Autism is a well-known spectrum disorder that affects the nervous system. The condition impairs one’s ability to communicate and interact with others. But that does not mean that people with autism cannot comprehend or formulate ideas.
Some of the world’s most brilliant minds are autistic; people, such as Charles Darwin, Albert Einstein, and Bill Gates, to name a few.
An early autism diagnosis can prevent further regression and increase the likeliness of radical physical and cognitive development. This is why all parents are encouraged not to hesitate to test their children for autism out of fear of misdiagnosis.
Here are four key benefits of early autism diagnosis.
1. Brain Plasticity: Brain or neuroplasticity is the ability to change neural networks in the brain through growth and reorganization. In detail, that means changing the brain’s response to intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli by reworking the neutral structure, functions, and connections.
When one is diagnosed with autism, intervention can make the most significant impact in the early stages of the diagnosis. This is why early diagnosis of autism in children is highly crucial.
You can use the free autism screening tool available online as a diagnostic tool. However, you are encouraged to seek professional medical advice if you believe that your child may be autistic. This is because early diagnosis allows for early intensive applied behavior analytic interventions.
2. Early Interventions: Early intensive Applied Behavior Analytic (ABA) interventions are a series of techniques used to restructure and develop young children who have been diagnosed with autism.
The approach is usually delivered on a one-to-one basis for at least 20-50 hours per week. This process should be done for a period of 1-2 years after diagnosis.
Research findings suggest that early intervention may increase a child’s social and life skills and cognitive ability (IQ).
3. Neurodiversity Awareness: Neurodiversity is a concept that dictates that people experience and interact with the world around them in various ways, meaning that no one way is the right way. There is no right way to learn, speak, or behave. Most importantly, the variances should not be considered deficiencies.
Early autism diagnosis opens up the conversation of neurodiversity and brings awareness to it. As we have seen, the great minds of Albert Einstein and Charles Darwin were able to revolutionize our modern-day lives because they thought and did things differently.
4. Other Types Of Therapy: Early diagnosis allows you to try many types of therapy for autism. In addition to the professional service of ADA interventions, parents can use different engagement mediums to enhance their children’s cognitive development.
Engagement can be interacting in social activities like making art, music, or occupational therapy. Some research has shown that sensory stimulation for interacting with animals, such as dogs, has opened up new opportunities to learn about communication and behavior.
There are more benefits to an early autism diagnosis. The four mentioned above are just scratching the surface. Parents are encouraged to seek professional advice on the different methods and approaches they can use to help their children.
