How to Assist a 2-Year-Old with Autism

Autism

Discover how to help a 2-year-old with autism, from early signs to therapy and family involvement.

Steven Zauderer

September 10, 2024

9 min read

min read

Recognizing Early Signs

Recognizing early signs of autism can be crucial in providing the necessary support and intervention for a child's development. These signs typically manifest in the first 1-2 years of life and may evolve or become more apparent as children grow older. They often involve developmental milestones and challenges in social interaction.

Developmental Milestones

Autism can be associated with variations in the attainment of developmental milestones. One indicator could be if a child exhibits repetitive behaviors, special interests, and a strong preference for routines. For instance, they might become easily upset by changes and prefer following set routines, such as taking the same route to childcare or a grandparent’s house consistently.

In some cases, children with autism may engage in repetitive movements or display unexpected body movements, such as repeating body movements. These patterns could indicate potential sensory sensitivities, highlighting potential challenges they might have in processing sensory information [1].

Developmental Indicators	Description
Repetitive behaviors & preference for routines	May become upset by changes, prefers following set routines
Repetitive or unexpected body movements	Repeats certain body movements, may indicate sensory sensitivities

Social Interaction Challenges

Children with autism might face challenges in social interaction and communication. These challenges can manifest early, such as difficulties responding to their name, making eye contact, and using gestures, especially in the first year of life [1].

Understanding these signs can be the first step in addressing how to help a 2-year-old with autism. Recognizing these signs can lead to early intervention, which is crucial in supporting a child's development and learning.

Social Interaction Challenges	Description
Responding to their name	Might have difficulties responding when called
Eye contact	Can have difficulties making or maintaining eye contact
Using gestures	May struggle with using or understanding gestures

In summary, recognizing these early signs of autism can help parents and caregivers understand the child's needs better and seek early intervention services. It's important to note that each child is unique, and the presence of one or more of these signs doesn't necessarily mean a child has autism. If you have concerns about your child's development, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional.

Interventions and Therapies

When considering how to help a 2 year old with autism, there are several interventions and therapies available. These approaches aim to help children improve their communication, social skills, and daily living activities. Let's explore some of these interventions in detail.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is one of the most widely used interventions for children with autism. ABA uses positive reinforcement to help children learn new skills and behaviors. This type of therapy has been shown to be effective in improving a range of skills including communication, social interaction, personal care, and school work. According to WebMD, early and intensive ABA therapy can lead to substantial and long-lasting gains.

Speech Therapy

Speech therapy is a central part of autism treatment as it helps children with communication, interaction, and social skills. Speech-language pathologists work closely with families and other professionals to improve overall communication abilities in individuals with autism. Starting speech therapy early, ideally before age 3, can lead to significant improvements in communication skills and language development. WebMD stresses the importance of early intervention in speech therapy.

Occupational Therapy

Another crucial intervention for children with autism is occupational therapy. This therapy focuses on activities of daily living, social interaction, behavior, and classroom performance. Occupational therapists work to help individuals with autism improve their quality of life and independence. Early, structured, and individualized care has been shown to be most effective, as highlighted by WebMD.

In addition to these therapies, other interventions such as play therapy and therapeutic horseback riding (also known as hippotherapy) can also be beneficial. Play therapy can help improve social and emotional skills, communication skills, and engagement with others. Therapeutic horseback riding has been shown to help children with autism improve their social and speaking skills and reduce irritability and hyperactivity.

Remember, each child with autism is unique and may respond differently to various therapies. It's important to work with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable interventions for your child.

Educational Support

Educational support is a crucial aspect in aiding a 2-year-old with autism. Implementing evidence-based practices and technology-assisted interventions can significantly improve the child's learning and development.

Evidence-Based Practices

Evidence-based practices (EBPs) are methods that have been scientifically proven to be effective. Two federal laws, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA '04), mandate that educators use evidence-based academic and behavioral practices and programs for children with autism [2].

The National Professional Development Center (NPDC) on Autism Spectrum Disorder has identified 27 evidence-based practices for improving outcomes for students with ASD.

When selecting an EBP for a specific child, educators and practitioners should follow these steps:

Identify the target behavior
Collect baseline data
Indicate the goal in the child's individualized education program (IEP) or individualized family service plan (IFSP)
Determine which EBPs can address the target behavior (source)

It's also important to collect data on the behavior and evaluate the effectiveness of the EBP for the individual student. Fidelity of implementation should also be considered.

High-leverage practices (HLPs) that can be used with students with autism include small-group instruction, functional behavior assessments, peer-assisted strategies, and organized and supportive learning environments. There is overlap between HLPs and evidence-based practices for students with autism.

Technology-Assisted Interventions

Technology-assisted interventions can play a pivotal role in helping a 2-year-old with autism. Such interventions may include the use of tablets, interactive apps, and other digital tools designed to improve communication, social interaction, and cognitive skills.

These tools can be customized to the individual needs of the child, allowing for personalized and engaging learning experiences. Many of these apps and tools use visual and auditory stimuli, which can be particularly effective for children with autism, who often have strong visual and auditory processing skills.

In addition to these, there are also various online resources and platforms where parents and educators can access a wealth of information and guidance on how to effectively use technology-assisted interventions for children with autism.

The use of evidence-based practices and technology-assisted interventions can significantly enhance the educational support provided to a 2-year-old with autism. By implementing these strategies, we can help to unlock the potential of these children and set them on a path to a bright and fulfilling future.

Importance of Early Diagnosis

Early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is pivotal in ensuring the child receives the required services and supports to reach their full potential. ASD can sometimes be detected at 18 months of age or younger. By age 2, a diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered reliable. However, many children do not receive a final diagnosis until much older, including adolescence or adulthood. This delay can result in individuals with ASD not getting the early help they need [3].

Developmental Monitoring

Developmental monitoring is a process involving observing a child's growth and assessing whether they are meeting typical developmental milestones in various areas such as playing, learning, speaking, behaving, and moving. Parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers can engage in developmental monitoring together to track a child's development progress [3].

The following table provides an example of some key developmental milestones to observe in 2-year-olds:

Developmental Area	Milestones
Playing	Engages in pretend play
Learning	Finds hidden objects easily
Speaking	Uses two- to four-word phrases
Behaving	Shows increasing independence
Moving	Climbs furniture without assistance

Developmental Screening

Developmental screening is more formal than monitoring. It is a routine part of some well-child visits and involves comparing a child's developmental progress to that of other children the same age. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends developmental and behavioral screening for all children at certain ages, and specifically for ASD at certain other ages [3].

This process typically involves the use of standardized, validated tools for screening. For example, the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised (M-CHAT-R) is a widely accepted instrument for ASD screening in young children.

Developmental diagnosis, which requires a formal evaluation by a trained specialist like a developmental pediatrician, child psychologist, speech-language pathologist, or occupational therapist, can determine if the child meets the criteria for a developmental diagnosis. This evaluation assesses a child's development in-depth and is crucial in guiding early intervention services.

Early diagnosis and intervention are key components in assisting a 2-year-old with autism effectively. They create a pathway for the child to receive the support services, therapies, and educational assistance they need to thrive.

Support Services

When it comes to helping a 2 year old with autism, the support services available play a crucial role in assisting their development and progress. These services often include school-based programs and Individualized Education Programs (IEP).

School-Based Services

According to NCBI, in 2018, public schools in the United States provided special education services to 663,098 school-aged children and youth with autism. These services are often provided under federal laws like the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA '04). These mandate that educators use evidence-based academic and behavioral practices and programs for children with autism.

The National Professional Development Center (NPDC) on Autism Spectrum Disorder has identified 27 evidence-based practices for improving outcomes for students with ASD. High-leverage practices (HLPs) that can be used with students with autism include small-group instruction, functional behavior assessments, peer-assisted strategies, and organized and supportive learning environments.

However, challenges do arise in implementing these practices due to factors such as the complexity of school settings, the characteristics and preparation of school personnel, and disparities at district, school, and child levels [4].

Individualized Education Programs (IEP)

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is an essential tool in the educational support of children with autism. IEPs are designed to meet the unique educational needs of the child, with specific goals and objectives outlined for progress.

When selecting an evidence-based practice (EBP) for a specific child, educators and practitioners should follow four steps: identify the target behavior, collect baseline data, indicate the goal in the child's IEP or individualized family service plan (IFSP), and determine which EBPs can address the target behavior.

Moreover, it is important to collect data on the behavior and evaluate the effectiveness of the EBP for the individual student. Fidelity of implementation should also be considered.

Support services, including school-based services and IEPs, play a vital role in shaping the growth and development of a child with autism. By leveraging these resources, parents, caregivers, and educators can work together to provide the best possible support for the child's unique needs.

Family Involvement

Family involvement plays a crucial role when it comes to supporting a 2-year-old with autism. By creating a supportive environment and implementing effective behavioral strategies, families can greatly contribute to their child's progress.

Creating a Supportive Environment

Creating a supportive environment for a 2-year-old with autism involves adapting the environment to reduce behavioral episodes and promote understanding. This could include avoiding triggers for challenging behaviors, reducing frustration and anxiety, and enhancing understanding.

Recognizing signs of increasing tension, anxiety, or frustration early can help prevent behavioral outbursts. These signs may be subtle, such as red ears, tapping foot, heavier breathing, or higher pitched speech. It is crucial for the family to respond by tuning in and working towards de-escalation.

Considerations should be made even for basic routines like toilet training. Maintaining a neutral and comfortable environment in the bathroom is crucial. Factors such as warmth, space around the toilet, and sensory stimuli (e.g., temperature, lighting, noise) play a significant role in creating a friendly and encouraging environment for successful toilet training.

Behavioral Strategies

Implementing behavioral strategies can be highly beneficial for a 2-year-old with autism. Therapies such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Play Therapy can assist in improving their social and emotional skills, communication skills, and engagement with others.

ABA therapy uses rewards to reinforce positive behaviors and teach new skills. This type of therapy has shown to be effective in improving communication, social skills, personal care, and school work.

Occupational therapy focuses on activities of daily living, social interaction, behavior, and classroom performance. Through evaluation and therapy, occupational therapists aim to help individuals with autism improve their quality of life and independence.

Speech therapy is vital for autism treatment as it helps children with communication, interaction, and social skills. Speech-language pathologists work closely with families and other professionals to improve overall communication abilities in individuals with autism.

Play therapy, such as Floortime, Integrated Play Groups (IPGs), and Joint Attention Symbolic Play Engagement and Regulation (JASPER), can help children with autism improve their social and emotional skills, communication skills, and engagement with others.

Implementing these strategies can go a long way in helping a 2-year-old with autism. Family involvement in these therapies can greatly enhance their effectiveness, providing a supportive environment for the child to learn and grow.