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Early Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Often parents are the first to notice their toddler displaying early signs of ASD. Typical red flags during the first two or three years of a child’s life are primarily the absence of behaviors, such as:
- No response to name being called
- No response to a parent’s smile or other efforts at social engagement
- No attempts to share interests or enjoyment through eye contact, social smiles, pointing, or interactive play
- No or limited verbal communication
- No pretend or spontaneous play
Changing Developmental Trajectories
Responding early and proactively to early signs of ASD can make a tremendous difference in the child’s development of social, communication, and learning abilities. The home-based ABA programming for toddlers seeks to prevent the behavioral difficulties that could result from failure to develop effective communication and social skills.
Building Social Communication and Other Skills
Following an assessment of the toddler’s abilities and needs, the behavior analyst develops a family-focused, behaviorally-based treatment plan. The plan is designed to build age appropriate skills such as joint attention, early verbal behavior, social referencing, turn-taking, play, imagination, motor imitation, self-care, and learning readiness.
Improving Adaptive Behavior
Programming is also structured to improve the toddler’s ability to comfortably handle natural transitions of the day, routine interruptions, the introduction of new activities, and the response to hearing “no” from adults. The programming is incorporated into play and the naturally occurring events and interactions of the child’s day. Parents receive training on how to carry out the treatment plan throughout family life. Their ongoing involvement serves as an essential element of this process.