From trouble communicating to behaviors, parenting a child with autism can be challenging in many ways. What concerns a parent more is thinking and preparing to secure their future. Due to being a spectrum, autism and its experiences can be different for everyone. Yet, many things stay the same for everyone, including speculations and the possibility of treating it.
This brings us to the question that we have reached here to learn- can the child grow out of autism? Most importantly, can that happen on its own?
Autism can affect several areas of one’s life. In most cases, its symptoms can show up in the initial ages, thus increasing the possibility for early interventions like ABA. Yet, this leaves us at the crossroads of questioning the effectiveness of autism’s treatment options. Can those help the little one grow out of ASD?
In this blog, we will explore autism in detail, learn how it can affect a person, and uncover the possibility of growing out of it.
Understanding Autism
Before you can understand the treatments and solutions for autism, let us know what this condition is. It is a developmental disorder that affects the way one interacts and communicates. One can find it hard to understand the social cues or body language. They might show repetitive behaviors or avoid eye contact. In certain situations, a child with autism can be seen to have a delay in cognitive, language, or motor development.
Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means every individual can show different signs; some of them can be intense, while others may not. A child with autism can show behavioral signs as early as 12-18 months of age. One with autism might face issues with their body, in addition to their brain, though there are no visible external signs for that.
Signs of Autism
As you read earlier, autism can affect different aspects of one’s life, which means you can see various signs. A child’s social skills are affected and can show up as an absence of making eye contact, lack of facial expressions, and no understanding of other’s emotions.
An individual with autism can show repetitive behaviors. For example, following an order to organize their toys, repeating phrases over and over, presenting repetitive interests, and more. Additionally, the child might show delayed language skills, slow learning, impulsive or hyperactive behavior, anxiety, or more.
Can Autism Be Cured?
First of all, autism is not an illness. It is a development condition that affects the way a brain communicates, interacts, and processes information. It is a lifelong condition that can be managed by several therapies and interventions. Autism is a lifelong condition. However, in many instances, individuals are seen to have found ways to cope with it. Its symptoms can often change as an individual grows.
Now, the thing is, can the signs and symptoms of autism get better on their own? It is said that the change in the symptoms of autism can depend on the experience of an individual and the clinical intervention they include. A study conducted by the UC Davis MIND Institute showed a notable change in the signs of autism in children from 3 to 11 years of age. Many studies quote a number from 3-25% of children who grew out of the condition. However, it was observed that these children had an early diagnosis.
In the coming section, let us learn the possible ways to manage autism.
Treating Autism
Autism can be treated with several therapies, including Applied Behavior Analysis. It is to be noted that the one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work here. So, it is always advisable to reach a professional to proceed with the treatment and therapy for autism spectrum disorder. Either way, the treatment can focus on improving the way one functions, develops, communicates, and more. It should aim to lower the symptoms of the condition. Early intervention can improve a child’s social, communication, and behavioral skills. In the coming section, let us focus on the effectiveness of early intervention for autism.
Early Intervention for Autism
As the name suggests, early interventions mean beginning the treatment plans as soon as the child is two to three years of age. It’s important to do so because these are the times when the child’s brain is still in its development stage, making it easy to mold and guide. Early intervention can work on areas such as social, communication, and motor skills. It increases the possibility of a child experiencing positive outcomes in their initial ages.
Applied Behavior Analysis is a therapy for early intervention in children with autism spectrum disorder. As one of the leading solutions, ABA therapy works by lowering the challenging behaviors in children while also strengthening the positive ones. One can observe better language receptive skills, expressive skills, and improved communication skills, along with several self-help techniques. It can lay the foundation for a child to prepare for an independent tomorrow. Besides, there are several therapy centers for ABA in the USA. Whether you live in Aurora or Denver, ABA therapy centers are available everywhere with a few clicks.
Conclusion
ASD or Autism is a spectrum disorder that can change several aspects of a child’s behavior. It can manifest in several ways, from communication to social skills. It can greatly impact an individual and leave us wondering about finding a way out of autism. Can it outgrow on its own, and if not, what can it take to deal with autism?
This post has guided you on the understanding that autism is not anything that one can outgrow. To conclude, it can be said that autism is not an illness but a condition impacting the way one behaves, communicates, or socializes. Several studies have shown that 3-25% of children with autism have witnessed their symptoms fading away as they grew. However, these children were known to have been diagnosed early. This also brings us to early intervention programs with ABA-like therapies. A child with autism can show early signs at least 12 months, calling for interventions.