St. Louis, Missouri, March 17, 2021… Over the years, there is abundant evidence that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) tends to run in families. However, a new National Institutes of Health (NIH) study indicates that a child’s risk for Autism increases 3% to 5% if their parents have a sibling who is on the spectrum. Among the general population, approximately 1.5% of children receive an Autism diagnosis. However, genetic risk factors essentially double the risk of ASD for children whose aunts or uncles have Autism. Additionally, the study suggests that maternally transmitted ASD risk is lower than paternal transmission. What this means is that a child whose mother has a sibling with ASD may be at lesser risk of Autism than a child whose father has a sibling with ASD.

AB Spectrum (Autism and Behavioral Spectrum), an Autism early intervention and diagnostic center is the world’s first ReggioABATM clinic. Focusing on play therapy and Natural Environment Training (NET) for treating ASD, their programs cater to families in and around the St. Louis area of Missouri. Their team of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy professionals aims to bring about positive, long-lasting changes in the lives of children with Autism.

AB Spectrum’s founder, Naina Aijaz Haider is passionate about counseling families where the children are at increased risk of Autism. “In light of the NIH study on inherited risk factors, heightened surveillance of ASD is extremely critical in second-generation offspring of families with a history of Autism diagnosis. Given the benefits of early and intensive ABA-based interventions, incorporating second-degree family history of ASD in the pediatric practice could also go a long way towards timely diagnosis and proper treatments.”

“ASD is a complex neurological disorder that impacts the quality of life of the child, as well as the family. Previous studies indicate that males are 3 times more likely to receive an ASD diagnosis than females, with the general belief being females have a built-in resistance to the genetic factors that lead to Autism. However, the same studies also show that women could remain unaffected yet transmit the risk factors to their offspring.”

“Our qualified and experienced Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) and Registered Behavior Therapists (RBTs) take the time to understand the history and inherited risk factors among concerned parents who bring in their children for an Autism assessment. We also come across families where multiple members have ASD or are at risk of being on the spectrum. Researchers call them “multiplex” families. In fact, a large study done a few years ago suggests that the recurring risk of ASD in families affected by Autism is around 19 percent. Which means, it is possible that more than one child receives an ASD diagnosis”, shares Haider.

“With advances in diagnostic tools, it is possible to identify ASD in children as early as 18 months old. We recommend starting therapy as soon as the child receives a formal diagnosis. AB Spectrum’s fully immersive programs use a variety of ABA-based tools and techniques customized to every child’s unique needs and development goals. Our expert ABA therapists design and administer individualized treatment plans and positive reinforcements to improve the child’s motor skills, functional skills, social skills, self-care abilities, essential life skills, and self-confidence. The ultimate goal is to help children with ASD assimilate better in society and succeed in their academic, professional and personal endeavors,” concludes Haider.

To learn more about AB Spectrum’s ABA therapy clinics and comprehensive behavioral interventions and programs, please visit https://www.abspectrum.org/.

AB Spectrum’s ABA Therapy Experts in St. Louis, Missouri Discuss Inherited Risks and Importance of Early Diagnosis