Autism FAQ’s

There is no known cause or cure, nor one known single effective treatment for autism. However, a basic rule for treating autism is the earlier the intervention the better. Early diagnosis is critical.

Applied Behavioral Science is a research based therapy that applies research to coordinated structured services that take into account the “whole person” and the person’s family are most likely to promote increased skill development and success for the individual with autism.

No, just your Primary Care Physician (PCP). However, if you regularly see a specialist, register that doctor. If you have a medical event and see several doctors, you don’t need to register these doctors. Just register the Medical Event.

To date, no biological diagnostic tests exist that detect autism. But scientists are hopeful that advanced imaging techniques and differences in blood levels of proteins in autistic versus neurotypical children may have implications for diagnosis. Already, improved diagnostic procedures have allowed clinicians to diagnose children at a younger age.

Formal diagnosis involves parental input and structured and systematic screening instruments, such as the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) and the Autism Behavioral Checklist (ABC) for older children. The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and the Autism Diagnostic Inventory-Revised (ADI-R) are used, as well. These tools measure the prevalence of symptoms. Symptoms may be present from birth, or may occur after months of normal development. However, no two children with these disorders behave the same way. Children as young as 18 months may be diagnosed, but have different clinical features than an older child with autism.

Between 18 months and 36 months, symptoms may include:

• Limited pretend play
• Lack of pointing to demonstrate interest
• Reduced gaze following
• Less frequent demonstration of repetitive, stereotypic behaviors
• In children with autism between 2 years and 3 years of age, the following features may be observed:
• Communication difficulties
• Socialization deficits with caregivers
• Perceptual sensitivity
• Other difficult behaviors

No two people living with autism are the same, therefore there is not just one set of therapies to treat all people with autism. An individual program is critical. Individuals with autism respond well to highly-structured, specialized instruction. An effective treatment program will build on the child’s interests, offer a predictable schedule, teach tasks as a series of simple steps, actively engage the child’s attention in highly structured activities, and provide regular reinforcement of behavior.

Parental and family involvement is pivotal for all children’s development. Children with autism benefit by having their families actively involved in their treatment. Parents are the life-long advocates and social partners for their children. Training parents as interventionists and treatment partners with the professionals leads to best-outcomes for children with autism.