Guidelines for the treatment of autism

 

Autism is a complex disease that cannot be cured. However, there are many treatments and medications that can help control its symptoms. Work with your doctor to develop the most effective support plan for you or your child.

What is autism?

Autism spectrum disorder is a disorder that affects the way a person behaves, socializes, or interacts with others. It was once broken down into different diseases, such as Asperger's syndrome. It is now considered a disease with a wide range of symptoms and severity.

Although it is now known as autism spectrum disorder, many people still use the term "autism."

There is no cure for autism, but there are several ways to help improve social functioning, learning, and quality of life in children and adults with autism. Remember that autism is a spectrum-based disease. Some people may require little support, while others may need intensive therapy.

It is also important to remember that many studies related to supporting autism have focused on children. This is mainly because existing studies recommend that starting support before age 3 years is most effective. However, many options designed for children can also help adults.

Read on to learn more about the different ways to treat autism.

Apply behavioral analysis

Applied behavioral analytics (aba) is one of the most widely used options for adults and children. It refers to a range of technologies designed to encourage positive behavior using reward systems.

There are several types of aba, including:

Discrete experimental training. The technique uses a series of trials to encourage progressive learning. Correct behavior and answers are rewarded, and errors are ignored.
Early reinforcement of behavioral interventions. Children, usually under the age of five, work one-on-one with a therapist or in a small group. It is usually done within a few years to help children develop communication skills and reduce problematic behaviors, including aggression or self-harm.
Critical response training. This is a strategy used in someone's daily environment to teach key skills, such as motivation to learn or initiate communication.
Verbal-behavioral interventions. Therapists work with someone to help them understand why and how humans use language to communicate and get what they need.
Positive behavioral support. This involves making environmental changes to the home or classroom to make good behavior feel more rewarding.

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that can be effective in helping children and adults. In CBT courses, people understand the connection between feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. This may help identify the thoughts and feelings that trigger negative behavior.

A 2010 review suggests that CBT is particularly beneficial in helping people with autism manage anxiety. It can also help them better identify the emotions of others and better cope with social situations.

Social skills training

Social skills training (SST) is a way for people, especially children, to develop social skills. For some people with autism, interacting with others is very difficult. This can lead to many challenges over time.

People who receive SST learn basic social skills, including how to engage in conversations, understand humor, and read emotional cues. While it is commonly used in children, SST may also be effective for teens and young adults in their early 20s.

Sensory integration therapy

People with autism are sometimes unusually affected by sensory inputs, such as sight, hearing, or smell. Social integration therapy is based on the theory that amplifying some of your senses makes it difficult for you to learn and exhibit positive behaviors.

Sit tries to balance a person's response to sensory stimuli. It is usually done by occupational therapists and relies on games such as Lassa or jump rope.

Occupational therapy

Occupational therapy (OT) is a healthcare field focused on teaching children and adults the basic skills they need in their daily lives. For children, this often includes teaching fine motor skills, handwriting skills, and self-care skills.

For adults, OT focuses on developing independent life skills such as cooking, cleaning, and handling money.

Speech therapy

Speech therapy teaches language skills and can help people with autism communicate better. A speech-language pathologist or occupational therapist usually does it.

In addition to using words correctly, it can also help children improve the speed and rhythm of speech. It can also help adults improve the way they communicate their thoughts and feelings.

Drugs

There are no drugs specifically designed to treat autism. However, several medications for other conditions that can occur with autism may help relieve certain symptoms.

Drugs used to help control autism fall into several categories:

·         Antipsychotics. Some of the newer antipsychotic drugs may help address aggressiveness, self-harm, and behavioral problems in children and adults with autism. The FDA recently approved the use of Risperdal and Ariprazole (Abilify) for the treatment of autism symptoms.

·         Antidepressant. While many people with autism take antidepressants, researchers are not yet sure if they actually help alleviate autism symptoms. Still, they may help treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and anxiety in people with autism.

·         Stimulant. Stimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), are often used to treat adhd, but they may also help treat overlapping symptoms of autism, including inattention and hyperactivity. A 2015 review of the use of autism medications showed that about half of children with autism benefited from stimulants, although some experienced negative side effects.

·         Anticonvulsants. Some people with autism also have epilepsy, so anti-epileptic drugs are sometimes prescribed.

What about alternative therapies?

People have tried countless alternatives. However, there are not many conclusive studies supporting these methods, and it is unclear whether they are effective. Some of these, such as chelation therapy, may also do more harm than good.

Still, autism is a widespread disease that can cause a variety of symptoms. Just because something does not work for one person does not mean it will not help the other. Work closely with your doctor when looking for alternatives. A good doctor can help you conduct research around these options and avoid potentially risky approaches without scientific support.

Potential alternatives that require studies that are more conclusive include:

·         Gluten-free, casein-free diet

·         Weighted blankets

·         Melatonin

·         Vitamin C

·         omega-3 fatty acids

·         Dimethyl glycine

·         Vitamin b-6 is combined with magnesium

·         Oxytocin

·         CBD OIL

If you are reluctant to discuss alternative therapies with your doctor, consider finding another medical professional to help you find the right support.

Conclusion 

Autism is a complex disease that cannot be cured. However, there are multiple treatments and medications that can help control its symptoms. Work with your doctor to develop the most effective support plan for you or your child.