Research shows that treatments focusing on changing behaviour and improving skills produce the best results for children with ASD.
These approaches address multiple problems common to ASD such as delays and differences in language, social skills, communication, cognitive functioning and play. Most interventions focus on increasing desirable behaviours and decreasing undesirable behaviours, and improving social behaviours, communication, play skills, coping skills and connection with others.
In each of these approaches, parents and carers have a central role in intervention. If your child receives intervention, you would be involved in therapy sessions to learn ways of practising skills at home with your child. Psychologists and other health professionals in your team can also work with your child’s educators to develop consistent ways of supporting learning and behaviour at home, preschool or school.
As early intervention leads to better long-term outcomes, it is important to seek help early and follow up on recommendations made by the health professionals in your team.