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Autism Support for Toddlers

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kolim
Autism Support for Toddlers

These days, more and more children under 5 are being diagnosed with autism. Part of the reason for this is that parents, teachers and other childcare professionals are more aware of early signs of autism. Another reason is that there is more availability of evaluation and support resources for young children with ASD. If you have a young child that is exhibiting signs of autism, here are some steps you can take to support them.


Early Diagnosis


Autism is a broad diagnosis with a wide spectrum of behaviors, challenges, and skillsets that vary from child to child. What’s more, at such a young age, it can be difficult to know if a certain behavior is a sign of autism or is simply a developmental stage for that age group. The best way to get your child the support they need is through assessment and consultation. These can be with a Certified Behavior Analyst Specialist or some other autism professional. Through a series of observational and assessment-based sessions, these experts can help you decide if your child would benefit from additional support.


ABA Therapy


One of the most popular forms of autism support is ABA therapy. Also known as Applied Behavior Analysis, this therapy uses positive reinforcement to encourage certain behaviors, teach independence and improve social skills. It is a highly flexible and adaptable support resource, making it perfect for young children. This type of therapy is also popular due to its ability to be applied in a variety of settings, including home, school, and other real-world situations.


Parent & Caregiver Training


There is no training manual for parenthood, but it doesn’t hurt to get a few lessons if they are available. When you are the caregiver of a child with autism, the more tools in your toolkit, the better. Caregiver training classes are a great way to support your child through their entire journey. These classes cover ABA therapy techniques as well as social interaction, observation and more.


Social Skills Groups


Play is an integral part of learning for every child. A social skills group that focuses on developing these critical behaviors for children with autism should not be overlooked. This type of support can encourage play behaviors such as turn-taking and sharing, develop problem solving skills and help them adapt to unpredictable situations. These groups are also a great place for your child to make friends.


How to Find ABA Therapy for Toddlers


The best way to find support for your child is by searching online. Be sure to utilize specific search terms to get the results you are looking for. For instance, if you live in Seattle, you can search, “ABA for toddlers Seattle,” or “ABA for autism Seattle,” to get started. If you want access to a specific type of ABA therapy, you can search for “ABA therapy at home Seattle,” or “in-school ABA for toddlers Seattle.” By limiting your searches from the beginning, you should be able to find in-school or clinic-based ABA therapy or ABA therapy at home Seattle families recommend. Be sure when making your short list that the ABA therapy service you find offers the support services listed above for your child’s age group. 

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