What is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a name for a condition that effects people's social interactions, communication skills, interests and behaviour.
Autism is a life long condition that develops in early infancy. Some individuals with Autism have difficulty communicating and relating to others and making sense of the world around them.
There is no "cure" for Autism but there are interventions to help children and adults with ASC. For more information please use the links below;
https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism
http://www.autism.org.uk/about/what-is/asd.aspx
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autistic-spectrum-disorder/Pages/Introduction.aspx
What are the Red Flags?
Children was autism can often show some "red flags" when they are little. These may include:
- lack of babbling
- lack of eye contact
- playing alone
- not responding to their name
- repeating words either straight away or out of context
- self-stimulatory behaviour, such as hand flapping, jumping, lining things up
Research shows that Early Intervention is the key to long term success. Early Intensive Behaviour Intervention (EIBI) is a scientifically researched, and therefore evidence based intervention for children, which is often applied to Autism, but can also be applied to other disabilities. It is based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). We use evidence-based teaching strategies to develop new skills and reduce any behaviours that are a barrier to learning. Many research studies have shown the effectiveness of behaviour intervention for children with autism. Programme’s are fun, person-centred and contain functional skills to improve the quality of life for the whole family.
Although there may be common characteristics amongst children diagnosed with Autism, ABA Programmes should be INDIVIDUALISED to the child’s specific areas of difficulty.