1. What is autism?
According to the DSM-5, a diagnostical manual published by American Psychiatric Association (APA), Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Essential features of an individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) include persistent difficulties in social communication and interaction across various contexts, as well as restricted, repeated patterns of behaviour, interests, and activities.
2. Will my child be diagnosed if I bring him/her for an assessment?
Behavioural therapists do not make clinical diagnoses. However, based on observations and information shared by the caretaker, therapists can make a good estimation as to whether your child would require or benefit from behavioural therapy.
3. Is autism treatable?
While Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) Therapy is the most common form of treatment used with children with autism, most professionals would agree at the current juncture, that ASD is not yet treatable. What behavioural therapy does is to improve the probabilities of your child reaching his/her greatest potential despite the unique challenges they face in life.
4. If untreatable, why should I bring my child for an assessment?
That is because you are your child’s best chance to live their life to the fullest. Early intervention is one of the best gifts you, as a parent, can give your child. While the idea of your child “growing out of it” might be alluring, can you truly bear to leave the fate of your child to chance? As children, the neuroplasticity of their brains is in its prime; the earlier you take the first step to begin therapy for your child, the better you can take advantage of the brain’s adaptive abilities to help them learn.
5. When should I bring my child for an assessment?
Signs to look out for:
Flapping hands daily
Tippy toes
Lack of response to own name
Plays quietly or inappropriately
Does not explore toys
Few words
Rocking or banging head
Tantrums alone
Lacks response to verbal commands
Lacks eye contact
If your child is exhibiting such symptoms, bring them in for an assessment.
Our children are reliant on us, the adults, to see beyond ourselves and our limiting ideas of what they can do, to create the best possible environment for them to grow into their greatest potential. Help your child today. Contact us at admin@healisautism.com to make an appointment for assessment.
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