Having children is one of the greatest joys in life for many parents. Wanting the best for our children – for them to lead happy, healthy, and successful lives — is a major focus for many parents. When a child has autism, it is understandable that parents can often feel an extra level of stress and anxiety. This can lead to an attempt to find a “miracle cure” to ensure the future health and happiness of their child.
Unfortunately, there are a number of scams trying to convince parents of a cure. Experts say that there is no proven treatment that can cure autism, and anyone that comes across a person that claims otherwise should be wary.
Does Autism Need a Cure?
It’s not that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have a disability, but their ability to learn from their environment does not come as easy as it does for other children. Because of this, some people think that those with autism lack the ability to function in society and thus need remediating. However, we all experience life in unique ways, and just because someone has limited skills does not mean they cannot operate in and experience the world around them.
Others believe that trying to find a cure makes it seem like people with ASD are broken and need to be fixed. They believe that autism is not something that needs curing. Those with autism themselves admit that this craze to find a cure is offensive. It makes them feel as though attempts to rid them of autism are like trying to get rid of them as a person entirely. Autism is a part of who they are, and instead of wanting a fix, they just want to be accepted and supported.
Psychologist and autism researcher Len Abbeduto believes that finding a cure is not the right approach. Other researchers as well are shifting their focus from finding some sort of miracle pill to cure ASD to focusing on early diagnosis and supportive treatments and therapies.
Early Intervention Services
Pediatricians and autism researchers now believe that early diagnosis is the key to help children with autism reach their full potential. Katarzyna Chawarska, a professor of child psychiatry at Yale University, says, “The reason why we are focusing so much on early diagnosis is that it is our hope that by intervening early, we can capitalize on still tremendous brain plasticity that is present in the first, second, third year of life.”
The goal of early intervention is to help children learn to better communicate and interact with others in social settings. According to the CDC, there are several autism treatments available that focus on social communication and skill development. Such treatments can include:
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy
- Social skills and communication training
- Physical and Occupational therapies
- Sensory integration therapy
- Dietary approaches
- Medication
- Alternative and complementary medicine
Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy
Studies show that Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) works especially well for children with ASD. This type of therapy provides research-based principles to help influence behavior in a meaningful way. Most neurotypical children learn necessary skills by interacting with the world around them without intervention. However, children with ASD can find it more difficult to develop these same skills. ABA helps by providing a supportive environment to help them learn to communicate better, lessen challenging behaviors, and reduce anxiety in social settings.
As each child is uniquely different, some parents can find it challenging to locate a qualified ABA provider that is a good fit for them and their family. An effective ABA provider utilizes methods to help each individual by looking at the factors in their life that are challenging their success. They then provide more appropriate ways of responding to those challenges.
Personal Support for Individuals With Autism
There are other ways to provide loved ones with ASD with the support they need outside of treatments and therapies. While early diagnosis and ABA therapy are highly beneficial, it is also important to show them you care by helping them feel safe, loved, and supported at home. This can be done in a number of ways, including:
- Showing that you value neurodiversity
- Joining a support group
- Understand “autism milestones”
- Encouraging positive behavior
- Creating a safe and predictable environment
- Using calm, clear, and simple communication
GBC Therapy Services
At GBC Autism Services, we provide ABA therapy to children with autism in the areas of Chicagoland, Peoria, Normal, Rockford, Springfield, Dekalb, and North-West Indiana. Our services include in-home and clinic-based ABA therapy, early intervention services, school consultations, and social skills groups.
The team at GBC doesn’t only focus on the behaviors that might be seen as weaknesses in children with autism. We accept and appreciate each child’s unique abilities and incorporate them into our programming. In fact, we love to learn about each child’s interests and strengths and only look to help them navigate the world better.
For more information on services that may assist your child, contact our team today for a free consultation.
