According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ASD can affect 1 out of 36 children. Though ASD is not deadly, the occurring health condition can be alarming. Thus, the Malaysian government finds a way to deal with this health condition. It should be addressed as early as possible, which made them come up with the idea to build establishments and p[programs that support individuals with ASD.
Early diagnosis for ASD helps children receive speech delay treatment and an early intervention program malaysia approach. The programs help develop individual skills and sensory experience of autism. It especially addresses their behaviors, correcting negative to positive behavior gradually.
The benefits of early intervention for autism
An early intervention for autism creates a significant difference in the child’s life with positive outcomes, than starting later in adulthood. Applied Behavior Analysis therapy is an effective therapy that helps children with ASD.
ABA therapy is a specialized therapy starting before 3 years old for children with autism. The therapy addresses development delays in various areas, such as:
- communication
- social interaction
- behavior
The interventions used in ABA therapy are:
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- occupational therapy
The goal of both interventions is to maximize the development potential and enhance the quality of life.
Speech delay treatment
Speech delay treatment is an early intervention that addresses difficulties in:
- speech sound production
- language comprehension
There are techniques used in speech delay treatment because every autistic child has different needs and abilities. Thus, the therapy is considered an individualized solution.
Children with autism usually have the symptoms of speech delay that make them difficult to communicate. Speech therapy is an effective approach to support autism in communicating more effectively. Speech therapy focuses on different speech areas, such as:
- speech sound production
- speech fluency
- language development
Speech therapy is the right approach to use when the child has an articulation disorder because it focuses on speech sound production.
Conclusion
Early intervention programs for individuals with ASD do not only help them in their development. It can also change their quality of life greatly because they will learn things like how people without ASD do. An early intervention program for autism focuses on helping these individuals with their unique needs. The program helps children develop their essential skills in behavior regulation and social interaction, leading to improved quality of life.
Individuals with autism become better with their academic performance with an early intervention program.