AUsome Moms does not promote one kind of therapy over another. There is no one size fits all solution. We support all moms in any efforts they choose to provide what is best for their child.
But we do have an incredible database of resources recommended by moms in our community to help you along the way! Whether you need a doctor for a diagnosis, a list of therapy providers, an advocate, a hair stylist that specializes with individuals on the spectrum, a place list of places to go to apply for grants, legal services and so much more - we have it for you! Click below to visit our database of incredible services!
Other Helpful Links:
The National Autism Association is committed to those with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who may be prone to wandering off or eloping from a safe environment. Please click the button below to get info on how to get your Big Red Safety Box:
What is Autism
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 31 children and 1 in 45 adults in the United States today.
Because Autism is a spectrum disorder, it can range from very mild to very severe and occur in all ethnic, socioeconomic and age groups. Males are four times more likely to have autism than females. Some children with autism appear normal before age 1 or 2 and then suddenly “regress” and lose language or social skills they had previously gained. This is called the regressive type of autism.
Signs of Autism
Because Autism is a spectrum disorder, it can range from very mild to very severe and occur in all ethnic, socioeconomic and age groups. Males are four times more likely to have autism than females. Some children with autism appear normal before age 1 or 2 and then suddenly “regress” and lose language or social skills they had previously gained. This is called the regressive type of autism.
The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-Up (M-CHAT-R/F; Robins, Fein, & Barton, 2009) is a 2-stage parent-report screening tool to assess risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The M-CHAT-R/F is an autism screening tool designed to identify children 16 to 30 months of age who should receive a more thorough assessment for possible early signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or developmental delay.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children receive autism-specific screening at 18 and 24 months of age, in addition to broad developmental screening at 9, 18, and 24 months. The M-CHAT-R/F, one of the AAP recommended tools, can be administered at these well-child visits.
If you and your physician agree that further screening is needed, you can request a free developmental assessment through your State Department of Health.
For more information on M-CHAT-R, visit http://m-chat.org.
Source: http://m-chat.org.
Developmental screening is a short test to tell if children are learning basic skills when they should, or if they might have delays. During developmental screening the doctor might ask the parent some questions or talk and play with the child during an exam to see how she learns, speaks, behaves, and moves. A delay in any of these areas could be a sign of a problem.
All children should be screened for developmental delays and disabilities during regular well-child doctor visits at:
● 9 months
● 18 months
● 24 or 30 months
Additional screening might be needed if a child is at high risk for developmental delays due to preterm birth, low birth weight, having a sibling with ASD or if behaviors associated with ASDs are present.
If your child’s doctor does not routinely check your child with this type of developmental screening test, ask that it be done. If the doctor sees any signs of a problem, a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation is needed.
The second step of diagnosis is a comprehensive evaluation. This thorough review may include looking at the child’s behavior and development and interviewing the parents. It may also include a hearing and vision screening, genetic testing, neurological testing, and other medical testing.
In some cases, the primary care doctor might choose to refer the child and family to a specialist for further assessment and diagnosis. Specialists who can do this type of evaluation include:
Therapies
People with ASD may have major problems with both speech and nonverbal communication. They may also find it very hard to interact socially. For these reasons, speech therapy is a central part of treatment for autism. It helps children with speaking, as well as communicating and interacting with others.
Occupational therapists work as part of a team that includes parents, teachers, and other professionals. They help set specific goals for the person with autism. These goals often involve social interaction, behavior, and classroom performance.
Using individualized and structured interventions, pediatric physical therapists help children with autism learn new skills and practice them in a fun and motivating way. Physical therapy can also help children with autism develop a positive attitude toward physical activity and enjoy the benefits of exercise, such as improved mood, energy, and sleep.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a therapy based on the science of learning and behavior. ABA therapy applies our understanding of how behavior works to real situations. The goal is to increase behaviors that are helpful and decrease behaviors that are harmful or affect learning.
Floortime is a relationship-based therapy for children with autism. The intervention is called Floortime because the parent gets down on the floor with the child to play and interact with the child at their level. Therapists and parents engage children through the activities each child enjoys. They enter the child's games. They follow the child's lead.
Music therapy may help to promote wellness by managing stress, enhancing memory, and improving communication. Many studies have found that children and adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) respond well to music. Often, individuals with autism respond positively to music when little else is able to get their attention, which makes music a potential therapeutic tool.
Riding horses is fun, and even people with severe autism can do well at riding. Horses calm riders with autism, allowing them to focus, think and accept training. The desire to ride also allows us to encourage positive behaviors and gently discourage negative behaviors.
Biomedical Interventions
Exploring dietary interventions can help manage inflammatory symptoms and improve daily well-being for many individuals on the spectrum. Because every child is unique, we recommend consulting with a medical professional and exploring our curated reading list to find the nutritional path that best supports your family’s specific needs.
Research shows that many individuals with autism spectrum disorders have underlying medical issues that frequently go undiagnosed and can cause or exacerbate symptoms of autism. There are a number of physicians in the U.S. who specialize in treating children and adults with autism.
Financial Resources
Grants for individual families serve as a critical bridge between a child’s needs and a family’s ability to provide. While insurance and school services are essential, they often leave significant gaps in coverage for life-changing tools or intensive therapy hours that can cost tens of thousands of dollars annually.
Waivers let states use Medicaid funds for long-term home and community-based services for people with disabilities or special health care needs in order to help them live in the community. People who receive waiver long-term services and supports also get full Medicaid health care benefits.
Join the Texas Autism Insurance Discussion Group on Facebook. This group was created to discuss insurance- and Medicaid- related issues.
Education Resources
The guide is designed to give you, as the parent of a child who is or may be eligible for special education services, a better understanding of the special education process and of your procedural rights and responsibilities so that you will be able to fully participate in the decision-making process regarding your child’s education.
This manual is designed to help you become familiar with the requirements of IDEA and Texas law so you can act as an equal partner in planning your child’s education. You will learn, by using this manual and by working with school staff, how to plan an educational program that will lead to an independent and productive life for your child and yourself.
By bridging the communication gap between families and school districts, an advocate or attorney helps shift the dynamic from one of overwhelming frustration to one of empowered collaboration. Their guidance provides the peace of mind that comes from knowing you have a dedicated champion in your corner, ensuring your child has every tool necessary to thrive in the classroom and beyond.
Contact
kelly@ausomemoms.org
AUsome Moms
PO Box 270211
Flower Mound, Texas 75027