What is Autism?

There are numerous of Autism School in Malaysia which intended to help the autism individual to overcome on their daily basis.

But, what actually is autism?

An autism spectrum disorder is a condition that impacts the way a person behaves, socializes or interacts with others,

It is also sometimes associated with Asperger’s syndrome.

However, it is now treated as a condition with a wide-ranging spectrum of symptoms and severity.

While it is now called autism spectrum disorder, yet many people still are using the term “autism”.

First and foremost, there is no cure for autism right now.

But there are several approaches to help an individual with autism.

For example, an institution like Special Needs School could help to improve the social functioning, learning and quality of life for both the children and adults with autism.

Remember that autism is a spectrum-based condition.

Some people may need a little to no treatment.

Some of the individuals may need intensive therapy from Occupational Therapy Centre.

It is also important to bear in mind that a lot of research has been conducted by the Autism Schools Centre in Malaysia about autism treatment that focuses on children.

This is because the existing research suggests that treatment is the most effective when started before age of 3.

Nevertheless, many of the treatments designed for children like Occupational Therapy still work out for the adults as well.

4 Treatments for People with Autism

1. Applied Behaviour Analysis

Applied Behaviour Analysis which also known as ABA, is one the most widely used autism treatments for both adults and children.

It is a treatment that often used in Autism Centre in Kuala Lumpur that refers to a series of techniques designed to encourage positive behaviours using a reward system.

There are several types of ABA, including:

·      Discrete Trial Training

This technique uses a series of trials to encourage step-by-step learning.

Correct behaviours and answers are rewarded, and mistakes are ignored.

·      Verbal Behaviour Intervention

A therapist works with someone to help them understand why and how humans use language to communicate and get things they need.

2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which is one of the therapy that practised almost at all Special Needs School.

It is a type of talk therapy that can be an effective treatment for autism patients, including children and adults.

During the CBT sessions, they will learn about the connections between emotions, thoughts and behaviours.

This may help to identify the thoughts and feelings that trigger negative behaviours.

It is also believed to help them to better recognise the emotions in others and cope better in social interactions.

3. Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy (OT) is a field of healthcare that focuses on educating the children and adults the fundamentals skills that they need in daily life.

It is a type of therapy that usually practised by the Occupational Therapy Centre that perfect for children with autism.

Occupational Therapy also includes the teaching of motor skills, handwriting skills as well as self-care skills.

For adults, OT also focuses on developing independent living skills such as cooking, cleaning and handling of money.

4. Speech Therapy

Speech Therapy often used by Special School that focus on verbal skills that could help people with autism to communicate better.

It is usually done with either a speech-language pathologist or occupational therapist.

It is proven to be able to help the children to improve the rate and rhythm of their speech, in addition to using words correctly.

It also could help the adults to enhance their communication skills with thought and feeling.