Researchers have gone through different phases of study for the behavioral therapies that could effectively put an end to autism. They have also come up with the idea of several intervention programs to tackle this particular problem and have succeeded with flourishing results as well. But, the question is still being raised that whether these interventions serve as a peculiar treatment or just act to lower the general symptoms of autism.
According to the latest research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry in the month of November 2012, there have been found sound evidences that the early intervention program alters brain activity in children with autism.
There are evidences of another research based on the mainstream classes (mainly attended by children suffering from autism spectrum disorder), carried out by Connie Kasari (a psychologist of the UCLA Center for Autism Research and Treatment) along with a professional team. The research included 60 students from grades 1 to 5. After a thorough study, it was found out that almost every student attended the mainstream classes. As for their treatment, they were distributed among four groups randomly. Some of them were given different intervention treatments and exercises while one group did not go through any social training. Instead, they were assigned to their classmates (these classmates were unaware of their fellows situation) who were developing normally. Their instructions were to engage the autistic children in social hardships.
The training lasted for three months. During the training, the observers carefully remarked the behavior of these children going through different intervention techniques. As per the results, it was found out after a lot of trials and tribulations, that the kids who received no social training at all, ended up with more buddies as compared to those who had gone through one-on-one training.
The students also showed improved classroom skills as reported by their teachers. What should be noted be noted here is that neither the observers, nor the teachers had any idea for which student had gone through which intervention. The students with autism started to socialize. Isolation on the playground came to a lesser extent. But still, some autistic students had difficulties with social interaction and had a tough time at the playground.
Several other reports have been prepared to give an idea of the intervention programs being carried out throughout the globe. Dr. Dawson’s studies serve as a mainstream as well. His researches have played an important role in promoting early intervention programs for children suffering from autism. At present, ESDM is a leading intervention practice carried out. As technologies and researches progress, early risks of autism could be detected and the targeted child can be easily diagnosed.