Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) & ABA Therapy

AUTISM

What is Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a broad and complex condition which affects children in diverse ways, making each experience uniquely different.

Common features of autism often include difficulties in social communication and interactions, such as initiating and maintaining social exchanges, challenges with nonverbal communication, struggles in building relationships, participating in reciprocal play, and showing interest in peers. Another characteristic of autism involves engaging in restrictive or repetitive behavior patterns, like repetitive motor actions, speech, or the use of objects, such as lining up toys or hand flapping. Additionally, individuals with autism might struggle with changes in routines and transitions, have specific interests, and may either avoid or seek certain sensory input.

Recognizing autism as a spectrum is vital in understanding the varied abilities and challenges faced by individuals with autism.

1 in 36 children in the U.S. have autism.
Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Community Report 2023

Boys are 4X more likely to be diagnosed with an autism diagnosis than girls.
Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Community Report 2023

93.7% of parents would recommend ABA therapy to other caregivers.
Source: Autism Parent Magazine Survey - May 2024

93.9% of parents believe their child benefitted positively from ABA therapy.
Source: Autism Parent Magazin Survey - May 2024

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We're here to help!

If you observe any sign of autism in your child, it is vital to promptly seek advice from your pediatrician or healthcare professional. The most important thing you can do is to share your concerns with someone who can help as soon as possible.

Early diagnosis is essential for children to receive the required assistance for effective intervention and support. At Virtus, we provide help by connecting families with local diagnosticians to ensure timely assessments for a possible diagnosis. Even without a formal diagnosis, we recommend contacting us for assistance and direction.

Our team is dedicated to offering comprehensive resources to help you navigate the journey. We understand that every child is unique, and our approach ensures that each family receives the specific guidance and resources they need. Our network of medical professionals provides the experience and insights you need while offering compassionate support to face any potential challenge.

Contact us today for more information about autism and how we can support you on your journey. Your child's well-being is our top priority, and we are here to help every step of the way.

Signs of Autism

Signs of autism in children vary, but some indicators include:

Lack of eye contact

No response to name

Limited or no facial expressions

Fixation on specific interests

Sensory sensitivities (sounds, temperature, light, texture)

Limited or unusual eating habits

Unusual emotional reactions, anxiety, and atypical fear responses

Avoiding or not engaging in interactive games

Lack of gestures or pointing

Difficulty in cooperative and pretend play

Repetitive behaviors (flapping, rocking, spinning)

Repetition of words or phrases (echolalia)

Delayed language, movement, or cognitive skills

Fascination with parts or details of objects (wheels)

Difficulty with changes in routine

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lorida's Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (formerly Gardiner Scholarship)

ABA Therapy and Autism

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is the most widely supported treatment for children with autism, backed by substantial scientific evidence and ongoing research.

ABA therapy is a respected, evidence-based method for treating autism prescribed by pediatricians and healthcare professionals to assist children in enhancing their social, communication, and learning skills through positive reinforcement.

ABA focuses on understanding how behaviors are influenced by the environment and uses that understanding to bring about positive change. This systematic approach helps to increase behaviors that are helpful and decrease behaviors that are harmful or that impact learning.

ABA therapy is tailored to each child, ensuring that interventions are aligned with their unique needs, strengths, interests, and goals. This approach helps to engage each child individually, making learning more enjoyable and impactful.

What is Autism?

1 in 36 children in the U.S. have autism. Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Community Report 2023

Boys are 4X more likely to be diagnosed with an autism diagnosis than girls. Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Community Report 2023

93.7% of parents would recommend ABA therapy to other caregivers. Source: Autism Parent Magazine Survey - May 2024

93.9% of parents believe their child benefitted positively from ABA therapy. Source: Autism Parent Magazin Survey - May 2024