Autism Therapy
Autism Therapy
A diagnosis isn’t the end of your child’s story.
It can be scary and overwhelming the first time you hear the word autism associated with your child. At SPACE, we have guided hundreds of families through the questions, concerns, and uncertainty you may be facing and we can assure you that the future can be bright!
A diagnosis isn’t the end of your child’s story.
It can be scary and overwhelming the first time you hear the word autism associated with your child. At SPACE, we have guided hundreds of families through the questions, concerns, and uncertainty you may be facing and we can assure you that the future can be bright!
How SPACE is Different: An Integrated Approach
Researchers suggest that an integrated developmental and behavioral intervention has the greatest impact. * At SPACE, we are proud of our innovative model that integrates a continuum of approaches within one facility. SPACE is currently the only clinic in Houston to provide DIRFloortime® and Applied Behavior Analysis under one roof. This allows for improved convenience for the families and a more comprehensive and individualized treatment plan for each child. Parents can choose which treatment approach or approaches best support their child and family needs at any given time.
DIRFloortime®
Treatment
Model
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)
Therapy
Services
DIRFloortime®
Treatment
Model
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)
Therapy
Services
SPACE builds bridges between opposite ends of the spectrum.
%
The reduction in life-long care with early diagnosis and intervention
Children in the U.S. diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in 2020
people in Texas are living with an ASD diagnosis (2014)
%
The reduction in life-long care with early diagnosis and intervention
%
Children in the U.S. diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in 2020
people in Texas are living with an ASD diagnosis (2014)
Autism Resources
What is autism?
Autism Facts & Stats
- Autism is not a hopeless condition
- Autism affects 1 in 59 children in the U.S.
- Boys are 4x more likely to have autism than girls
- Minority groups are diagnosed later and less often
- No two people with autism are alike
- About 40% of children with autism do not speak
- About 25%–30% of children with autism have some words at 12 to 18 months of age and then lose them
- Research indicates that genetics are involved in the vast majority of cases
- There is no medical test to diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Currently there is no cure for autism, though symptoms can be greatly improved or overcome
Signs of Autism
Autism is often referred to as a ‘spectrum’ because its affects can vary widely depending on the individual. ASD generally tends to involve communication skills and social behaviors, such as being extremely introverted, not wanting to play with other children, or not making eye contact. Here are other common things associated with autism:
- Lack of verbal skills
- Doesn’t respond when spoken to
- Repeating certain behaviors over and over again
- Becoming obsessed with a particular toy
- Very sensitive to noise
- Throwing intense tantrums
- Doesn’t point at interesting objects
- Doesn’t play “pretend” games by 18 months
- No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions by nine months
Early Intervention is Key
- A young child’s brain is still forming and early diagnosis and interventions are more likely to have major long-term positive effects on symptoms and later skills.
- Signs can begin to emerge as early as 6 to 12 months and if treated early on can have a significant impact on the course of development.
- Cost of lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention.
- Recent guidelines suggest starting an integrated developmental and behavioral intervention as soon as ASD is diagnosed or seriously suspected.
Let's Talk!
Questions? Comments? Give us a call or send us a message below! We’d love to assist you and your family find your SPACE at our SPACE.
Sources
Zwaigenbaum, L., Bauman, M. L., Choueiri, R., Kasari, C., Carter, A., Granpeesheh, D., et al. (2015). Early intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder under 3 years of age: Recommendations for practice and research. Pediatrics, 136(Suppl 1), S60–81