Autism Therapy: early intervention (EI)

definition of early intervention (EI): Assessment and treatment of a child as early as possible. Early intervention typically describes treatment between the ages and 0 and 3 and certainly before the age of four.

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Change in Autism Classification with Early Intervention: Predictors and Outcomes
Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, by Itzchak, EB, and Zachor DA, published in 2009, summarized Sep 14, 2010

Children with autism who have decent receptive language skills are most likely to improve with early intervention.

This study looked at a wide range of factors that might result in a change in autism diagnosis after intervention. The study focused on groups of children whose autism changed or stayed stable after intervention. They then looked to see what types of children were most likely to change their autism status. They found that the child’s age, level of skills, and parents’ ages were not linked to changes in autism status. The authors found that those children who were improved post-intervention improved in both verbal and visual skills.


Autism Spectrum Disorders in Young Children
Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, by de Martinez-Peraza, F. L., and Carter AS, published in 2009, summarized Feb 12, 2010

Early diagnosis of autism may lead to effective early intervention.

This review article gives an overview of diagnosis, testing, and therapy options for children with autism. Details focus on children with autism or pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). Autism may be diagnosed based on problems with social interactions and communication. A child with autism also may have repetitive behaviors. The Academy of Pediatrics recommends routine autism screening between 18 to 24 months of age. Early intervention therapy may be designed to offer the best chance for learning at each stage of development. The authors suggest that physicians monitor younger brothers and sisters of children with autism for symptoms of autism. Therapists and physicians may also consider that parents face more stress when faced with an autism diagnosis for their child and suggest family therapy for the parents.


The Early Start Denver Model
Journal of Early Intervention, by Vismara, LA, and Rogers SA, published in 2008, summarized Jan 4, 2010

A twelve-week individualized parent-child education program may be able to help very young children who are at risk for autism.

To date, most studies of children with autism focus on preschoolers who are 3 to 5 years old. This case study describes a nine-month-old infant who was at risk for autism. He was entered into the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM). The infant was later diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) and then recovered from his delays by the age of 24 months. The ESDM intervention focuses on teaching parents techniques to interact with their infants who are at risk for autism. The authors suggest that the ESDM parent-training intervention may be a good model for early intervention services for infants and toddlers with autism and their families.


Effects of Individual and Neighborhood Characteristics on the Timeliness of Provider Designation for Early Intervention Services in New York City
Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, by Kim, C., Disare K., Pfeiffer M., Kerker BD, and McVeigh KH, published in 2009, summarized Aug 26, 2009

Some families may experience delays in getting therapy services for their children under 3 years of age in New York City.

This article describes a study of 14,623 children in New York City who had developmental delays that required therapy services in 2004. The children were under 3 years of age. In New York City, children with developmental delays are given an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) to define the services that are needed for that child. Ideally the child would start therapy services within 21 days of getting their IFSP. The authors said that some children had to wait longer than 21 days to get therapies. The percentage of children who had to wait varied for different therapy services. The highest was 13% for speech therapy, and the lowest was 4% for physical therapy. People in this study who lived in low-income or Spanish-speaking neighborhoods had more service delays than people who live elsewhere.


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St. Kitts/Nevis Federation Hopeful About Autism Early Intervention Center

Feb 8, 2012

The Ministry of Education on St. Kitts, with UNESCO funding, held an autism training workshop. For two days, preschool teachers, special education professionals, day care supervisors, and nurses learned about recognizing early signs of autism in children. The Principal at the Special Education Unit on Nevis, Mrs. Violet Clarke, hopes this education results in an early intervention center. “The centre will be set up as a demonstration environment to provide training for parents, nurses, preschool providers and teachers. Children will have the opportunity to be screened and receive intervention programmes designed by a multi professional team,” she explained. The focus therapies for the children will be speech and occupational therapies in order to best increase social and communication skills. Clarke hopes this goal will prompt different governmental and educational agencies to work together, sharing knowledge and funding.

Read original article: UNESCO Workshop on Nevis Draws Attention to Federation's Children with Autism


Florida Youngster with Asperger's Syndrome Thrives in Early Intervention Environment

Feb 5, 2012

Luke's parents noticed a difference in him from their other two children from the beginning; he was recently diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. They got involved with a state-sponsored early intervention program, Early Steps. Luke receives occupational therapy (OT), which has been key in helping decrease his sensory integration issues. Luke's mom said they are doing floortime at home that helps with social and communication skills. Dana L. Johnson, a pediatric therapist has been working with Luke, and at not-quite-2, Luke is speaking complete sentences and learning to read.

Read original article: Therapy Brings Son Out From His Autistic Shell and into the Arms of His Thankful Parents


Nigerian Woman Determined to Bring Early Intervention to Her Country’s Kids

Jan 25, 2012

Dotun Akande, the founder of Patrick Speech and Languages Center in Lagos, believes that early intervention is the best chance for children with autism in her country. Akande, mom of a child with autism, works to reach out and educate as many families as possible. She explains, “Parents too should know that having a child that has this challenge is not the end of the world. Early intervention is the key; so, all you need do is to help that child come out of that problem.” Patrick Speech offers interventions that include speech and language therapy, behavioral modification therapy, OT, social skills training, vocational training, academics, music therapy, hydrotherapy, and sensory integration.

Read original article: Early Intervention is the Key to Managing Autism Well


Differently-Abled Kids in India are Receiving Speech Therapy

Dec 30, 2011

In the Coimbatore district in India, speech therapy is just now being offered for kids with autism and other developmental delays. District differently abled welfare officer C. Jasmine explained that the children are referred from an early intervention center and are given one-on-one therapy based on their specific needs. There are diagnostic assessments; after which, therapy involves flash cards and pictures and play. The children typically receive an hour of speech therapy a week.

Read original article: Speech Therapy for Disabled at Collectorate


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Please comment on this autism topic.

Responding to insurance

Sep 13, 2011 by Anonymous

I live in North Carolina.  My daughter was diagnosed with autism and in the hopes of getting the best treatment and intervention available, she is being left behind. Her insurance, medicaid, pays for very little of her early intervention services.  And to add to our disappointment, medicaid does not pay for ABA services.  


Responding to picture exchange communication system (PECS)

May 20, 2011 by Anonymous

My daughter who has ASD was taught using the PECS SYSTEM at her school and I also used the same method at home using my homemade pictures to communicate with my daughter when she was about 4 rs old. She's now thirteen and I can't get her to stop talking. I thought my daughter would never talk again. I think the PECS SYSTEM should be used for Early Intervention for children with delayed speech with Autism.

Ms Trauma F Newell


Responding to picture exchange communication system (PECS)

May 20, 2011 by Anonymous

My daughter who has ASD was taught using the PECS SYSTEM at her school and I also used the same method at home using my homemade pictures to communicate with my daughter when she was about 4 rs old. She's now thirteen and I can't get her to stop talking. I thought my daughter would never talk again. I think the PECS SYSTEM should be used for Early Intervention for children with delayed speech with Autism.

Ms Trauma F Newell


Alternative therapy and medicine

Jan 5, 2011 by Anonymous

 


 It is even more important to "do no harm" when it comes to medicine because it often does more harm than alternative therapies. I am an RN who works in early intervention. Do whatever it takes to help your child, but be extremely careful with medicine. The side effects are often worse than the condition.


Showing 1-4 of 19 results

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