Working with children on the autism spectrum is one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional life. When a child makes a meaningful connection by pointing, using a gesture, making eye contact, a smile, a word, he/she enters a circle of social interaction with another person. Children on the autism spectrum are affected in different degrees of severity by this disorder. However, they all have difficulties with social interaction, language development, and tend to have repetitive and ritualistic behaviors. Autism can be a true barrier to normal speech, language, cognitive, and social/emotional development, but early intensive intervention can improve children’s ability to learn from their environment .
Throughout April, I will be posting information about early signs of autism, what parents can do to help their child’s communication, resources available to families, and different approaches to treatment of children with autism. Stay tuned!