Early Intervention for Young Adults With Autism

NB: We do not resell your papers. Upon ordering, we do an original paper exclusively for you.

NB: All your data is kept safe from the public.

Introduction

Autism is a developmental disorder that affects the brain and derails the normal development of social and communication skills (Brill, 2007, p.24). It normally occurs during the first three years after birth. Autism alters mechanisms of processing information by the brain.

It affects the proper functioning of nerve cells. Symptoms of autism are observed from the sixth month after birth and intensify during the second and third year. Symptoms of autism include impairments in communication and social interaction, repetitive behaviors, limited interest in social activities and atypical eating habits (Brill, 2007, p.26).

Its cause is not well understood but possible causes include genetics, synaptic dysfunction and environmental factors. However, more research is underway to study the environmental causes of autism. According to research, Hispanic children often experience developmental delays that go undiagnosed.

This is due to unavailability of information on children development stages and the importance of early detection and intervention in the case of autism.

Early intervention

Application of early intensive and specialized intervention in children with autism is highly effective in management of autism. Early intervention ensures that autistic individuals are offered specialized care at a young age before the disorder aggravates as they grow into adulthood (Corsello, 2005, p.74).

It is effective because at an early age, the brain and the cognitive system of children are still in the early and growing stages of development. The earlier an autistic child receives specialized care, the higher the chances of living a productive life in future.

Early intervention is so important that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screening between the ages of 18 and 24 months (Corsello, 2005, p.75). Recent developments in the treatment of autism necessitate early intervention in the management of autism.

The effectiveness of early intervention has its foundation on the ease of teaching young children and introducing new dietary interventions compared to adults (Matson and Minshawi, 2006, p.64). In addition, interventions such as speech therapy work more effectively with children than with adults.

Young children are in a stage in which they are learning to speak. Therefore, it is easier to correct errors in speech and communication. When children advance in age, their learning develops and correcting language errors becomes difficult. In addition, young children are less concerned with appearances and image.

This makes it easy to correct their errors. Older children are self-conscious because other children tease and segregate them because of their problem. Early intervention is the best strategy to ensure effective management of autism.

Interventions for autism

A single treatment method for autism does not exist. However, several interventions exist and most individuals respond better to behavioral programs that are structured to serve the specific needs of individuals.

According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, applied behavior analysis is an effective method for combating autism (Matson and Minshawi, 2006, p.68).

Autism interventions include Speech and Language Therapy, Sensory Integration Therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis, Occupational Therapy and AAC (Gerlach, 2003, p.53).

Each of these methods uses a different strategy to combat autism. These interventions are highly effective because they incorporate social aspects that encourage interactions, socialization and communication.

Applied behavior analysis (ABA)

Behavior analysis uses basic behavioral practices such as positive reinforcement, prompting and repetition to help individuals with autism develop communication, social and academic skills (Gerlach, 2003, p.56). In addition, the method helps them to minimize the effects of problem behaviors in learning.

ABA aspects are used to foster development of important aspects of development such as language, social behavior and play (Gerlach, 2003, p.58). ABA helps to reduce behaviors that impede learning such as self-stimulatory responses and tantrums associated with effective communication.

An example of a method used in ABA is the Discrete Trial Testing. In this method, the instructor breaks down learning tasks into smaller tasks and then spends significant amount of time teaching the learner the skill that is involved in that task (Gerlach, 2003, p.58).

Some ABA methods involve structured instructions of children by adults while others involve the utilization of the child’s interest to develop learning activities.

In this method, children are presented with opportunities to learn and practice certain skills in different environments. To ensure the effectiveness of this method, learning activities are broken down into small steps that are easy to follow.

Developmental interventions

Developmental intervention is an intervention method for young adults with autism that is child-oriented. In this method, the child initiates talk and the adult gives a response that is appropriate in serving the need of the child and that encourages more interaction.

To ensure effective learning, activities are designed in a way that encourages social interactions. Despite limited evidence on the effectiveness of this type of intervention, a certain study has shown that it is effective in achieving positive language outcomes.

This method is most effective if the child s is active enough and engages in a variety of activities. The therapist directs the child to doing activities that address the language and communication needs of the child.

Speech and language therapy (SLT)

The technique used in speech and language therapy depends on the communication problem of an individual. An assessment of a young adult’s communication and language abilities is vital in ensuring the effectiveness of this intervention.

Social initiation and joint attention are two language development methods used to inculcate and improve language skills (Gerlach, 2003, p.63). Social initiation involves techniques such as questioning to encourage individuals to communicate and hence improve their communication abilities.

Alternative and augmentative communication (AAC)

AAC involves the application of communication channels that are used in expression of ideas, thoughts, emotions, and needs (Simpson and Boer, 2005, p.84). This method is appropriate for people with severe language problems. It can be used to eliminate nonfunctional speech elements or to enhance existing speech.

Communication boards, pictures and electronic devices are used to enhance social interaction, which is important for combating autism (Simpson and Boer, 2005, p.86). The use of these devices and materials is meant to help individuals enhance their communication abilities by improving how they express themselves.

Feeding therapy

Many autistic children exhibit atypical eating habits that result from oral sensitivities. The problem is augmented by the texture and taste of foods. As a result, many children develop a diet of very few foods. If this problem is not eradicated, it mostly results in malnutrition or poor health.

The main aim of food therapy is to restore the health of a child’s gut. This can be achieved by supplementing digestive enzymes and administering probiotics to improve absorption of nutrients.

Integrated play group

Autistic children experience problems in their efforts to learn how to play and interact with other children. To them, play and socializing is not a natural skill and needs to be developed. This method is effective because it helps autistic children develop their social skills trough play (Simpson and Boer, 2005, p.88).

It encourages interactions between children to facilitate development of play skills. Children are encouraged to participate in social activities that are designed by instructors depending on the needs of the children.

The instructor monitors these children closely to determine their social limitations and afterwards develops a plan to correct the limitations. This approach focuses on improving language and communication skills of autistic skills by encouraging social interaction and play.

Conclusion

Autism affects the proper functioning of the brain because it alters the brain’s mechanisms of processing information. It affects the proper functioning of nerve cells. According to research, Hispanic children often experience developmental delays that go undiagnosed.

This is due to unavailability of information on children development stages and limited knowledge on the importance of early detection and intervention in the case of autism. Early intervention ensures that autistic individuals are offered specialized care at a young age before the disorder aggravates as they continue to grow into adulthood.

Early intervention is effective cause at that an early age, the brain and the cognitive system of a child are still in the early and growing stages of development. Autism interventions available include Speech and Language Therapy, Sensory Integration Therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis, Occupational Therapy and AAC.

Even though each of these programs applies a different intervention strategy, they all incorporate similar social aspects that encourage interaction and communication.

References

Brill, M. (2007). Autism. London: Marshall Cavendish.

Corsello, C. (2005). Early Intervention in Autism. Infants and Young Children, 18(2), 74-85.

Gerlach, E. (2003). Autism Treatment Guide. New York: Future Horizons.

Matson, J., and Minshawi, N. (2006). Early Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorders. New York: Elsevier.

Simpson, R., and Boer, S. (2005). Autism Spectrum Disorders: Interventions and Treatments for Children and Youth. New York: Corwin Press.

Click Here To Order Now!