When you get an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis for your child, you may wonder —what’s next? It’s common to be worried or concerned about your child. However, with the help of autism treatment programs, your child will excel and make great progress. At an autism treatment center, your child will learn the skills necessary to accomplish their goals in life. Success is possible with the guidance of a caring therapist and one of the structured autism treatment programs.
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder
Children with an autism diagnosis have difficulties with several things in life, but autism treatment resources provide a solution for the challenges. Some of the areas that children struggle with include:
- Communication
- Social skills
- Play
- Understanding other people’s feelings
- Avoiding eye contact
- Limited interests
In addition to these issues, children and youth also may have co-occurring conditions. The other diagnoses that go along with autism spectrum disorder include such things as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- ADHD
- Sensory processing disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Digestive disorders
- Lack of coordination
- Poor motor skills
How is Autism Diagnosed?
Doctors and psychiatrists will help diagnose your child. A doctor will use screening tools to get an idea about your child’s diagnosis. Also, they’ll look at whether your child hit certain milestones. Finally, a specialist may perform the WISC-IV test for children who appear to be high-functioning.
Autism treatment centers will provide the resources you need to begin the process of testing and evaluation.
Autism Treatment Programs
Participating in autism education programs will be your first step in preparing your child for the future. As you educate yourself about autism, you can decide which one of the autism treatment programs will work best for your child.
Autism treatment centers provide a broad range of treatments that address all the challenges autistic children face from day to day. Whether they need help with communication, social skills, making friends, or strengthening their motor skills, a therapy program is available to help your child get stronger.
Some of the specific programs include:
- Social skills training — this type of training strengthens your child’s communication skills.
- Occupational therapy program for autism spectrum disorder — your child learns better coordination and fine skills. Also, the gross motor skills are enhanced too.
- Cognitive behavior therapy — your child will find strength in discovering how to change from negative thinking patterns to positive ones.
- Speech therapy program for autism spectrum disorder — after your child develops stronger communication skills, they will feel more confident and self-assured.
First Steps
You can take the first step in seeking help for your child by reaching out to an autism treatment center. An intake coordinator will set up an appointment with you to come in for an initial assessment. The first appointment is usually without your child, but every treatment center is different.
You may need to fill out any of the following screening tests:
- Ages and Stages Questionnaires SE-2 (ASQ-SE2)
- Pervasive Developmental Disorders Screening Test-II (PDDST-II)
- Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales (CSBS)
- Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers – Revised with follow-up (M-CHAT-R/F)
- Parents’ Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS)
A certified therapist or doctor will discuss your concerns and why you think your child may have autism. The doctor may order additional tests for your child, or they may meet with your child first to determine if that’s necessary.
Finally, you and the doctor will craft a plan for future therapy.
Get Started Today
Don’t let autism spectrum disorder hold your child back from succeeding in life. You can find the services and help your child needs now that you know more about autism treatment programs in your area. Reach out to a qualified autism treatment program for help today.