Autism Spectrum Disorder: Home-based treatment vs. Specialised Autism Center- Which is best for your child?

Your child has just been diagnosed with autism.

You’re still processing your emotions- fear, anxiety, and of course, the question, what next? 
Don’t worry, it’s not the end of the world. Once you are able to decide on the kind of therapy that will work best for your child, things will seem more in your control.

The biggest question to answer is - Are you going to settle for home-based therapy, or choose a specialised autism centre in India?

Researching autism spectrum disorder treatment can be a daunting task. Trying to determine the most suitable type of therapy. Or the number of hours of therapy per week.

If you are a parent and find yourself in this situation, keep reading for clear and unbiased guidance.

Home-based autism spectrum disorder treatment

Yes, an autism diagnosis comes with financial anxieties. Therapy is expensive. It is also in some cases, not easily accessible. However, you do have the option for home-based autism therapies, as parents and caregivers. If you do choose home-based autism spectrum disorder treatment, there are a few established and risk-free therapies you can explore.

1. Play therapy- This will be a learning exercise for your child, through play. You can start by connecting with your child through simple games. Bubble-blowing, chase-and-tickle or swinging. 
   
2. Speech Therapy- Autistic children often have trouble with speech and language. Speech therapy is a complex field. However, there are ways for parents to provide certain aspects of speech therapy, with relatively minimal training.
   
3. Floortime- Floortime is very similar to play therapy. The whole concept is that parents should introduce “circles of communication” to their autistic child. Floortime autism therapy and treatment, encourage the child to participate in back and forth interaction. This helps them expand their social skills, while also making emotional connections.
   
4. Relationship development intervention- This particular autism therapy technique is goal-oriented. It requires that parents work with a consultant, to help their children develop social and communication skills.
   
5. Parent-child interaction therapy- This intervention technique is for autistic children who display aggressive behaviour. It is implemented by parents or caregivers who are trained by a professional. Its goal is to de-escalate any negative behaviour patterns between parents and children.
   

You can get a headstart on these interventions by taking reading and taking courses, online or in person. If you are choosing the option of home based autism therapies and treatments, it is advised to consult with a trained therapist. You can work with them at home, until you feel confident enough to lead by yourself. Or provide supplemental care at home, along with professional care.

Home care vs. Specialised autism centres

While home-based autism spectrum disorder treatment can be cost effective and convenient, is it the best option for your child? Specialised autism centres in India have fun and attractive environments, which can be more appealing to your child. These clinics also have more resources that will be useful for providing more comprehensive autism therapies and treatments.

Research shows that children with ASD who received therapy from specialised autism centres and home based therapy mastered 100% more learning objectives per hour, while at the autism centre, than home. 
While each child is unique, there are several factors that contribute to the success rate of autism therapies and treatments.

Some of them are:

1. The number of distractions.
2. The quality and capacity of supervision.
3. The opportunities to socialise.

What a specialised autism centre in India, such as IAC offers is:

1. Controlled environments that are specially tailored for autistic children- A comfortable learning environment without distractions or any overwhelming sensory load for the autistic child. A specialised autism centre will also have more resources and materials. This will provide your child with more effective autism spectrum disorder treatment. 
   
2. Qualified professionals- A team of dedicated professionals, trained to supervise and provide therapies to your child. This means that your child receives the highest quality of care and therapy, most effectively. This will affect your child’s future, in the long run.
   
3. Socialising- The presence of other ASD children and practitioners who are unfamiliar to your child, provides the perfect environment for your child to socialise. This allows your child to form friendships and emotional connections with people other than their relatives. This is a key component of autism treatment and therapy.
   

Conclusion

Each autism-impacted family is unique and has their own challenges. The final call is yours, depending on your circumstances. However, if we are to consider every aspect of autism spectrum disorder treatment, a specialised autism centre will provide the maximum benefits to your child. 

At IAC, we offer your child and your family all the facilities and support you require.
Never forget, your child’s future depends on the autism therapy they receive during their initial years. 

We, at IAC, are ever ready to welcome you with open arms.