Creative Behavioral Consultants
4500 Park Granada Blvd., Suite 202
Calabasas, CA. 91302
ABA and Autism
Treatment Specialists
Autism Facts
Autism is a developmental disability that generally appears
during the first three years of life. The specific cause of Autism
still remains a mystery but researchers are looking for
answers. It is a complex neurological disorder that affects
each diagnosed individual differently.
The behaviors can manifest themselves in a variety of ways,
but generally the disorder is characterized by impairments in
language, difficulties relating to others, and behaviors that
include repetition and rigid routines. Typically, children do not
"outgrow" Autism, but empirical data shows that it is treatable
using Applied Behavior Analysis. Studies demonstrate that
early diagnosis and intervention lead to significantly improved
outcomes. Having CBC assess your child leads to the
collaborative creation of an individualized treatment plan.
Behavior intervention services are then scheduled and
provided in your home or in your child’s classroom, along with
personalized parent and caregiver training.
Statistics
In 2020, the CDC reported that approximately 1 in 54 children in
the U.S. is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD),
according to 2016 data. Boys are four times more likely to be
diagnosed with autism than girls.
Statistics
Autism Prevalence
The newly published research also analyzed autism rates in
relation to gender, income level, medication, and other treatment
approaches. Below is a summary of these findings:
•
Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism
than girls. The report found 1 in 34 boys are identified with
Autism, while only 1 in 144 girls are afflicted.
•
Most children were still being diagnosed after age 4, though
Autism can be reliably dignosed as early as 2.
•
31% of children with ASD have an intellectual disability
(intelligence quotient [IQ] <70), 25% are in the borderline
range (IQ 71–85), and 44% have IQ scores in the average to
above average range (i.e., IQ >85).
•
Autism affects all ethnic and socioeconomic groups.
•
Minority groups tend to be diagnosed later and less often.
•
Early intervention affords the best opportunity to support
healthy development and deliver benefits across the lifespan.
•
There is no medical detection for autism.
What Causes Autism
•
Research indicates that genetics are involved in the vast
majority of cases.
•
Children born to older parents are at a higher risk for having
autism.
•
Parents who have a child with ASD have a 2 to 18 percent
chance of having a second child who is also affected.
•
Studies have shown that among identical twins, if one child has
autism, the other will be affected about 36 to 95 percent of the
time. In non-identical twins, if one child has autism, then the
other is affected about 31 percent of the time.
•
Over the last two decades, extensive research has asked
whether there is any link between childhood vaccinations and
autism. The results of this research are clear: Vaccines do not
cause autism.
Myths About Autism
Myth: Individuals with Autism are not capable of learning.
Fact: All individuals with Autism can learn. If the individual is not
learning, it is probably because the teaching methodology is not
working and needs to be changed. The key is figuring out how
the child learns and matching the best teaching methodology to
their individual style of learning.
Myth: Most individuals with Autism
never learn to talk.
Fact: With early diagnosis and
intervention, many individuals with
Autism develop very good language
skills. Even those who are non-verbal
can develop other ways of
communicating using tools such as sign language and
augmentative or picture communication systems. Early
intervention is essential as the likelihood of speech development
diminishes after age five.
Myth: Individuals with Autism are unable to feel emotions or
develop personal relationships.
Fact: Although sometimes a child with Autism may not express
affection in a more conventional way, the majority of children
diagnosed with Autism are able to show love and affection, form
attachments and develop strong connections with others.
Myth: Someone who has Autism does not make eye contact with
others.
Fact: This can be a challenging skill for someone diagnosed
with ASD, but many individuals with ASD can learn how to
maintain eye contact.