Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1) What is ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and how does it impact children within our community?

 

ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects various domain skills in communication, social interactions, behavioral and cognitive abilities.  It varies in severity and presentation of symptoms for each child.  The impact of ASD on children in our community goes beyond their immediate families as it impacts their educational experiences and participation in community activities.

 

2) How can early intervention change the lives of children diagnosed with ASD?

 

Early intervention can have a profound impact on the lives of children diagnosed with ASD as it treats the symptoms by focusing on prompting developmental milestones in areas of communication, social skills, behaviors, and cognitive development.  By addressing these areas at an early age, children with ASD can bridge learning gaps and significantly improve their baseline for developmental trajectory.

 

3) What is ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy and how do other therapeutic treatments complement it?

 

ABA therapy is an evidence-based therapeutic approach focusing on the science of learning and behaviors.  ABA systematically teaches new skills by analyzing behavior and modifying the environment and responses (i.e. - positive reinforcement).  The combination of ABA therapy with occupational therapy, and speech & language therapy helps children with ASD maximize skills development in communication, social-emotional, cognitive, and daily living.