Effective Ways to Support a 2-Year-Old with Autism

Understanding Autism in Children

Understanding autism in children is essential for providing effective support and care. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. It is important to recognize the early signs and symptoms of autism to ensure early intervention and support for children.

Definition and Prevalence

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disorder that affects individuals differently. It is characterized by challenges in social interaction and communication skills, as well as restricted and repetitive behaviors. The severity of symptoms can vary widely among individuals with autism.

According to the Raising Children Network, some early signs of autism usually appear in the first 1-2 years of life, and these signs may change or become clearer as children get older. Monitoring children's social interaction and communication development is crucial during the first year of life. Typical development includes responding to their name, making eye contact, and using gestures.

The prevalence of autism has been increasing in recent years. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 54 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism, highlighting the importance of understanding and supporting individuals with autism.

Early Signs and Symptoms

Recognizing the early signs and symptoms of autism is crucial for early intervention and support. It is important to note that the number of signs may vary depending on the child's age and stage of development. Some common early signs of autism include:

• Lack of or delay in spoken language development
• Difficulty engaging in social interactions and understanding social cues
• Limited or no eye contact
• Repetitive behaviors and specific interests
• Preference for routines and resistance to change
• Unusual reactions to sensory stimuli

Repetitive movements, such as body rocking or hand flapping, are also common in young children with autism [1].

To assist parents in monitoring their child's behavior and development for early signs of autism, La Trobe University has developed an evidence-based app called ASDetect. This free app is suitable for children aged 11-30 months and can be used as a tool to check for early signs of autism [1].

Recognizing and understanding these early signs and symptoms can help parents and caregivers seek appropriate support and early intervention services, ensuring children with autism receive the necessary assistance to reach their full potential.

Seeking Professional Help

When it comes to supporting a 2-year-old with autism, seeking professional help is crucial for their development and well-being. There are several avenues available that can provide the necessary support and resources for both the child and their family.

Early Intervention Services

Early intervention services, as mandated by IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), are designed to assist infants and toddlers (younger than age 3 years) with developmental delays and disabilities. These services focus on helping children learn the skills typical for the first 3 years of life. Early intervention services are crucial as they provide tailored interventions and therapies to address the unique needs of young children with autism.

Special Education Programs

Special education programs, defined by IDEA as "specially designed instruction," aim to meet the unique needs of children with disabilities between the ages of 3 and 21 years. These programs provide individualized education plans (IEPs) to address the specific learning and developmental requirements of children with autism. Special education programs are provided at no cost to parents and offer a range of services, including specialized teaching methods, adaptive materials, and assistive technology.

Financial Assistance Options

Financial assistance options are available to help families access the necessary services and support for their child with autism. One such option is the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, which offers financial assistance to children with physical or mental disabilities or those who are blind. SSI provides support to individuals with limited income and resources, helping to meet the basic needs of children with disabilities.

Additionally, there are parent education and support services accessible to assist caregivers in caring for and advocating for children with disabilities. These services provide valuable resources, guidance, and a network of support for parents and families navigating the challenges associated with autism [2].

To access these professional services and financial assistance options, it is recommended to consult with local resources and organizations that specialize in autism support. ChildCare.gov provides direct links to services supporting children with disabilities and their families, tailored to specific states or territories where individuals reside [2]. By leveraging these resources, families can find the necessary support and guidance to help their 2-year-old with autism thrive and reach their full potential.

Communication Strategies

When supporting a 2-year-old with autism, effective communication strategies play a crucial role in facilitating their development and interaction with others. Understanding alternative communication methods and utilizing speech generating devices can greatly assist in promoting effective communication skills.

Alternative Communication Methods

For children with autism who have difficulty speaking, alternative communication methods can provide them with a means to express themselves. Communication boards, also known as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, can be particularly helpful. These boards consist of images, photographs, illustrations, or symbols that the child can use to point or gesture to convey their thoughts and needs [3].

Alternative communication methods like these enable children with nonverbal autism or limited speech to communicate effectively, bridging the gap between their thoughts and the external world. By using communication boards, children can express themselves, participate in conversations, and engage with others.

Speech Generating Devices

Speech generating devices (SGDs) are valuable tools that can facilitate communication for children with autism. These devices produce speech for the user, either through alphabet keys or visual symbols. SGDs are particularly effective for children and young adults between the ages of 3 and 20 years old.

SGDs can be customized to meet the specific needs of each child. They offer a range of options, from pre-programmed phrases to customizable vocabulary, allowing the child to express a wide range of thoughts and desires. By using SGDs, children with autism can enhance their communication skills and engage in meaningful interactions with others.

It's important to select and introduce communication strategies and devices based on the individual needs and preferences of each child. Some children may respond better to specific methods, while others may require a combination of approaches to effectively communicate their thoughts and feelings.

By utilizing alternative communication methods and speech generating devices, parents, educators, and therapists can provide children with autism the tools they need to express themselves and engage with the world around them. These strategies can foster meaningful communication and help children with autism build connections with others, promoting their overall development and well-being.

Behavioral Therapies

When it comes to supporting a 2-year-old with autism, behavioral therapies play a vital role in addressing the unique needs and challenges associated with the condition. Two widely recognized behavioral therapies for children with autism are Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM).

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is one of the most widely used and evidence-based therapies for children with autism. It focuses on helping patients manage and modify behaviors, contributing to overcoming social challenges and enhancing the learning experience [3]. ABA encourages desired behaviors and discourages undesired behaviors, employing positive reinforcement techniques to improve a variety of skills.

ABA therapy is a long-term and intensive approach that typically involves 20 to 40 hours of therapy per week for optimal results. The progress of the child is tracked and measured, allowing for tailored interventions and adjustments as needed. The primary goal of ABA therapy is to enhance communication, social interaction, and daily living skills, promoting independence and overall well-being.

Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)

The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is a comprehensive behavioral intervention specifically designed for young children with autism, typically between the ages of 12 and 48 months. It combines the principles of ABA with developmental and relationship-based approaches, focusing on early intervention and individualized treatment.

ESDM aims to create a naturalistic and play-based learning environment that promotes positive engagement and social interaction. It incorporates various components such as structured teaching, imitation, and joint attention to improve communication, social skills, and cognitive abilities. The therapy is typically delivered in a one-on-one setting, with parents actively participating in the intervention process.

Both ABA and ESDM are evidence-based approaches for treating symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in young children. These therapies provide structured and individualized interventions that focus on improving social skills, communication, behavior, and overall quality of life. It is important to consult with professionals to determine the most suitable therapy option for your child, considering their specific needs and developmental stage.

To ensure the best outcomes, it is crucial to seek early intervention services and work closely with qualified therapists who specialize in these behavioral therapies. Remember, every child with autism is unique, and individualized treatment plans are essential for their progress and development.

Sensory Sensitivities

Children with autism often experience sensory sensitivities, which can impact their daily lives and overall well-being. Understanding sensory overload, as well as implementing appropriate accommodations and strategies, can greatly support a 2-year-old with autism.

Understanding Sensory Overload

Sensory overload occurs when intense sensory stimuli overwhelm an individual's ability to cope, leading to feelings of intense anxiety, a need to escape, or difficulty in communication. This overload can stem from a single event or accumulated effort to cope with daily sensory sensitivities, resulting in shutting off certain brain functions like speech and decision-making.

Autistic children may exhibit different sensory sensitivities, such as hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to stimuli. Hypersensitivity refers to an increased sensitivity to sensory information, while hyposensitivity indicates a decreased response to sensory input.

Accommodations and Strategies

To support a 2-year-old with autism who experiences sensory sensitivities, it is essential to implement appropriate accommodations and strategies. These accommodations aim to alleviate discomfort, enhance learning opportunities, facilitate social interactions, and promote community participation.

Here are some common accommodations and strategies:

• Modifying Environments: Create an environment that minimizes sensory triggers. This may include reducing noise levels, providing low lighting, and using visual supports like schedules or social stories.
• Using Tools or Strategies: Introduce sensory tools or strategies that help regulate sensory input. This can include providing noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets, fidget toys, or calming sensory activities like deep pressure massages or swinging.
• Establishing New Routines: Establish predictable routines that help children with autism anticipate and prepare for sensory experiences. Consistent routines can provide a sense of stability and reduce anxiety.
• Individualized Education Program (IEP): Collaborate with the child's IEP team at school to develop specific accommodations tailored to their sensory needs. This can include providing a quiet space for breaks, allowing the use of sensory tools, or implementing a sensory diet.
• 504 Plan: Consider a 504 plan, which allows individuals with disabilities, including autism, to request reasonable accommodations in workplace and school environments to address their sensory needs. Parents or support persons can discuss sensory accommodations with the child's IEP team or school administration.

It's important to note that accommodations may need to be adapted for different settings based on individual sensory needs. Regular communication with teachers, therapists, and other caregivers can help ensure consistency in supporting the child's sensory sensitivities.

By understanding sensory overload and implementing appropriate accommodations and strategies, parents and caregivers can effectively support a 2-year-old with autism in managing their sensory sensitivities and promoting their overall well-being.

Educational Approaches

When it comes to supporting a 2-year-old with autism, educational approaches play a crucial role in their development and overall well-being. These approaches focus on providing structured learning environments and targeted interventions to help children with autism reach their full potential. Two common educational approaches for children with autism are developmental approaches and social-relational treatments.

Developmental Approaches

Developmental approaches aim to improve specific developmental skills or broader interconnected developmental abilities for individuals with autism. These approaches often involve various therapies that address different areas of development. Here are a few examples:

Speech and Language Therapy focuses on improving communication skills, including both verbal and nonverbal communication. It helps children with autism develop language, social interaction, and pragmatic skills.

Occupational Therapy focuses on enhancing the child's ability to perform daily activities and improve fine motor skills, sensory integration, and self-regulation.

TEACCH is an educational treatment approach that provides structured teaching in a classroom setting. It focuses on adjusting the classroom environment and routines to support the child's learning and independence.

These developmental approaches aim to address specific needs and challenges faced by children with autism, helping them acquire essential skills for communication, daily living, and academic success.

Social-Relational Treatments

Social-relational treatments concentrate on enhancing social skills and building emotional bonds for individuals with autism. These approaches often involve working with parents, caregivers, and peer mentors to create supportive and inclusive environments. Here are a few examples:

Social Skills Training focuses on teaching children with autism appropriate social behaviors, such as turn-taking, sharing, and understanding social cues. This approach helps individuals with autism navigate social interactions and develop meaningful relationships.

Peer-Mediated Interventions involve peers without autism in therapy sessions to promote social interaction and learning. This approach allows children with autism to practice social skills in a natural and inclusive setting.

Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) focuses on building emotional connections and fostering dynamic social relationships. It involves parents in guiding and supporting their child's social development, providing opportunities for shared experiences and meaningful interactions.

By utilizing educational approaches like developmental techniques and social-relational treatments, parents, caregivers, and educators can create supportive learning environments that promote the growth and development of 2-year-olds with autism. These approaches play a vital role in helping children with autism acquire essential skills, improve their social interactions, and achieve their full potential.

References

• ‍https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/learning-about-autism/assessment-diagnosis/early-signs-of-asd
• ‍https://childcare.gov/consumer-education/services-for-children-with-disabilities
• ‍https://www.nu.edu/blog/7-autism-behavior-and-communication-strategies/
• ‍https://www.helpguide.org/articles/autism-learning-disabilities/autism-treatments-therapies-interventions.htm
• ‍https://www.autismspeaks.org/sensory-issues
• ‍https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/behaviour/understanding-behaviour/sensory-sensitivities-asd