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What is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a range of neurological disorders that most markedly involve some degree of difficulty with communication and interpersonal relationships, as well as obsessions and repetitive behaviors. Symptoms of ASD range in severity from the complete lack of or minimal development of language, repeated or "sterotypic behaviors" such as hand flapping, and minimal or inappropriate social interaction skills (classical autism) to some minor speech impediments and difficulty navigating social situations (Asperger's Syndrome) and many permutations in between. Other ASDs include Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (usually referred to as PDD-NOS). Experts estimate that three to six children out of every 1,000 will have autism. Males are four times more likely to have autism than females. Individuals with Autism and other ASDs require sound and scientifically based intervention from Board Certified Behavior Analysts, usually from an early age, in order to improve the prognosis for these debilitating conditions.
How is it treated?
Over that past 30 years the treatment of Autism has come a long way: from the "Take Him Home and Love Him," mentality to rigorous, scientifically based treatment methodologies through applied behavior analysis. Behavior Analytic interventions are based on the science of human behavior. At I-CAN, inc., our behavior analysts use a combination of discrete trail training, play based natural environment training, the verbal behavior approach to language, precision teaching, and other cutting edge research validated practices that are commonly accepted in the treatment of Autism. Individuals are assessed using the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills - Revised edition (ABLLS-R) and families are provided with a functional assessment completed by the behavior analyst. These tools provide an objective look at the individual's abilities prior to the behavioral intervention and provide benchmarks that demonstrate the individual's progress over time. |
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