AAP Studies Early Autism Intervention Procedures – The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released some encouraging news regarding studies on Early Intervention for children on the Autism Spectrum.
Their studies are showing what many of us have already known – that early intervention with a child on the Autism spectrum can greatly aid an Autistic child’s performance in speech, fine-motor skills and other ASD-related symptoms.
While the news is encouraging, the American Academy of Pediatrics is stopping short of recommendations for specific programs related to early Autism intervention practices. I don’t fault the AAP at all for this. Most of us are ecstatic that studies are even being done regarding early childhood intervention for ASD children. As long as we are told a child can’t be properly diagnosed (as I was told) until a certain age, it will remain difficult for an organization to step up and begin concrete recommendations as to “what to do” in terms of early childhood intervention. This won’t stop believers, like me, or any of the many supporters of our Autism Diary from continuing on our own paths toward early intervention. Even if that means a missing diagnosis of Autism, Aspberger’s Syndrome or any other affliction on the ASD Spectrum. The “Spectrum” is so wide and so hard to label that no one seemingly wants to break the ice with an “official” recommendation.
Here is the official statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):
The study, “A Systematic Review of Early Intensive Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorders,” examined 34 studies of early intensive behavioral and developmental interventions for young children with ASDs. Gains were seen in studies of intensive interventions emphasizing both specific behavioral (e.g., UCLA/Lovaas approach) and developmental principles (e.g., the Early Start Denver Model). Such interventions resulted in improved cognitive performance, language skills and adaptive behavior skills in some young children with ASDs. However, few research studies were rated of good quality and the existing evidence did not provide strong evidence in favor of any single early intervention approach. Study authors conclude these early intensive intervention approaches have significant potential but need further research to determine which interventions are most likely to benefit specific children.
Once again, I’m thrilled that these studies are being done on Early Intervention and Autism Disorders. I hope that more experts come forth and concrete conclusions and recommendations can be identified and distributed to health workers on a local level. Until then, it’s back to early childhood intervention for ASD sufferers being up to moms and schools.
