How Can Early Intervention Strategies Be Used To Treat Autism?

Getting a child with autism into an early intervention program such as ABA therapy can have life-changing benefits that can help develop communication, improve behavior, and help a child to become more successful in the future. What are early intervention strategies for autism? 

These can include Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), low tech alternative and augmentative Communication (AAC), social stories, speech therapy, picture exchange communication systems, and occupational therapy.

Research has shown that effective intervention strategies in early childhood may boost a child’s IQ by over 17 points. A child’s brain is more formable at this stage, and early autism intervention can improve language and motor skills so that older children present closer to typically developing children.

While ABA therapy is often used in these strategies, each treatment is personalized to fit each child’s needs. Here are the 5 early intervention strategies for children with autism:

1. Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Therapy

ABA therapy is a popular treatment approach that is used for children with autism. Applied Behavior Analysts focus on identifying problematic behaviors and using strategies to help children manage and modify these behaviors. ABA therapy can benefit children who have aggressive behaviors. 

ABA therapy is also effective for teaching communication and social skills, encouraging positive behavior, and teaching calming strategies for children with autism, including creating a calm space and giving a child the skills to cope with strong emotions and sensory processing.

2. Low Tech Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC)

Young children who have difficulty communicating verbally may use low-tech alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) aids that are non-electronic and non-digital. 

Picture boards and sign language are examples of low-tech AAC. By using these tools, individuals can express themselves, communicate their needs and desires, and supplement or replace verbal communication.

A. Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

Picture boards are often used with individuals who have the limited verbal ability. They consist of a board with pictures or symbols representing different words or phrases. The individual can utilize the picture or symbol to communicate what he or she wants to say.

Here are some examples of items and concepts that can be represented in a PECS program:

• Food and drinks - Pictures of favorite foods and drinks can be used to request meals or snacks. 
• Activities - Pictures of favorite activities like playing with toys, watching TV, or playing outside can be used to express desires and preferences. 
• Emotions - Pictures of facial expressions and emotions can be used to express how the individual is feeling. 
• Places - Pictures of different locations like the bathroom, bedroom, or park can be used to request to go to a specific place. 
• People - Pictures of family members, friends, or caregivers can be used to request to see or spend time with a specific person. 
• Actions - Pictures of actions like "eat," "drink," "play," or "sleep" can be used to express needs or desires.
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B. Sign Language

Sign language is a visual language that uses hand gestures and body language to communicate. It is used by many individuals with hearing impairments or those who have difficulty with verbal communication.

For example, if you wanted to say "Hello" with sign language, you would wave your hand and fingers up and down in front of your face.

3. Social Stories

Social story strategies are another therapy tool that works well for early intervention for children with autism. For example, trained therapists create a personalized story for a child to teach them about behavior or prepare them for a social situation (i.e. first day of school, trip to the dentist)

4. Speech Therapy

The purpose of speech therapy in early intervention for autism is to improve the communication skills. Speech therapists work with individuals with autism to develop communication goals and create a treatment plan that is tailored to their individual needs. Treatment may include a range of activities such as play-based therapy, language drills, and social skills training. 

In general, speech therapy can be an essential part of a comprehensive autism treatment plan, helping individuals improve their communication skills and better engage with their surroundings.

5. Occupational Therapy

This common early intervention strategy works for teaching children with autism how to perform daily activities. These include improving fine motor skills, developing more extensive motor skills, boosting visual skills, improving communication, and teaching problem-solving skills.

Benefits Of Early Autism Intervention

An early diagnosis of autism can lead to life-changing benefits for you and your child. That’s because getting your child into therapy early can help him or her learn to communicate, work on reducing negative behaviors, promote positive growth, learn how to interact with others, and discover the best ways to help your child learn academically.

If you want your child to benefit from a fun, professional, caring, and inclusive environment, the Therapy & Learning Center of Georgia can help you get started.

ABA Therapy In Georgia

The Therapy & Learning Center of Georgia specializes in speech therapy and autism therapy for children with autism spectrum disorders. Our autism center in Georgia offers a range of personalized programs led by a team of Board Certified professionals who help your child learn skills that will help them live their best life.