World Autism Awareness Day is fast approaching on Sunday, April 2nd, and you may have already seen . This is the ninth annual celebration of the event, with many events held across the globe. These events may raise funding for autism research or create awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). One of the (non-profit) organizations that is most active in raising awareness of autism is Autism Speaks, so they play a significant role in World Autism Awareness Day. They host events and (fundraising) walks throughout the country to increase awareness of autism.
According to statistics from the CDC (Center for Disease Control), approximately one in 68 children have autism, so it is important that more people throughout the world understand the disorder. As we continue to learn more about the autism spectrum, there are more and more resources available for children with autism, including ABA therapy and therapeutic preschool programs with the help of World Autism Awareness Day.
What is a therapeutic preschool program?
Typical preschool programs are designed with children who are typically developing in mind. However, a therapeutic preschool program is designed to provide additional support for key developmental skills, such as speech and language, behavior, social skills, motor skills, and more. A therapeutic program can be extremely beneficial for children who have autism, as they have the opportunity to build these skills in a group setting. Therapeutic preschool programs are also able to create individualized treatment for children, in order to celebrate the unique learning style of each child.
What is ABA therapy?
ABA (applied behavior analysis) therapy is a widely used method of intervention for children on the autism spectrum. Throughout the course of ABA therapy, the ABA therapist will work with the child to build positive behaviors and resolve any behaviors that are problematic. The ABA therapist will reinforce positive behaviors during sessions, in order to encourage these behaviors.
Who provides ABA therapy?
ABA therapy can be provided by certified professionals, including RBTs (Registered Behavior Technicians), BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analysts), or BCaBAs (Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts). These professionals might provide services with a child in a school setting, at a hospital or clinic, or in the child’s home.
Who can diagnose autism?
If a parent believes that their child may have autism, they may request a diagnosis from a behavioral pediatrician, clinical psychologist, or neurologist. These professionals are trained to provide an evaluation for autism, as there is not a specific medical test that can determine whether a child is on the spectrum.
At CST Academy, we appreciate the unique learning style of each of our children and adapt our practices to meet the individual needs of each child. We offer a range of services for children who are on the autism spectrum in our therapeutic preschool program, including ABA therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and feeding therapy. If you think your child could be a good fit in our program, contact us at 773-620-7800 to learn more and request more information!
