While the exact causes of autism disorders are still unknown, we do know it’s a neurobiological disorder that affects people throughout their lives, to varying degrees.
There is not a cure that completely eliminates such disorders, but timely and effective autism treatments can greatly reduce the effects. It appears that autism is a genetic disorder with neuropathology that indicates abnormalities in numerous areas of the brain.
The delays in social development could be caused by differences in certain areas of the brain like the amygdala because it’s important with regard to emotional stimuli and social interaction, like detecting which way a person is looking.
Long-term memory could be affected because of differences within the hippocampus.
Also, problems with regulating sensory input could be due to differences in the cerebellum. Even though causes are uncertain and vary from child to child, ABA treatment for autism has been found to be effective because it addresses the set of resultant autistic behaviors and works independently of any causes — known or unknown.
Publicized Cures and Treatments for Autism
As the rate of autism continues to rise, so does the number of treatments promoted to help. Some are legitimate, while others simply seek to gain from a growing “market” filled with caring parents looking for ways to help their children. If a program or product claims to cure autism, be particularly cautious. We do not yet know for certain what causes autism, and so far there is no permanent cure. Fortunately, a few autism treatments can help children with autism learn to function well in society.
Just because an article is published somewhere claiming to have found some new miracle cure for autism, that doesn’t mean it’s true. Effective autism treatments must stand the test of time. Lovaas ABA Treatment for Autism does so, along with other legitimate ABA treatments. We are far more concerned about protecting children from harmful treatments and helping them find effective ones than we are about gaining new clients. Our commitment is to the children, above all else.
ABA treatment for Autism
Studies have shown that ABA is effective in teaching new skills and reducing problem behavior (Goldstein, 2002; Odom et al., 2003; McConnell, 2002; Horner et al., 2002). Other studies have found that intensive ABA implemented more than 20 hours per week and begun early in life, prior to the age of 4, produces large gains in development and reduces the need for special services (Smith, 1999).
ABA is recommended by the Association for Science in Autism (ASAT) which states:“Because ABA currently has substantially more scientific support than any other behavioral or educational intervention for children with ASD, ASAT recommends that families and professionals strongly consider implementing ABA and be cautious about other approaches. ASAT further recommends that professionals describe other behavioral and educational interventions as untested and encourage families who are considering these interventions to evaluate them carefully.” (asatonline.org/intervention/recommendations.htm)
The United States Surgeon General states “Thirty years of research demonstrated the efficacy of applied behavioral methods in reducing inappropriate behavior and in increasing communication, learning and appropriate social behavior.”