Intensive Behaviour Therapy for Autistic Children with the Financial Effect on Families and Government Policy for Funding Treatment

Intensive Behaviour Therapy for Autistic Children with the Financial Effect on Families and Government Policy for Funding Treatment

Emily Snowdy

PLF4M

Monday, December 19th, 2017

Intensive Behaviour Therapy for Autistic Children with the Financial Effect on Families and Government Policy for Funding Treatment

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), commonly referred to as simply Autism is a developmental disability which affects a child’s ability to effectively communicate and interact with other people. Autism is defined by a specific set of behaviours known to those affected by the developmental disability and is categorized as a Spectrum Disorder as it affects each individual diagnosed with Autism differently and to differing levels of severity.

Children can begin to show signs of Autistic behaviours as little as 12-18 months of age, with many children further being diagnosed with the developmental disability around 3-5 years of age. About 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, with the rate of those diagnosed with the developmental disability increasing steadily. The prevalence of those diagnosed has increased to a rate of over 100 % in the past ten years. In Canada, Autism is the most commonly diagnosed neurological disorder. Unfortunately, for those diagnosed with Autism, there is no cure. However, with early diagnosis and treatment, it can significantly improve the outcome of the individual’s life with Autism.

The treatment of a child with Autism not only affects the child themselves, but it affects the family of the child with Autism and the team of professionals to help treat the Autism. Each treatment plan developed for a child is unique to the child themselves, as no two cases of Autism are the same as one another. The treatment for the child can be based out of their home with professional specialists and trained therapists, where they may provide additional training for a parent or guardian to serve as a therapist for the child under the supervision of a professional, as well as the programs recommended as per part of the treatment plan can be based out of a specialized centre or classroom. Many treatment plans for children with Autism have a combination of these styles of treatments and therapies. Some treatment specific classes and therapies children can receive treatment from are speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, psychiatrist/psychologist sessions and social skills classes.

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is a method of treatment used to help treat those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The main concept of ABA focuses on the principles that explain how learning takes place in those with Autism. It uses certain principles and techniques to teach individuals positive actions and behaviours. By enforcing these positive actions and behaviours, it can allow those with Autism to be able to complete basic actions and functions. The Applied Behaviour Analysis is most effective when implemented in a child’s life early on, as well as is used in treatment at around 25-40 hours per week.