Autism and Treatment

What is autism?
Although no one knows for sure what causes autism, it is assumed that a combination of genetic and environmental factors is responsible. Mental health professionals give a diagnosis of autism, based on the presence of the characteristic symptoms. Children with autism may display markedly impaired development in the areas of social interaction and communication. They may also have a very narrow field of interests or engage in repetitive, stereotyped behaviors.

What treatments are available for autism?
Autism is considered a spectrum disorder, which means that its symptoms may vary greatly in form and severity across diagnosed populations. Because there is great diversity in the manifestation of autism, effective treatment plans for individuals who have a diagnosis of autism must be created on a case-by-case basis. A comprehensive and multi-disciplinary treatment program is often preferred.

Individuals with autism are typically treated by a variety of professionals. Aside from medical doctors, the treatment team may include a Behaviorist (Behavior Intervention is often referred to as BI), a Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP), an Occupational Therapist (OT), and/or a Physical Therapist (PT). The general goal of treatment is to improve the client's level of functioning across a variety of natural environments. The specific, short-term goals may vary, based on the client's individual strengths and deficits.

How are treatments for autism funded?
Families in the West Los Angeles area who are looking for Behavior Intervention services to help them deal with the behavioral challenges that can occur with individuals who have a developmental delay/diagnosis, may chose from a handful of funding methods. These funding sources include the Westside Regional Center (or other Regional Centers if you live in California but outside of the West Los Angeles area)), the Triwest Healthcare Alliance (for military families), private pay (by the family), and/or certain private insurance companies (through partial/full reimbursement). Behavior Intervention may include a number of different treatment methods, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Stanley Greenspan's Floortime model, and other methods that have been shown to be effective in treating some of the challenging behaviors associated with autism.

For information on the Behavior Intervention Program offered by Keany Associates, please call 310-287-0382. For more information regarding autism, autism resources, and available treatment, please visit one of the links below:

http://www.autismspeaks.org/

http://www.autismsource.org/

http://www.westsiderc.org/

http://www.dds.ca.gov/