).