Autism regression is when a child loses previously acquired skills, like words or social gestures, usually between 12 and 24 months. If you notice this in your toddler, act quickly by talking to your pediatrician and seeking an early intervention evaluation through NJEIS. Liftoff ABA provides in-home, BCBA-led therapy across New Jersey with no waitlists, helping your child regain and build skills.
What Is Autism Regression?
Autism regression, also called developmental regression, is when a child who has been developing typically starts to lose skills they once had. This can include losing words they used to say, no longer making eye contact, or stopping social gestures like waving or pointing. For many parents, this can be confusing and frightening, but understanding what is happening is the first step to getting the right help.
Regression in autism typically occurs between 12 and 24 months of age, though it can happen earlier or later. It is important to note that not every child with autism experiences regression; some show signs from birth, while others develop typically and then plateau or regress. If you notice a loss of skills in your toddler, it is a key reason to seek an evaluation as soon as possible.
Signs of Regression in Toddlers
Recognizing the signs of regression is crucial for early intervention. Here are some common signs that may indicate your toddler is experiencing a loss of skills:
- Language loss: Your child stops saying words or phrases they previously used.
- Social withdrawal: They no longer respond to their name, avoid eye contact, or lose interest in playing with others.
- Loss of gestures: They stop pointing, waving, or nodding.
- Loss of play skills: They revert to repetitive behaviors or lose interest in pretend play.
- Motor skill regression: They may lose the ability to walk or use their hands as well as before (though this is less common).
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to document what you see and share it with your pediatrician. Early identification can lead to earlier intervention, which is linked to better outcomes.
Why Does Regression Happen?
The exact cause of autism regression is not fully understood, but researchers believe it may be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some theories suggest that it may involve an overgrowth of synapses in the brain or an immune system response. However, there is no known way to prevent regression, and it is not caused by parenting style or vaccines.
What is clear is that regression is a real phenomenon that can be a sign of autism. If your child is regressing, it is not your fault, and the best thing you can do is seek professional guidance.
What to Do If You Notice Regression
If you suspect your toddler is regressing, here are the steps you should take:
1. Talk to Your Pediatrician
Schedule an appointment with your child's doctor and describe the changes you have observed. Bring any notes or videos you have taken. Your pediatrician can rule out other medical causes and refer you for a developmental evaluation.
2. Contact New Jersey Early Intervention (NJEIS)
In New Jersey, children under the age of 3 who are suspected of having developmental delays can be referred to the New Jersey Early Intervention System (NJEIS). You can call or submit a referral online, and the system will arrange for a free evaluation to determine if your child qualifies for services. This is a critical step because early intervention can make a significant difference.
3. Seek a Formal Autism Evaluation
If your child is over 3, or if you want a formal diagnosis, you can seek an evaluation from a developmental pediatrician, child psychologist, or a team of specialists. In New Jersey, there are many resources to help you find an evaluator, including through your pediatrician or local children's hospital.
4. Explore Therapy Options
If your child is diagnosed with autism, or even if they are not yet diagnosed but are showing signs, early intervention services can help. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a widely used, evidence-based approach that can help children regain lost skills and learn new ones. Liftoff ABA offers in-home ABA therapy across New Jersey, with no waitlists, so your child can start receiving support quickly.
How ABA Therapy Can Help
ABA therapy focuses on understanding and improving specific behaviors, including communication, social skills, and daily living skills. For a child who has regressed, ABA can help re-teach skills that were lost and build new ones. Here is how ABA therapy works at Liftoff ABA:
- BCBA-designed plans: Each child's plan is created and supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who has specialized training in autism.
- One-on-one therapy: Your child will work with a dedicated therapist, building a trusting relationship and receiving consistent support.
- In-home setting: Therapy happens in your home, which can be more comfortable for your child and allows for natural learning opportunities in daily routines.
- Family involvement: You will be trained to reinforce skills between sessions, helping your child generalize what they learn.
Research shows that early intensive behavioral intervention can lead to significant gains in IQ, language, and adaptive behavior. While every child is different, many children who receive ABA therapy make meaningful progress.
New Jersey Resources for Families
New Jersey has a strong network of support for families of children with autism. In addition to NJEIS, there are other resources you can tap into:
- NJ Medicaid (NJ FamilyCare): If your child is eligible for NJ FamilyCare, it covers medically necessary autism services, including ABA therapy. Liftoff ABA accepts NJ FamilyCare and can help you verify your benefits.
- Autism insurance mandate: New Jersey has a law that requires most health insurance plans to cover medically necessary autism treatments, including ABA therapy. This means your insurance may cover therapy, even if you have private insurance.
- PerformCare: For children with more complex needs, PerformCare is the state's contracted system for behavioral health services. They can help connect you with resources.
- County special services school districts: If your child is over 3, your local school district may provide special education services, including ABA-based supports, through an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Navigating these systems can be overwhelming, but you do not have to do it alone. Liftoff ABA can help you understand your coverage and get started with therapy.
Why Choose Liftoff ABA?
At Liftoff ABA, we are dedicated to providing high-quality, in-home ABA therapy for children with autism in New Jersey. Here is what sets us apart:
- No waitlists: We understand that early intervention is critical, so most families start within weeks, not months.
- BCBA-led care: Every therapy plan is designed and supervised by a BCBA, ensuring your child receives effective, evidence-based treatment.
- Insurance help: We accept most major insurance plans, including NJ Medicaid (NJ FamilyCare), and we offer free benefits verification to help you understand your coverage.
- Personalized approach: Your child gets a dedicated therapist who works with them one-on-one, in the comfort of your home.
If you are concerned about your child's development, do not wait. Early intervention can make a world of difference. Contact Liftoff ABA at (973) 566-3180 to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward helping your child thrive.
- Autism regression involves losing skills like language, social engagement, or play, often between ages 1 and 2.
- Early recognition and intervention are critical; New Jersey offers free evaluations through NJEIS for children under 3.
- ABA therapy is a proven, evidence-based approach to help children regain and develop new skills.
- Liftoff ABA provides in-home ABA therapy with no waitlists, accepting most major insurance and NJ Medicaid.
- You can request a free benefits verification and start services within weeks, not months.
- Trust your instincts as a parent; if something feels off, seek a professional evaluation.
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Can ABA therapy help a child who has regressed?
Does insurance cover ABA therapy in New Jersey?
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