Meeting the needs of children with autism

Figures show that one in 99 children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but it is a treatable medical condition and recovery is possible.

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is an instruction method that uses positive reinforcement as a key principle, empirically proven to be the most effective method for treating ASD.

“The Star Academy provides children who have ASD with the ability to have a ‘voice’,” says Durban based supervisor, Nicole Gokul, an expert in Autism Spectrum Disorders and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, who heads up the Durban North branch of The Star Academy.

Autism is characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behaviour.

These signs generally begin before a child is three years old.

Evidence shows that early intervention with the right treatment such as nutritional support, restricted diets, individually designed educational programs, together with ABA instruction, can mean that children do not necessarily experience autism as a lifelong condition, with cases of children with autism successfully recovering and many leading functional independent lives.

“Early intervention is key, together with love and perseverance. Our Durban team is a close knit group of dedicated experts and we look forward to continuing our role in working with children with ASD and playing a part in making each child’s life a fulfilling and rewarding journey,” said Gokul.

For more information visit The Star Academy here.