Is It Reasonable For Parents To Provide All Of Their Child's Early Intervention Without Professional Support?

Oct. 23, 2008 -- Question: Is it reasonable for parents to provide all of their child's early intervention without professional support and enrollment in a formal program?

Answer: Although it's definitely understandable that parents want to do all they can to help their young children with autism, especially after receiving a devastating diagnosis, clinical guidelines mandate at least 25 to 30 hours of intensive one-on-one behavioral treatment for children. This can add up to staggering burden for families, particularly when you factor in other responsibilities such as work, other family members, and possibly associated medical conditions that often co-occur with developmental disabilities.