Survivalist Pro
Photo by Tara Winstead Pexels Logo Photo: Tara Winstead

What is the most common autism treatment?

The most common developmental therapy for people with ASD is Speech and Language Therapy. Speech and Language Therapy helps to improve the person's understanding and use of speech and language. Some people with ASD communicate verbally.

How quickly does bleach poisoning set in?
How quickly does bleach poisoning set in?

For the majority of cases, which involve household bleach that has been diluted in water, symptoms begin within minutes. These include heavy...

Read More »
Is it better to drink tap water or filtered water?
Is it better to drink tap water or filtered water?

The truth is that most contaminants found in tap water are unhealthy and can be very dangerous. Even pure water from the tap can contain such...

Read More »

Current treatments for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) seek to reduce symptoms that interfere with daily functioning and quality of life.1 ASD affects each person differently, meaning that people with ASD have unique strengths and challenges and different treatment needs.1 Therefore, treatment plans usually involve multiple professionals and are catered toward the individual. Treatments can be given in education, health, community, or home settings, or a combination of settings. It is important that providers communicate with each other and the person with ASD and their family to ensure that treatment goals and progress are meeting expectations. As individuals with ASD exit from high school and grow into adulthood, additional services can help improve health and daily functioning, and facilitate social and community engagement. For some, supports to continue education, complete job training, find employment, and secure housing and transportation may be needed.

Types of Treatments

There are many types of treatments available. These treatments generally can be broken down into the following categories, although some treatments involve more than one approach:

Behavioral Approaches

Behavioral approaches focus on changing behaviors by understanding what happens before and after the behavior. Behavioral approaches have the most evidence for treating symptoms of ASD. They have become widely accepted among educators and healthcare professionals and are used in many schools and treatment clinics. A notable behavioral treatment for people with ASD is called Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). ABA encourages desired behaviors and discourages undesired behaviors to improve a variety of skills. Progress is tracked and measured. Two ABA teaching styles are Discrete Trial Training (DTT) and Pivotal Response Training (PRT). DTT uses step-by-step instructions to teach a desired behavior or response. Lessons are broken down into their simplest parts, and desired answers and behaviors are rewarded. Undesired answers and behaviors are ignored. PRT takes place in a natural setting rather than clinic setting. The goal of PRT is to improve a few “pivotal skills” that will help the person learn many other skills. One example of a pivotal skill is to initiate communication with others.

Developmental Approaches

Developmental approaches focus on improving specific developmental skills, such as language skills or physical skills, or a broader range of interconnected developmental abilities. Developmental approaches are often combined with behavioral approaches. The most common developmental therapy for people with ASD is Speech and Language Therapy. Speech and Language Therapy helps to improve the person’s understanding and use of speech and language. Some people with ASD communicate verbally. Others may communicate through the use of signs, gestures, pictures, or an electronic communication device. Occupational Therapy teaches skills that help the person live as independently as possible. Skills may include dressing, eating, bathing, and relating to people. Occupational therapy can also include:

Is it OK to burn newspaper in fireplace?
Is it OK to burn newspaper in fireplace?

The inks used in wrapping paper, newspaper inserts, glossy magazines, pizza boxes and other items contain metals that give off toxic fumes when...

Read More »
How long can you live with just water?
How long can you live with just water?

With no food and no water, the maximum time the body can survive is thought to be about one week . With water only, but no food, survival time may...

Read More »

Sensory Integration Therapy to help improve responses to sensory input that may be restrictive or overwhelming. to help improve responses to sensory input that may be restrictive or overwhelming. Physical Therapy can help improve physical skills, such as fine movements of the fingers or larger movements of the trunk and body. The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is a broad developmental approach based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. It is used with children 12-48 months of age. Parents and therapists use play, social exchanges, and shared attention in natural settings to improve language, social, and learning skills.

Educational Approaches

Educational treatments are given in a classroom setting. One type of educational approach is the Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication-Handicapped Children (TEACCH) approach. TEACCH is based on the idea that people with autism thrive on consistency and visual learning. It provides teachers with ways to adjust the classroom structure and improve academic and other outcomes. For example, daily routines can be written or drawn and placed in clear sight. Boundaries can be set around learning stations. Verbal instructions can be complimented with visual instructions or physical demonstrations.

Social-Relational Approaches

Social-relational treatments focus on improving social skills and building emotional bonds. Some social-relational approaches involve parents or peer mentors. The Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based model (also called “Floor time”) encourages parents and therapists to follow the interests of the individual to expand opportunities for communication. model encourages parents and therapists to follow the interests of the individual to expand opportunities for communication. The Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) model involves activities that increase motivation, interest, and abilities to participate in shared social interactions. (RDI) model involves activities that increase motivation, interest, and abilities to participate in shared social interactions. Social Stories provide simple descriptions of what to expect in a social situation. provide simple descriptions of what to expect in a social situation. Social Skills Groups provide opportunities for people with ASD to practice social skills in a structured environment.

Pharmacological Approaches

There are no medications that treat the core symptoms of ASD. Some medications treat co-occurring symptoms that can help people with ASD function better. For example, medication might help manage high energy levels, inability to focus, or self-harming behavior, such as head banging or hand biting. Medication can also help manage co-occurring psychological conditions, such as anxiety or depression, in addition to medical conditions such as seizures, sleep problems, or stomach or other gastrointestinal problems. It is important to work with a doctor who has experience in treating people with ASD when considering the use of medication. This applies to both prescription medication and over-the-counter medication. Individuals, families, and doctors must work together to monitor progress and reactions to be sure that negative side effects of the medication do not outweigh the benefits.

What will humans look like in 100000 years?
What will humans look like in 100000 years?

100,000 Years From Today We will also have larger nostrils, to make breathing easier in new environments that may not be on earth. Denser hair...

Read More »
What is the strongest bullet?
What is the strongest bullet?

.700 Nitro Express Primer type Boxer; Magnum Large Rifle Ballistic performance Bullet mass/type Velocity Energy 1,000 gr (65 g) SP 2,000 ft/s (610...

Read More »

Psychological Approaches

Psychological approaches can help people with ASD cope with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) is one psychological approach that focuses on learning the connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. During CBT, a therapist and the individual work together to identify goals and then change how the person thinks about a situation to change how they react to the situation.

Complementary and Alternative Treatments

Some individuals and parents use treatments that do not fit into any of the other categories. These treatments are known as Complementary and Alternative treatments. Complementary and alternative treatments are often used to supplement more traditional approaches. They might include special diets, herbal supplements, chiropractic care, animal therapy, arts therapy, mindfulness, or relaxation therapies. Individuals and families should always talk to their doctor before starting a complementary and alternative treatment. There may be other treatments available for individuals with ASD. Talk to a doctor or healthcare provider to learn more.

For more information you can visit:

American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Children with Disabilities: https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/145/1/e20193447external icon

Autism Society: https://www.autism-society.org/living-with-autism/treatment-options/external icon

Autism Speaks: https://www.autismspeaks.org/treatments-autismexternal icon

Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee: https://iacc.hhs.gov/publications/publications-analysis/2012/treatments.shtmlexternal icon

National Institute on Child Health and Human Development: https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/autism/conditioninfo/treatmentsexternal icon

References

What are the 7 basic needs of all living things?
What are the 7 basic needs of all living things?

So, what do all living things need? Sunlight, water, air, habitat, and food are the basic needs of all living things. Without one or more of these...

Read More »
What do you throw away in pantry?
What do you throw away in pantry?

9 Things in Your Pantry You Should Throw Away Cooking Oils. Cooking oils such as canola oil and olive oil don't last as long as you might think....

Read More »
What caused the 1983 video game crash?
What caused the 1983 video game crash?

The crash was attributed to several factors, including market saturation in the number of video game consoles and available games, many of which...

Read More »
Who is the best Navy SEAL sniper?
Who is the best Navy SEAL sniper?

Seal Chris Kyle Known as the deadliest sniper in U.S. military history, Navy Seal Chris Kyle, who served during the Iraq War, has become renowned...

Read More »