Padres

The cause of autism or ASD is unknown. People of all races, nationalities, and socioeconomic statuses can experience autism.

Some factors make it more likely for someone to have the condition. For instance, some scientific evidence suggests that a child is more likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder if they also experience one of the following:

• Tener un hermano con TEA
• Tener padres mayores
• Padecer determinadas afecciones genéticas (por ejemplo, síndrome de Down, síndrome X frágil y síndrome de Rett).
• Tener un peso muy bajo al nacer
• Nacer prematuro, especialmente antes de las 26 semanas de gestación

La ciencia sugiere que la genética y los factores ambientales desempeñan un papel en el desarrollo del trastorno del espectro autista.

En general, el autismo no es algo que se pueda curar. Algunos de los rasgos del TEA que experimenta una persona pueden modificarse para ayudarla a mejorar su calidad de vida. Una persona con autismo puede aprender estrategias y nuevos comportamientos que le ayuden a mejorar áreas específicas de su vida. Sin embargo, una persona con autismo padecerá la enfermedad durante toda su vida.

There are treatments available to help people with autism improve their current and future quality of life. Treatments for ASD aim to support goals that are meaningful and important for the individual receiving the services.

• Children are generally screened for autism by their primary care physician.
• If autism spectrum disorder (ASD) signs are suspected, the doctor often refers the child to a specialist.
• The specialist conducts an assessment to evaluate and diagnose ASD.
  • This assessment includes:
  • Observing the child’s behaviors.
  • Engaging the child in directed activities.
  • Interviewing the child’s parents.
• The autism assessment focuses on several areas:
  • Communication and language skills.
  • Social skills.
  • Daily living skills.
  • Behavioral issues.
  • Sensory processing issues.

A veces pueden detectarse signos de autismo en niños de tan sólo un año, o incluso antes en algunos casos. Algunos niños pueden alcanzar los hitos típicos del desarrollo en el primer año de vida y luego perder habilidades que habían aprendido previamente en el segundo o tercer año de vida.

Signs of autism can be present at any age, but there are some traits of ASD that can be identified during early childhood.

Some early signs of autism that may be present specifically between 18 months and three years of age include:

• No sonreír durante las interacciones sociales con los cuidadores
• No tener una comunicación verbal de ida y vuelta (no emitir sonidos en respuesta a los sonidos que los padres emiten para el niño).
• No copiar las expresiones faciales
• No responder a su nombre
• No utilizar gestos como señalar con el dedo o saludar con la mano
• No habla (sobre todo a los 16 meses) o pierde habilidades lingüísticas

Treatment for autism should begin as soon as possible. Treatment for ASD can help reduce the challenges the individual experiences in their current and future life.

There are no known medications that address ASD directly. However, your child’s doctor may recommend medication for things such as hyperactivity, irritability, or sleep issues.

Las intervenciones conductuales son la opción de tratamiento más eficaz para las personas con TEA. Las intervenciones basadas en el comportamiento, como el análisis conductual aplicado, ayudan a la persona a desarrollar habilidades que contribuyen a mejorar sus capacidades para la vida diaria, las habilidades sociales y de comunicación y las habilidades educativas y ocupacionales. También pueden abordar conductas desafiantes que interfieren en su desarrollo, seguridad y bienestar.

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) can also include parent training or parent coaching services to help parents learn strategies that support their child’s behaviors and development.

ABA therapy, or applied behavior analysis, also known as ABA, is a treatment based on the science of behavior and learning. ABA aims to help people improve their lives by focusing on treatment goals important to their quality of life.

ABA is an evidence-based intervention for children with autism and can be an effective treatment for other concerns, such as ADHD, learning difficulties, and other challenges.

ABA therapists will help your child develop skills they can use in their everyday life to function more independently. They will use data collection and progress monitoring activities to ensure that your child is receiving quality and effective services. They will also focus on meaningful treatment goals for your child – things that are important to their ability to function at home, at school, and which set a foundation for their future.

ABA therapists will collaborate with parents to individualize services based on the child’s needs and abilities.

We work closely with each family to assess children’s needs, develop individualized treatment plans and educate parents on how they can support their child at home. In this guide, we introduce our services, how they work and how they can help your child thrive.