What is the Impact of Early Intervention on Children with Autism? - Ask Kim

Why is early intervention so important for your child? Discussing everything from the autism diagnosis to ABA therapy, Hopebridge Founder Kim Strunk answers this and more parent questions as part of our new “Ask Kim” video series.

Have a question for her about autism spectrum disorder, applied behavior analysis, occupational therapy or other questions about ASD or Hopebridge services? Leave it below and she’ll aim to cover it in an upcoming video.

[AllahURabBI]

Hello miss Kim, i have a 20 month old daughter, at her 18 month old wellness visit her doctor suggested that we enroll her in early intervention because she has a speech delay, now she babbles a lot and says random words like mama but she doesnt call say that to her mom. She just say random things with consonant and vowel sounds. She also doesnt respond to her name. She is a very happy kid though. She plays around, climb couches and jump over her kiddie fence and climb our bed.

She also doesnt interact with her 7 month old baby sister. She was evaluated for early intervention and they said tht she qualifies for that since she is speech delayed, social delayed, cognitive and emotional delayed. Her motor is not bad but they gave her an 85 for that. She doesnt seem to understand us when we tell her simple things. But shebis smart enough to climb things and sneak into the kitchen even when we block the way. She will find ways to get into things. She loves singing even though she doesnt know the words yet. I work with autistic kids and i see many signs in my daughter and i think she has it.

She is only going through early intervention for her developmental delays not for autism because hasnt been diagnosed yet. We have made an appointment for her to go see developmental specialist but the waiting period is 6-9months. We really want her to start a more intense intervention thats focus on autistic kids.

So can her cognitive skills improve with early intervention?? We are more worried about her understanding and knowing things then even her speech. We just to understand whats right and wrong. Thank you

[RubyWoodss]

Please define what you mean by 'problems' or 'red flags' in terms of Autistic behaviour - I'm struggle to come to terms with this negative language.

[toshamac]

My nephew is 5 and undiagnosed. His parents ignore his problems. He doesn’t eat much and it’s really upsetting.

[jonamorallon]

I am struggling Im thankful for this idea