The simple answer is no. ASD symptoms can worsen, but the condition itself does not. Autism Spectrum Disorder is not the same as other physical conditions that can worsen over time. People are born with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and while the condition can and frequently does change over time, the underlying causes of ASD do not.
How do ASD symptoms worsen with age?
As ASD children grow older, their communication skills must become more complex in order to deal with increasingly complex life situations. They may also lose interest in daily life activities, which can lead to feelings of frustration and anxiety. These emotions can cause irritability and aggression. Furthermore, some children develop obsessive-compulsive tendencies, which cause them to want to repeat certain tasks over and over.
After childhood, some cases of autism show signs of regression. The term “regression” refers to a sudden development shift. A child with autism will suddenly stop talking, start repeating themselves, lose skills that he or she had previously mastered, etc.
How to Keep Your Child’s Autism from Worsening
Though ASD symptoms can worsen, they can also improve with the help of ABA therapy. ABA therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for autism, especially when started at a young age.
While starting autism therapy at a young age is important, consistent and ongoing interventions are just as important. In order to achieve the best results, ABA therapy should be started early and continued on a regular basis.
Does ABA therapy cure Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Once the objectives of an ABA-based therapy program are met or exceeded, it does not mean that the autism disorder has been cured. In point of fact, there is neither a cure nor a treatment that is universally applicable. The aim of treatment is to support your child’s development and learning while also reducing symptoms of ASD so that they can function at their best. The learner’s functioning is improved and the severity or impact of their symptoms is diminished through ABA therapy.
Someone with ASD will always be on the spectrum their entire life, but this does not say with certainty that their autism will always manifest in the same way. Many factors interact to ensure that each individual develops differently as they age. Sometimes this means increased self-awareness and control over ASD traits, and other times it means deterioration. In all cases, it is critical to ensure that the person with autism receives adequate support.
Let us help make a real difference for you and your child! At Nurture Pods, we understand that parents might want to get directly involved in their child’s therapy sessions. As such, you can count on us to provide sessions that would allow you to participate in your child’s learning journey, establish decentralized and participatory mechanisms for the child, child’s school and parents. We believe the involvement and communication between the centre, the child and parents is the key to achieving success for the child in mainstream society.
Written by: Alex Liau
Published on: 5 April 2023
