Can autism be treated in children if caught early?

Can autism be treated in children if caught early? | @healthbiztips

 

Early intervention strategies for autism

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan | Psychology blog

With early intervention as soon as a diagnosis of autism is made in a child, positive results such as improved IQ, better language grasp, and social skill can be achieved.

Do note that there is no cure for autism and those who have it live with it throughout their lives, although there are early interventions that can be done to help them.

Furthermore, autism can manifest in children to varying degrees. For example, one child may have marked impairment in certain areas prompting assistance from caregivers while another may be able to function with minor assistance.

Autism can already be detected in children in as early as 18 months of age. Since a young mind is more moldable compared to those of adults, early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for a better outcome on the child's mental development.

There is no laboratory test to confirm a diagnosis of autism. Pediatricians test a child's mental development by assessment of developmental milestones, behavior, interpersonal skills through the aid of the child’s guardian. If further evaluation is warranted, the child may be referred to a psychologist.

According to the NHS of the United Kingdom, autism is not a disease nor a medical condition, rather, it means that an autistic person's brain works differently from a normal person's brain. However, whether or not autism is indeed an illness is a highly debated topic.

Resources:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/what-is-autism/