Introduction
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disability characterized by social interaction issues, restriction of interests, and repetitive behaviors. According to recent studies, the disorder prevalently manifests among children: approximately 2% of children acquire ASD in the United States (Shaw et al., 2020). Therefore, earlier identification of the disorder may have potential benefits, leading to early intervention. The subsequent usage of the applied behavior analysis (ABA) and the correlated techniques can be efficient for the ASD-attributed delays. However, the patient’s condition is not the only problem that comes with the disorder: it may also significantly affect family members, especially if they are involved in the caregiving and treatment. ASD affects not only its primary target but also their family members, and all victims of the disorder may significantly benefit from its early identification, applied behavior analysis, behavioral programs, and community sources.
Early Identification and Community References
As mentioned previously, ASD primarily manifests in children of early age, mainly in infancy. According to Shaw et al. (2020), every 64th child in the United States acquires ASD at the age of 4, and 84% of them usually have their first evaluation at the age of less than 3. The primary benefits of early identification of the disorder include earlier diagnoses, evidence-based interventions, and, most importantly, improved developmental outcomes. Many comprehensive evaluations that contribute to the early identification of ASD come from community sources, such as general pediatric healthcare facilities, special education programs, and community professionals (Shaw et al., 2020). Thus, early identification of ASD is a critical aspect of the disorder’s treatment that the community can positively influence.
Applied Behavior Analysis and Behavioral Programs
Another beneficial method involved in the treatment of autism is called applied behavior analysis, or ABA, which is usually implemented with the help of assistive technologies. ABA presents an evidence-based, scientifically supported treatment for the behaviors related to ASD (Alves et al., 2020). ABA consists of different dimensions, which can significantly improve the subject’s condition. For instance, the analytical dimension involves obtaining a guarantee that the proposed intervention will change a patient’s behavior, and the technological dimension provides a clear description of the procedure for therapists (Alves et al., 2020). The procedure mainly involves naturalist behavioral programs intended to improve attention, social behavior, communication, and other skills.
Family Involvement
Nevertheless, the child who has acquired the disorder is never the only person affected by it – ASD also impacts family members and their internal relationships with each other and the child. According to Estes et al. (2019), family members “play a central role in addressing the needs of young children with ASD, including implementing and supporting early intervention.” (p. 1). That role primarily concerns parents as they are the child’s primary caregivers, making them directly experience all the impacts of the disorder and clinical interventions. Parents usually form a family-professional partnership, interacting with healthcare providers and teachers involved in the educational systems for the children with ASD.
Conclusion
Overall, ASD affects many people aside from its primary target, emphasizing the significance of early identification, applied behavior analysis and behavioral programs, and assistance from community sources. Autism is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder that can have many negative consequences if not identified and treated in time, which is why the involvement of family, teachers, and the community may be an essential factor. Although there are much scientific evidence and well-supported treatment methods, further research on ASD should be promoted to help people deal with the disorder as efficiently as possible.
References
Alves, F. J., De Carvalho, E. A., Aguilar, J., De Brito, L. L., & Bastos, G. S. (2020). Applied behavior analysis for the treatment of autism: A systematic review of assistive technologies. IEEE Access, 8, 118664-118672.
Estes, A., Swain, D. M., & MacDuffie, K. E. (2019). The effects of early autism intervention on parents and family adaptive functioning. Pediatric Medicine, 2(21), 1-14.
Shaw, K. A., Maenner, M. J., & Baio, J. (2020). Early identification of autism spectrum disorder among children aged 4 years – Early autism and developmental disabilities monitoring network. MMWR Surveillance Summaries, 69(3), 1-11.