Since Autism Spectrum Disorder can exhibit an array of overlapping symptoms that are difficult to define, it is important to understand the symptoms. Below, we explore a range of common ASD symptoms and how ABA interventions can work in harmony with each individual to address social, behavioral, and communication needs in a highly personal way.
Social Differences & Evidence-Based ABA Strategies
ASD social symptoms can be intertwined with communication symptoms, so it’s important to differentiate the two. For example, a child with ASD may be able to express their needs clearly, but may not have a clear understanding of social cues to guide their appropriate responses.
Some social challenges children with autism experience are below:
-
- Understanding non-verbal cues such as facial expressions or gestures
-
- Demonstrating limited interest in play
-
- Showing hesitation when in crowded areas
To support individuals with social developmental needs, ABA therapy can foster social understanding and relationships in many ways. Through proven interventions like play-based learning and planned group activities, children with autism can learn how to recognize facial cues, respond to others more appropriately, and reach other milestones related to functional social interactions.
Behavioral Symptoms & Useful Learning Interventions
Like the spectrum of social differences that can come with each unique ASD diagnosis, behavioral symptoms can vary significantly from individual to individual. Many individuals with ASD exhibit behavioral differences such as:
-
- Difficulty with impulse control
-
- Repetitive actions
-
- Emotional outbursts
-
- Negative response from unfamiliar experiences
-
- Difficulty with too much sensory stimulation
Supportive ABA plans must be adequately personalized to reduce disruptive and self-harming behaviors and teach positive replacement behaviors and skills. Positive reinforcement is a cornerstone of our autism therapy in Philadelphia and throughout the Northeast. By rewarding children with autism when appropriate behavior happens, we can reinforce beneficial outcomes like sharing, kind words, and utilizing coping strategies when facing stressful experiences.
Communication Needs & Quality of Life Improvements
Our personalized ABA therapy in Edison, NJ, and our other clinics throughout the northeast can assist with everything from verbal and non-verbal communication techniques to practical communication skills like holding a conversation or using an alternative communication device to improve self-expression.
Our enriching communication support empowers our clients to share their hopes, needs and desires with the world. When children with autism gain the tools and knowledge they need to express themselves more effectively, these benefits can complement all other facets of behavior and social growth.
To promote lasting improvements in communication, our adaptable ABA therapy plans include:
-
- Play-based lessons that blend communication skills with fun and motivating activities for your child.
-
- One-on-one sessions with our ABA team or speech therapist to work on specific goals.
-
- Stimulating communication opportunities with other children and engaging staff members.
-
- Advanced learning tools range from assistive speech devices to visual communication boards to accommodate each child’s unique communication needs.
Connecting All Realms of the Spectrum Happens at Helping Hands Family
As you can see from the above examples of ASD, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to effective ASD learning and growth. Guided by compassion, experience, and evidence-based principles that align with each child, our goal is to provide a comprehensive quality of care that promotes seamless growth across the entire spectrum.
To learn more about our research-based ABA services and how we may be able to help your child achieve meaningful milestones in communication, behavior, or function, contact our team for free autism resources and recommendations today!
