Each child with autism is unique and, so, each autism treatment plan should be based on comprehensive children autism assessment results so that the treatment is tailored to address specific needs of each child. Autism treatment can involve behavioral treatments, nutritional medicines or both.
Children Autism Assessment
Children autism assessment involves both psychological assessment as well laboratory diagnostic tests. The psychological and behavioural assessments enable the psychologist to benchmark the weaknesses and strengths of the child which allow the formal diagnosis of autism to be made as well as forming the behavioural and psychological component of the treatment programme.
Autism Laboratory Diagnostic Tests
Many children with autism have additional medical conditions such as hormonal and neurotransmitters imbalances leading to sleep disturbance, heavy metal toxicity, food intolerance and gastrointestinal (GI) distress. Identifying these conditions with specific autism laboratory diagnostic tests and then addressing them with tailored nutritional medicines according to the results of the laboratory diagnostic tests can improve attention, learning and autistic behaviors. This will then ensure the child is ready to learn and respond well to behavioral therapy.
Autism Behavioral Assessment and Therapy
Early intensive behavioral therapy is developed and tailored to the needs of the child based on behavioral assessment conducted by child psychologists. This involves a child's entire family, working closely with the team of psychologists. The therapists can also be arranged to come into the home to deliver the services. This can include parent training with the parent leading therapy sessions under the supervision of the therapist. The programs can also be delivered at our specialized center: ChildPsych, the Centre for Child Psychology, at the International Psychology Centre.
Typically, different interventions and supports become appropriate as a child develops and acquires social and learning skills. The autism behavioral assessment will inform the precise bevioral therapy program needed. As children with autism enter school, for example, they may benefit from targeted social skills training and specialized approaches to teaching. Adolescents with autism can benefit from transition services that promote a successful maturation into independence and employment opportunities of adulthood.
Behavioral Therapy Program
Objective scientific studies have confirmed the benefits of comprehensive behavioral early intervention. They are the Lovaas Model based on Applied Behavior Analysis(ABA). For more information please make an appointment for an initial assessment with your child.
Autism Treatment Options for Toddlers and Preschool Children
Scientific studies have demonstrated that early intensive behavioral intervention improves learning, communication and social skills in young children with autism. Psychologists have developed a number of effective early intervention models. They include:
- The child receives structured, therapeutic activities for at least 25 hours per week.
- Highly trained psychologists deliver the intervention. Parents or helpers can be trained as well by the psychologists and may assist with some of the intervention under the supervision of the psychologists.
- The therapy is guided by specific and well-defined learning objectives, and the child’s progress in meeting these objectives is regularly evaluated and recorded.
- The intervention focuses on the core areas affected by autism. These include social skills, language and communication, imitation, play skills, daily living and motor skills.
- The program provides the child with opportunities to interact with typically developing peers.
- The program actively engages parents in the intervention, both in decision making and the delivery of treatment.
- The therapists make clear their respect for the unique needs, values and perspectives of the child and his or her family.
- The program involves a multidisciplinary team such as those available at ChildPsych, Centre for Child Psychology of the International Psychology Centre that includes, a child psychologist with specialisation in autism, speech-language therapist and nutritional therapist with specialisation in autism.
Can Children with Autism be normal?
Growing evidence suggests that children with autism do progress to the point where they no longer meet the criteria for a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Successful treatment can, in some instances, produce outcomes that no longer meet the criteria for an autism diagnosis.
This depends on how early the treatment start; typically treatment that starts before age of 7 will give the best outcome.
Successful treatment also depends on the extent that the biochemical, genetic and nutritional issues contributing to the symptoms are addressed and this calls for comprehensive laboratory diagnostic tests and nutritional therapy treatment such as those offered at the International Psychology Centre.
For more information and appointments please contact:
Our team of Children Autism Experts and Professional Child Psychologists:
Tel:+ 603 27277434
Email: Info@Psychology.com.my
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