Almost one in every 36 eight-year-old children is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and a recent study found that autism rates tripled among children in the New York and New Jersey metropolitan area from 2000 to 2016. In an effort to answer why autism cases are on the rise, researchers have found genetics, environmental factors, advancements in early diagnostic testing and an increased understanding of ASD are all contributing factors.
Here we’ll explore how early testing and intervention have been instrumental in helping children with ASD have better long-term health outcomes.
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Advocating for early intervention
The first three years of a child’s life is a critical period for developing language and social skills. It’s also when children start to show signs of autism, such as avoiding eye contact and being unresponsive to their name. Through early intervention, parents and caregivers, with the help of professionals, can begin therapies and incorporate strategies into a child’s everyday routine to strengthen the foundational skills they’ll continue to build on throughout their lives. In fact, a study suggests that treating neurodevelopmental disorders in the early stages of brain development is more effective at this time.
Through early intervention, children with ASD can improve:
- Social-emotional skills. From regulating emotions to making eye contact, these skills don’t usually come naturally to children with ASD. Learning these skills can help them function in everyday life situations.
- Social skills. Making friends and nurturing relationships is often difficult for ASD children. Working on social skills at an early age can help them form strong, lasting friendships and bonds with their family members and peers.
- Speech, language and communication skills. Many children with ASD have speech and language delays, however, a speech therapist can help address these concerns as part of early intervention services to give children with ASD the best possible support.
When should ASD screening occur?
Children may exhibit signs of ASD as early as six months, but signs are commonly most prominent between 12 and 18 months. The guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend routine ASD screenings for children at 18 months, and again at 24 months. However, parents and caregivers are encouraged to report any developmental delays to their children’s pediatricians at any age to help reach a diagnosis and begin therapies as early as possible.
How can health care benefits help aid early intervention?
Regular well-visits with your child’s pediatrician providing routine ASD screenings are just one way health benefits can work toward early detection and intervention. Additionally, Point32Health companies Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan recently partnered with autism care provider Cortica to expand access to early detection and intervention therapies. Partners like Cortica follow an integrated care model, including applied behavioral analysis, developmental therapy and family support. This gives ASD patients and their families comprehensive, easy and convenient access to earlier diagnosis, treatment and the support they need.
The sooner a child with ASD can start therapy, the more likely they are to make progress on important foundational skills that they’ll build upon into adulthood. With help from health care companies like Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Cortica, families, caregivers and those with ASD have the guidance and support system for the best possible health outcomes.
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