Understanding Basics: Autism 101

This course is an introduction to what is autism, developmental milestones parents can watch for, what does the diagnosis process looks like, and effective intervention for children for autism.

Between navigating the system and seeking help for their newly diagnosed child with autism, many parents don’t get a chance to understand what autism is and what are some of the interventions that are required for their child. This course can also be used as a guide for parents whose children have been recently diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. No matter the dilemma, in the end there's only one thing to do: Get up and keep going. This is even more true when you have a child who needs intervention, and soon. Please keep in mind, as you take on this task, that you cannot possibly learn everything all at once. Take your time and recognize that there are many varied opinions about what causes ASD and how to treat them.

Parents of children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are told that early intervention is crucial. Their next question naturally is: "What kind of intervention?" Intervention varies widely, however, the most effective treatment option is behavior therapy. The reason for this is that there is a great deal of solid evidence that early intensive behavioral intervention is effective for children with ASD.

Labels such as mild, moderate or severe ASD do not always tell us all that much about any one person's functioning. It is not even so simple a thing as deciding where someone falls “on the spectrum,” because each individual is differently abled in different areas. One person may have a lower IQ, but fewer sensory issues and less obsessiveness, for example, while another may have a higher IQ, but severe sensory issues and major fixations on rituals or special topics. Which one, then, is “higher” functioning? Which one is “lower”?

What is important, above all, is to see each person with autism spectrum disorder as an individual first. Each person has their specific set of strengths and weaknesses, and beyond that mere tally of ability, their own personality, spirit, and will. Honoring that must always come first.