Severe autism reversed Early intervention begins with the crucial step of early diagnosis and intervention, as outlined in the autism treatment evaluation checklist. Many autistic children experience developmental regression, losing skills between 18 and 24 months, with an average age of 20–22 months. However, therapies such as occupational, behavioral, and sensory integration can significantly help. Additionally, incorporating omega-3, multivitamins, and dietary changes can support their progress. With hard work and a strong support system, children can improve and manage severe autism. Here are four steps one family took to help heal their loved one after facing daily challenges.
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There are some articles in the news today about research that claims autism can be ‘reversed’.
— National Autistic Society (@Autism) July 21, 2024
This is deeply insulting to the more than 700,000 autistic people in the UK. We are completely baffled why this has even been published by UK papers. This is a case study of a single… pic.twitter.com/ztmqv7ugad
Autism cannot be cured or reversed. Imagine seeing headlines that a core part of your identity could be reversed. Language like this sets us back and just goes to show how far we still have to go to build a society that works for autistic people.
4 Life-Changing Steps to Severe Autism Reversed
Early Intervention and Diagnosis
Children speak or walk late
We’ve noticed that our child is behind in development, especially in speaking and learning, compared to other children of the same age. Our elders and relatives tell us not to worry, sharing stories like “your father also spoke late,” which makes us feel better. But this can stop us from taking action. It’s important to get help early for our child’s development and to consider the environmental and lifestyle factors that may impact their progress.
Enroll your child in School.
Early intervention doesn’t mean you have to enroll your child in school right away. Children don’t always develop at the same pace. For instance, one of your children might have spoken and walked early, while another might take longer. If your child is having difficulty, they need extra care and attention. Ignoring these differences and treating all children the same can do more harm than good.
Developmental Pediatrician
It’s important to get your child into an early intervention program as soon as possible. You can start by having them assessed by a developmental pediatrician, who specializes in children’s growth. They will check your child’s physical, mental, and language development and give you a plan to follow, including home exercises. Sometimes, children are referred to special centers or therapy programs like speech or occupational therapy. Following the plan will help your child’s brain develop faster.
Personalized Therapy Methods
Sensory Therapy
Today, let’s talk about sensory integration and sensory dysfunction. Sensory integration therapy helps kids who have trouble processing sensory information. While most of us know about five senses—touch, smell, taste, sight, and hearing—there are seven senses. The two others are proprioception, which is about body awareness, and the vestibular system, which controls movement, balance, and coordination.
For kids with sensory dysfunction, it’s like being stuck in a traffic jam—you feel frustrated and trapped. Their senses can be over- or under-stimulated, making it hard for them to process and react appropriately. Sensory integration therapy helps organize these senses so that the brain can respond correctly to the environment.
Occupational Therapy and Behavioral Therapy
In this therapist works on children’s balance and coordination, strength, fine and gross motor skills, and many other parameters, we give a list of a few toys that work on specific parameters of special kids:
Trampoline, helps with balance, coordination, and motor skills, and can also improve bone density and strength.
The Rope ladder is great for both physical and mental well-being, as it requires focus, coordination, and eye-hand coordination to climb.
The Tunnel is used for crawling, which is essential for developing both gross and fine motor skills.
Swings that help with posture, balance, vision, and eye contact. These activities also help regulate a child’s behavior. Climbing structures improve leg muscle strength, body balance, and coordination.
The Fishtank is calming for both kids and adults, as watching the fish move promotes relaxation.
Wrapping techniques use wrapping techniques to calm children by stimulating serotonin release, which helps them relax.
Fine motor activities, like matching and placing objects, strengthen finger and hand muscles while encouraging independence. Group play helps children with autism learn turn-taking, group behavior, and cooperation.
Speech Therapy
Autistic children often have difficulty communicating, and their language development is usually delayed. Therefore, a lot of focus is placed on improving their oral motor skills. This includes teaching the child activities like blowing and sucking.
In speech therapy, various tools are used, such as vibrating brushes, blowing toys, and balloons to help with tongue exercises. With regular practice, some children can develop their speech. Also Read: Speech Therapy For Autism: 10 Proven Way For Speech Development At Home
Empowering Parents to Take an Active Role
This is especially important during the initial stages when the child might not yet understand language. Many parents instinctively adopt an aggressive approach when their child behaves incorrectly, which can lead to misunderstandings and reinforce negative behaviors. Instead, parents should calmly explain the situation, especially in public, to help others understand that the child has a unique challenge. By facing the situation directly and communicating openly, parents can foster respect and support from others while effectively guiding their children.
Nutrition and GFCF diet
Generally, autistic children are advised to take omega-3 and multivitamins like B12, zinc, and fish oil, as these are found to be effective for brain memory and development. Additionally, walnuts, almonds, and dry fruits are recommended because they are rich in nutrition. A mixture of chia seeds, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds is also used.
GFCF Diet When it comes to diet, some children follow a GFCF diet, meaning gluten-free and casein-free. This diet is mostly followed by children who have more gastric problems, such as constipation, diarrhea, or picky eating habits. These diets are prepared by a professional dietitian, who also creates a health plan for the child’s nutrition.
Lastly, no parent should make any changes to their child’s diet without consulting a dietitian or developmental pediatrician. Parents following a GFCF diet for their autistic children should be cautious, as there is a risk of nutritional deficiencies, which can affect autism symptoms. Therefore, it’s essential to seek professional advice before adding anything to the child’s diet or nutrition.
Conclusion: From Challenges to Success
In conclusion, you can help your severely autistic child by following these four steps. As a parent, no one knows your child better than you, and there is no therapist more dedicated than you. Put in the effort for your child. This journey may take a lot of time, but the victory is in your hands.
The sooner a child’s autism symptoms are identified, the better. Observe them closely and put in all your efforts. Just as a drop of water can leave a mark on a stone over time, our efforts will surely bring about change in them. Our blessed children are the most wonderful; they just need some encouragement. Spend time with your child and have fun together. Gradually, they will begin to engage with you more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who carries the Autism gene Mother or Father?
Although autism can be acquired from both the mother and father, research shows that it is more likely to acquire autism from the mother but it is possible in children to acquire autism from the father as well.
When is Autism Awareness Month?
Autism Awareness Month is celebrated each year in April, specifically on April 2nd.
What is Autism?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that stays with the child throughout his life. Autism is also called autism spectrum disorder because some children become like normal children and some are delayed. Based on the spectrum autism has been divided into three categories that are mild, moderate, and severe.
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