Thursday, March 1, 2012

How Autism Behavioral Consultants Help Children

By Carmela Burgess


A significant number of children are diagnosed as autistic every year, many of them before they turn three years old. The defining characteristics of this developmental disability are impaired communication skills and lack of social interaction. A comprehensive treatment plan with autism behavioral consultants should begin as quickly as possible.

Typically, the child will experience verbal and social delays. Most children are talking by the age of two and this is considered a developmental milestone. An autistic child may not begin to talk until much later and only after intensive intervention. Even a normal play date with their peers can be impossible for a child with autism.

A Behavioral consultant is trained in the scientifically based treatment program known as applied behavior analysis. This treatment method is based on careful observations of behavior. Undesirable behaviors are identified and the program aims to replace them with more socially acceptable ones.

The entire family is trained in how to correctly work with the treatment plan. The consultant spends many hours putting together a highly specialized program and it can only work effectively if everyone around the child understands how it works. Applied behavior analysis is very methodical and requires complete cooperation by all caregivers.

Parents receive full training in how to effectively implement the behavior plan. With a very intensive program in place, behavioral changes can be seen fairly quickly. Parents must also be willing to keep very detailed records about their child's behavior. These records are essential to track progress and report back to the consultant.

A behavior specialist for autistic children can also help train a classroom aide. This can be vital to the success of the child in school. The aide is also responsible for working with the behavior plan and assisting the child in typical social and play situations.

Autism behavioral consultants can chose from many rewarding careers. Their dedicated work produces a real change in the lives of autistic children and their families. From the earliest days of diagnosis, through the school years and beyond, their work is vital in helping children reach their full potential. autism behavioral consultants




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