Every parent wants their child to grow up healthy, supported and loved. This involves thorough care in choosing the right everything, be they the right school, the right park or the right extracurricular activities. If your child has autism, this need is even higher. Autism is slowly but surely becoming more understood in the modern day, with resource after resource emerging to better help parent and child live their lives to the fullest. If you’ve been curious about the benefits of autism centers but aren’t sure how they function, continue reading below to shed some light on some new elements you can add to your child’s life.

What Is The Autism Spectrum Disorder?

It’s important to know the root of autism and how it requires a unique approach to bring out the best in your child. The autism spectrum disorder covers a wide range of various developmental disorders, all of which have different symptoms and needs. Some of the most well-known characteristics recorded by scholars and psychologists include, but are not limited to — a more limited approach to certain activities, difficulty communicating with others, social isolation, nonverbal communication, repetitive behaviors and more.

Do Children With Autism Have Trouble With School?

Just like the autism spectrum, children with autism all have their own unique relationship with the educational system. However, it can be difficult for them to enjoy their classes and grow as a person if they’re not properly supported throughout the years. Studies have shown at least 35% of young adults between the ages of 19 and 23 with autism either haven’t had a job or haven’t received a postgraduate education once they left high school. If you’re worried your child could use extra support with school, autism centers can help.

What Are Autism Centers?

Autism centers are designed from the ground up to help both parents and children with autism, providing everything from applied behavior analysis to community support with children going through similar experiences. A typical program consists of up to 40 hours per week of intensive, one-on-one teaching throughout the year for two years or so, though this number can fluctuate depending on your child’s needs and where they land on the autism spectrum.

What Is Applied Behavior Analysis?

Applied behavior analysis in autism centers (shortened to ABA) is a series of fundamental principles used to develop language, social, academic and day-to-day skills for children between the ages of 0 and 18. This ranges from communicating with strangers to learning how to cook, clean and use bus transportation. All the better to make sure your child is confident, happy and ready to face the world head on.

Would Autism Centers Help My Child?

It’s an ongoing learning experience living with autism. There will always be new challenges and experiences around the corner. With autism centers you and your child can gain the tools to thrive — ongoing research into intensive intervention has shown consistently positive results with as little as 20 hours or more per week, though the majority of research into documented success has yielded the highest feedback with children who go through at least 30 to 40 hours of ABA on a yearly basis. ABA therapy accounts for around 45% of therapies that develop long-lasting results, according to the Surgeon General’s recent autism report. With autism centers on hand and the future looking brighter than ever, it’s all about taking that first step!