The Importance of Early Intervention for Children with Autism

5 tips on finding the right homecare provider
The Importance of Early Intervention for Children with Autism

The Importance of Early Intervention for Children with Autism

Every child should have the best possible chance of leading a full, happy and healthy life, especially those diagnosed with autism. Early diagnosis can lead to the best outcomes for parents and the child involved, such as improved learning and proper guidance. There are many types of methods that are used and a range of advantages that show the importance of early interventions for children with autism.

What early intervention is and the methods used

This can be described as the early diagnosis of autism and treating it with a range of services or therapies which aims to improve developmental outcomes. This is carried out with the support of professionals and caregivers through:

  • Applied Behaviour Analysis Therapy (ABA): Based on principles of behaviourism. Breaks complex skills down into smaller, manageable parts, making situations less stressful and confusing.
  • Speech Therapy: This aims to help children who struggle with communication to improve their language skills.
  • Occupational Therapy: Aims to improve a child’s motor skills and self-care skills such as using utensils and dressing themselves.
  • Special Education: Structured learning in a supportive environment such as mainstream schools, specialised schools, and through home-based programmes.

Servisource has occupational therapists, psychologists, and speech and language therapists on our roster. This means we have the right people with the right skills and knowledge not only to conduct assessments but to also build relationships with children, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and accurate assessment.

Servisource’s Autism Assessment Centre

By going through our assessment process, you can see if your child might have a autism.

This helps you to gain the following:
• Peace of mind
• Knowledge
• Advice
• Support

  • Peace of mind: Whatever the outcome, just knowing more can bring comfort.
  • Knowledge: A greater understanding of your child’s specific needs.
  • Advice: Practical advice on how to better help and support your child.
  • Support: Access to a range of ‘next step’ support and information.

There are several benefits from these methods which include:

Improved learning abilities

Autism affects the development of communication and social interaction, leading to certain characteristics in learning and adapting to new situations. By recognising autism early, this means targeted support can be provided for children. It allows them to reach an academic and social high performance by focusing on developing communication. They can then feel more secure within their learning environment, giving them the tools to interact successfully with their peers and teachers.

The impact of this extends beyond the children themselves as families can also benefit from increased education and support. It can advise families on the best methods to use for interacting with their child in relation to education and school situations. This gives children the best possible start in their education.

Provides guidance

It provides guidance in terms of finding the right resources, support options, and educational programs for families. They can then receive targeted support, such as behavioral therapy and skills training at a crucial developmental stage. It allows children to receive treatment before their behaviors worsen over time and gives them a guide on how to interact with the world around them.

Parents can learn how to better support their child’s needs and receive emotional support during this time. It can help them navigate the challenging road ahead and allow them to become better equipped in relation to their child’s future and what they might encounter.

Did You Know?

Around 1,548 autism classes and early intervention classes have been set up across all primary schools throughout the 2022-23 school year.

This demonstrates schools’ commitment to providing inclusive education.

Girl smiling and The Importance of Early Intervention for Children with Autism

Reduces stress

Autism can be a challenging condition for both families and the child. However, recognising it early and its characteristics, can play a significant role in reducing stress for both parties. It can help children with autism improve communication skills, self-regulation, and reducing communication distress. As a result, families can feel a sense of relief and reassurance, and be better equipped to cope with the challenges of raising their child.

Parents can gain advice on how to cope in relation to certain obstacles that might occur around daily tasks such as getting ready for school and interacting with siblings. This will make life easier for everyone and create a more peaceful and loving home.

The Importance of Early Intervention for Children with Autism

Our above guide aims to reassure and give parents the knowledge to choose the methods that best fit the unique needs of their child. It should be seen as an important part of each child’s overall health care plan. With the proper resources and support from medical professionals and parents, children with autism can feel hopeful about their future prospects. This, in turn, helps them to thrive within their home and education environment.

Find out more about our Autism Assessment Services.

Accessing Special Education Services in Ireland

5 tips on finding the right homecare provider
Accessing special education services in ireland

Accessing Special Education Services in Ireland

All parents want to ensure their children receive the best possible care and education to equip them for a bright future. When a child is diagnosed with learning or physical differences, understanding what the next steps should be for getting the necessary support is vital. This involves having the correct information about accessing special education services in Ireland and how to best navigate them.

If you are a parent of a child identified as requiring this, there are many resources in Ireland that can help. These services can give you the clarity to make decisions about your child’s future and can help them on the path towards meeting their full potential with their education and social life.

Autism Assessment

If you believe your child requires support, the first step is an Autism Assessment which we provide as part of our services. An autism assessment is a multi-step process that includes information from a variety of sources.
Find Out More

The main tools used during a basic assessment are: the ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised), Child/Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (CSP/AASP), and the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule).

ADI-R

An extended interview completed by an experienced clinician with a child’s or adult’s parent/caregiver. Information is collected from different areas of functioning.

The Sensory Profile 

A standardised questionnaire completed by the parent/caregiver of a young child or an adolescent/adult being evaluated. Looks at your child’s ability to process input using their five senses – touch, sight, hearing, smell, and taste.

The ADOS-2

A semi-structured, standardised assessment of communication, social interaction, play/imagination, restrictive and repetitive behaviours.

Irish Society for Autism

After the autism assessment is carried out, there are many other support services available that will suit the needs of your child. The Irish Society for Autism is an example of one. This society offers a wide range of services and support, providing information through training and educational programmes for families, educators, students and health care workers. With a team of dedicated professionals and volunteers, it strives to enhance the quality of life of those with autism, and promote their social inclusion within the wider community.

They offer a range of information services in the form of:

  • Support Groups: established residential services across the country.
  • Educational Workshops: they work with primary and secondary schools across the country, providing awareness and education programmes.
  • Social Events: they organise international conferences featuring world renowned experts in the field of Autism to bring awareness.

They are passionate about raising awareness for autism and advocating for the rights of those affected. The work of the ISA is truly inspiring, and they continue to make significant strides in improving lives throughout Ireland.

Did You Know?

A study by researchers in DCU suggests that autism affects at least 1 per cent of the Irish population, similar to rates in the US and the UK.

School Support

If your child is diagnosed, they could be eligible for additional support in school. Accessing this support involves working with your child’s school and the relevant educational authorities to create an individual education plan. It will outline your child’s specific needs and the supports required to help them succeed. The type of support provided will depend on the individual needs of your child and may include:

  • Learning Support: additional teaching to help your child learn and progress.
  • Resource Teaching: involves a teacher working one to one with your child.
  • Special Schools: schools designed for children with special education needs (SEN) who require intensive support.

The educational environment may be an overwhelming place for children as they may struggle to adjust to changes in routine and the surroundings. Teachers and parents must work together to provide the necessary support which should be tailored to the individual child’s needs. It may include a range of helpful learning strategies such as:

Visual Aids: objects of reference, such as  packaging, food labels and coloured pictures.
Calming Techniques: relaxing classroom music to play in the background while the children are learning.
Sensory Support: squeezy balls, hobby clay, and fidget toys. 

National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS)

NEPS is a government-funded service that provides psychological assessments and support to schools and students, working in partnership with teachers, parents and children in identifying educational needs. Their aim is to support the well-being, learning, and development of children and young people. To access their services, simply contact your child’s school and they will arrange for a referral to be made. Support to schools is made through consultations, assessments, interventions, special projects and research with regards to:

  • Guidance on behavioral, emotional and social traits.
  • Special learning needs.

Their efforts contribute to the creation of a safe, inclusive, and positive learning environment that enables students to excel academically and thrive socially.

Access to special education services in Ireland is a fundamental right. It is important to consider all available options while researching, in order to have the best chance of receiving the services needed. Having the knowledge about accessible services can be beneficial for parents, teachers and students, improving the life of those affected. Access to these services allows children the appropriate support they need while working towards their education goals.

Find out more about our services and how we can help.