Time names autism treatment one of 2012’s top medical breakthroughs
by Patricia
Easter Seals’ mission is to provide services and supports to individuals with autism and other disabilities so that they can live, learn work and play. One of the services we provide is the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM). ESDM is a comprehensive treatment intervention delivered by highly trained professionals for young children with autism. The outcomes for ESDM have been quite good. Many children who have received ESDM intervention have significant improvement in their adaptive behavior, IQ and autism diagnosis.
Time magazine has taken notice of the ESDM and named it one of the Top 10 Medical Breakthroughs for 2012. I still find it amazing when an autism treatment receives attention from a mainstream publication. I am particularly pleased that this focus addresses autism treatment that results in meaningful outcomes.
Sadly, many young children with autism cannot access quality intervention like the ESDM. Many barriers exist to accessing effective treatment: finding trained therapists, paying for therapy, finding time every day to engage in the intensive therapy and so on. Perhaps raising awareness via media channels like Time magazine will raise awareness about meeting the needs of children with autism.