Autism Therapy Assessment - What to Expect

It is now possible for autistic people to live happy, fulfilling lives. A autism therapy assessment provides an opportunity for this. The thought of it is exciting. It is also frightening.

As a parent, the fear of what tomorrow holds can be overwhelming. You want to do everything possible to give your child the best possible start in life. Unfortunately, if you are still unsure as to whether or not you have a child with autism, you may feel like giving up. However, a thorough autism therapy assessment can help you discover that the fears you have are unfounded. In the long run, it could mean the difference between a normal, fulfilling life and one full of suffering for your child.

Every child experiences a different set of symptoms:

While you and your doctor may come up with a list of things that appear to be typical, there are many differences between children on the autistic spectrum. An Autism Treatment team can help you discover the differences in the behaviors of your child and how they are interacting with their peers.

When children with autism are diagnosed, parents often feel a sense of relief. They may wonder how they will ever function without knowing how to communicate with their peers. A thorough assessment can help answer those questions for you.

Autism therapy assessments can also help you determine which type of treatment is right for your child. There are two main types. Some doctors use a method called Structured Therapy. This group uses a variety of techniques to help the child learn to interact with others and to overcome various problems.

Other autism therapists choose a Holistic approach:

This approach doesn't attempt to teach the child skills or tackle behavioral issues. Instead, the focus of the Holistic approach is on finding the cause of the disorder and working with the individual to help them regain control. As the parent of an autistic child, your job during an Autism Therapy Assessment is to let the therapist know what your child is trying to accomplish. If you feel there is a connection, the therapist may use methods that are specifically designed to help the child learn how to function within their environment.

You may also be asked about your home life during an Autism Therapy Assessment:

This can tell the doctor if your child is able to function in the same environment as other children. If the child is able to adjust, the therapist will make adjustments in the home so the child is integrated within the family. If the child cannot adjust, the doctor may decide to remove the child from the family. It all depends on the needs of the child and what may be the most effective way for the autism sufferer to learn to live with and function without their illness.

In addition to the above, your doctor may ask you about your history of health care, if you have had any special health care, if there are any nutritional concerns, if you have had or are having any seizures or other problems, if there is a history of drug abuse and any other questions that may be related to your child's health and any other questions that may be of concern to him or her. This is used in conjunction with a battery of other tests to get a complete picture of your child's health. This test is often done in the office, but it can also be done at the clinic or even in your home if you prefer to do it that way. You may be asked to come back at another time, or you may be asked not to return at all.