Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) usually begin before the age of three and last throughout a person’s life, although the symptoms may improve over time. Some children with an ASD show hints of future problems within the first few months of life. In others, symptoms may not be visible until 24 months or later. Some children with an ASD seem to develop normally until around 18-24 months of age and then they stop gaining new skills, or they lose the skills they once had. Studies have shown that one-third to half of parents of children with an ASD noticed a problem before their child’s first birthday, and nearly 80%-90% saw problems by 24 months of age. 

People with ASD might:

Not respond to his or her name by 12 months

Not point at objects to show interest (e.g. point at an airplane flying over) by 14 months

Not play “pretend” games (e.g. pretend to “feed” a doll) by 18 months

Avoid eye contact and want to be alone

Have trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings

Have delayed speech and language skills

Repeat words and phrases over and over (echolalia)

Give unrelated answers to questions

Get upset by minor changes

Have obsessive interests

Flap their hands, rock their bodies or spin in circles

Have unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look or feel

It is important to note that some people without an ASD might also have some of these symptoms. However, for people with an ASD, the impairments make life very challenging.

Find out more about ASD 

While there are varying applications of Applied Behavior Analysis, Invo Behavior and Therapy Services and Autism Home Support Services take a holistic approach in implementing the core methodologies of Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA therapy, to build on a child’s skills and further develop capabilities. These methods include pairing and play, Discrete Trial Training (DTT), Pivotal Response Training, Natural Environment Teaching (NET), Verbal Behavior (VB), and more!

Applied behavior analysis, or ABA therapy, is the application of basic behavioral practices (positive reinforcement, teaching in small steps, prompting, and repeated practice) to facilitate the development of language, social interactions, independent living skills, and other aptitudes.

Originated by the scientific principles of Dr. B.F. Skinner in the 1960s, ABA methods gained popularity treating children with autism in the 1980s. ABA is proven to be the most effective method to teach children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities (Read the research). ABA practices have been endorsed by the Surgeon General, the National Institute of Health (NIH), and the Association for Science in Autism Research.

ABA can be used to teach a variety of skills and positive behaviors, including:

• Communication
• Positive Peer Interactions
• Self-Help Skills (toileting, dressing, bathing, etc.)
• Academics
• Fine and Gross Motor Skills
• Play and Leisure Skills
• Life Skills
• Vocational Skills

ABA methodology is also effective in decreasing challenging behaviors such as noncompliance, tantrums, bed-wetting, feeding problems, aggression, and self-injury.

Our team of qualified Occupational Therapy practitioners enable people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health, and prevent—or live better with—injury, illness, or disability. We work with Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing supports for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.

Occupational therapy services typically include:

An individualized evaluation, during which the client/family and occupational therapist determine the person’s goals,

Customized intervention to improve the person’s ability to perform daily activities and reach the goals, and

An outcomes evaluation to ensure that the goals are being met and/or make changes to the intervention plan

Our team of highly trained physical therapist work with children who have been injured or have movement difficulties ranging from mild concerns to significant motor problems.

Physical Therapists work to decrease pain and improve movement for children.  Our therapist will individualizes treatment plans and regimens for each child. PTs teach kids exercises designed to help them regain strength and range of motion, and also show kids and families how to prevent future injuries.

Conditions a Physical Therapist can help with:

• Autism
• Developmental delays
• Cerebral palsy
• Genetic disorders
• Orthopedic disabilities/injuries
• Heart and lung conditions
• Birth defects (such as spinal bifida)
• Acute trauma
• Head injury
• Limb deficiencies
• Muscle diseases