Autism in Childhood

Children with autism are faced with many challenges. They are also faced with very busy schedules. Autistic children will hopefully have early intervention treatment that requires a treatment plan designed specifically for the child's individual needs.

Structure and routine are very important to autistic children and transitions can be very stressful. Behavior therapy and the structured environment provided in treatments for autism as well as in school will help the child navigate through his daily routine.

The treatment plan is developed by professionals in collaboration with the child's parents. The plan serves as a fundamental guide for the specific interventions that will be used to treat the disorder.

Some autistic children will have up to 40 hours of therapy each week. School-aged children may still have about 20 hours each week in addition to their regular classroom schedules. Therapies and interventions include speech and occupational therapy, sensory integration, Applied Behavior Analysis and complimentary approaches to the treatment of autism in childhood.