Consultations at Dany Center are conducted by specialists in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and aim to support families and guide them toward a correct understanding of the child’s condition, while developing a comprehensive plan for assessment and early intervention.
Importance of Consultation Sessions for Children with Autism:
Consultation sessions are the first step in the journey of diagnosis and intervention. They help families understand the nature of autism and recognize early warning signs, which enhances the chances of effective early intervention. Studies show that early intervention significantly improves language development, social communication, and adaptive behavior in children with autism (Zwaigenbaum et al., 2015).
Structure of the Sessions:
- Information Gathering: The session begins with collecting detailed information about the child’s behavior, development, and medical and educational history.
- Parent Interview: A detailed interview is conducted to understand the family’s main concerns and priorities.
- Psychoeducation: A simplified scientific explanation of autism, support strategies, and the importance of early assessment is provided.
- Recommendations: Practical guidance is given regarding the next steps, such as scheduling evaluation sessions or referring to other specialists when needed.
Risks of Delayed Consultations:
Delaying consultations may lead to a delay in diagnosis, thus missing the window for early intervention, during which the child’s brain is most responsive to learning and change. A study by Dawson et al. (2012) found that children who received intensive early intervention before age three showed improvements in IQ and adaptive behavior compared to those who started later.
References:
Zwaigenbaum, L., Bauman, M. L., Choueiri, R., et al. (2015). Early identification and interventions for autism spectrum disorder: Executive summary. Pediatrics, 136(Supplement 1), S1-S9.
Dawson, G., Rogers, S., Munson, J., et al. (2012). Randomized, controlled trial of an intervention for toddlers with autism: The Early Start Denver Model. Pediatrics, 125(1), e17-e23.