Understanding Autism
What is Autism?
Autism is a complex neurological condition with no known cause or cure. It is classified as a pervasive developmental disorder, typically affecting the development of social interaction and communication skills. Autism often leads to the presence of stereotyped behaviours, interests and activities.
Children are generally diagnosed between the ages of 3 and 5 years. According to Autism Speaks “Today, 1 in 150 individuals is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than paediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and social groups and is four times more likely to strike boys than girls”.
Treatment Options
Early and accurate diagnosis can result in early intervention, which greatly improves a child’s chances of making the most developmental gains possible. Studies have shown that children who receive effective early treatment of Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI) based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) make progress in their individual areas of need.
In the published report Making a Difference for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Ontario Schools – From Evidence to Action it states “At this time, the research indicates that Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) based practices (including Intensive ABA) are the only practices that meet the criterion of effectiveness evidenced in randomized or non-randomized controlled trials.”
Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI)
- Structured one to one teaching with an Instructional Therapist, where activities are broken down into the simplest steps
- Structured approach using positive reinforcement
- Outcome based system, using charting and recording which results are graphed and assessed in order to determine when the child is ready to learn a new step
- Offers effective intervention for reducing disruptive or negative behaviours and encouraging development
- Studies have shown that children with autism enrolled in an intensive, well-supervised program, based on the principles of ABA, have made progress in their individual areas of need
