An Early Intervention Program Can Many Times Lessen the Impact of Autism

I sometimes wonder if my oldest son had been diagnosed younger and we got him into a treatment program earlier if that would have made a difference. He was almost 4 years old when he was diagnosed with autism and we did quickly get him into a treatment program but I still wonder what would have happened if we had got him into a early intervention program those first couple years of his life.

Early intervention is so very important for children with autism. The autistic community can disagree on quite a few things but I think one thing that we all agree is that early intervention is so very valuable for these kids. Regrettably, many doctors fail to identify a developmental delay at the age when the child needs to be receiving early intervention services. Birth to three years of age is a significant time in a child's development, so if the child's diagnosis is delayed this could put the child at risk for experiencing a marked improvement.

Since the number of children diagnosed with the autism has been steadily increasing over the past 10 years, with the stats showing now that it affects 1 in 150 births. Autism now is considered to be the fastest growing developmental disorder in the U.S. So it is even more important that these children receive early intervention as soon as they are diagnosed.

If your child is diagnosed with autism, it is critical for your child to start receiving early intervention so he/she can receive maximum benefit from the program. It has been proven that early intervention leads to better treatment and that the most beneficial way to manage autism is to intervene as early as possible to treat the disorder.

I know as a parent of 2 autistic boys that it is difficult to have your child labeled as "autistic," but as soon as the diagnosis is made, the earlier the intervention can start. Since there is no know way to prevent autism, and there is no known cure, there is no other option for parents of autistic children then to pick a good treatment program. But is comforting for parents to know that research has shown, that early intervention in an suitable educational setting for at least two years during the preschool years can often lead the child in experiencing significant improvements. An Early Intervention program for your child with autism should focus on developing communication, social, and cognitive skills.

With early intervention, a child can overcome a wide range of developmental, behavioral, and learning problems. Early intervention can often improve the quality of life for many children who are thought to be at risk for communication, social, or cognitive impairment. A well designed treatment program can positively impact a child's future, it can often guide a child to more independence, and possibly provide that child a more productive and fulfilling life.

So as soon as your child is diagnosed with autism, early intervention treatment should begin.