Autism therapy centre, otherwise known as an autism centre is an establishment that specialises in the treatment, care, and education of children suffering autism spectrum disorder or ASD. They as well specialise in advocacy plus ongoing support for kids with ASD.
They usually offer some programs for the kids together with their families to help them in navigating the special challenges which are associated with ASD.
About Autism Therapy
The major therapy given by autism therapy centre is the notable behavioural treatment meant for kids suffering ASD. This therapy is known as applied behaviour analysis or ABA. ABA encourages certain desired behaviours and likewise discourages some undesired behaviours. This is aimed at improving a variety of skills.
Complete Meaning of Autism
Autism spectrum disorder, popularly called autism, is used to describe a variety of conditions that are characterised by challenges pertaining to social skills and repetitive behaviours. Such challenges also affect speech plus nonverbal communication.
Symptoms of Autism
Usually, the early warning signs come up before a child is three. In some children, the symptoms can be seen from 12-18 months. Hurry to the pediatrician or autism therapy centre when you notice some of these symptoms:
- Poor eye contact – young kids do lock eyes with parents and other loved ones. If a child has autism, he or she may be avoiding eye contact.
- Hand flapping or gestures that are repetitive – this may take the form of hands flapping, spinning of hand or flicking fingers. Rocking back and forth can be a red flag.
- Babbling or repeating of phrases – many children repeat themselves, but in some cases, it may be a sign of autism.
- Play alone – some kids play alone because they are just shy. In some cases, solitary play may indicate autism. This sign should be of particular warning if the kid is up to age 7. So don’t delay; take your child to the autism therapy centre for checks.
- Heightened sensitivity (sensory aversion) – autism may cause the child to have touchy senses.
- Inspecting toys instead of playing with them is another sign.
- Obsessive interests – autism makes a child become fixated, putting all attention on a particular topic.
- Unresponsive to the call of their name – at the age of 12 months, most kids look up or respond when they hear their name mentioned. A lack of response to the mention of their name is another red flag.
- Not interested in pretend play – another autism symptom is a lack of pretend skills. Such kids don’t partake in pretend play, like using objects as pretend phones.
- Doesn’t point – by 14 months, kids should start pointing out things. If a kid doesn’t point out interesting things, such as pets, that may be an autism sign.
- Loss of language – children with autism hardly speak even though they were speaking before.
- Delay in cognitive or skills of learning – slow in object recognition or learning can mean autism.
What Needs To Be Done?
Please note that one symptom or even more than one sign is not enough to conclude that a child has gotten autism. Be on the safe side; when you notice a lack of developmental skill, talk to your pediatrician or go to the autism therapy centre.
Summing Up
An autism therapy centre specialises in the treatment, care and education of children with autism. There are many symptoms of autism. The moment you observe that your child has developmental issues, don’t hesitate to take them to a pediatrician for a proper diagnosis. A stitch in time saves nine.
