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5 steps to take after an autism diagnosis

Written by Cara Barthelette, MS, CCC/SLP, Pediatric Speech Therapist

Early intervention is key

Starting treatments as early as possible is proven to provide benefits for children with autism.

Early intervention has been proven to provide benefits for children with autism. This intervention will likely consist of structured, rigorous therapies (speech, occupational, and physical) for approximately 25 hours each week, based on your child’s individual needs.

Some programs will focus primarily on developmental areas, such as natural play and social skills through Floortime or Relationship Development Intervention, while others will focus on behavior through treatments such as Behavioral Analysis (ABA or Lovaas), Discrete Trial Training, or Pivotal Response Training.

Unfortunately, there is no “quick fix” for autism, so be weary of any programs that claim such results.

Reviewed by Dr. Sara Connolly, April 2019

References

  1. Autism Help. My Child’s Been Diagnosed as Having Autism. What Do I Do Now?
  2. Autism Speaks. 100 Day Kit.
  3. American Academy of Pediatrics. Autism Spectrum Disorders.
  4. National Institutes of Health. Evidence-Based Comprehensive Treatments for Early Autism.
  5. Rosenblatt, A., & Carbone, P. (Eds.). (2012). Autism spectrum disorders: What every parent needs to know. Chicago, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics.

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