The diagnosis of autism can evoke an assortment of feelings in parents and family members – from annoyance and vexation to sorrow and disorientation. Many parents may search online and question, “What’s the cure for autism?” or “How is autism managed?”.
A frequent query asked at the outset of this voyage is, “Can autism be healed?” Currently, Autism has no cure, but research has been conducted and revealed that certain therapies backed with medications could help manage its symptoms and improve your child’s life. If you’re considering a therapy treatment for your loved one, it’s worthwhile to do research & enquire with your doctor before taking the plunge.
What to keep in mind when looking for treatment
When exploring treatments and therapies, it’s important to consider if the therapy will:
- Enable your child to learn everyday living skills & cultivate their autonomy.
- Develop your child’s communication and language abilities.
You also need to ensure that you’ll:
- receive support and tools to help manage aggressive or other behavioral issues and eventually reduce their intensity.
Research-based therapies
Studies have demonstrated the potential for intensive, & research-based therapies to produce positive outcomes in children with autism. These are Developmental, Behavioral, medication-based, psychological, social skills and complementary therapies.
Developmental therapies:
Developmental therapies focus on fostering and perfecting various developmental skills depending on the individual and their particular needs. These developmental skills could, for example, include communication, emotional regulation, and social engagement.
Developmental therapies are often utilized together with behavioral interventions to maximize positive outcomes. Some of the developmental therapies include:
Speech therapy:
Speech therapy involves a speech and language pathologist who works with the individual to build their capacity to comprehend and utilize speech and language. Through specialized exercises, the individual can strengthen their skills in this area of communication.
Occupational Therapy:
Occupational therapy always involves teaching the patient practical daily living skills such as dressing, eating, cooking, bathing etc.
Sensory Integration Therapy:
An extension of occupational therapy which focuses on how a person processes and reacts to sensory stimulation.
Physical Therapy:
A form of treatment that emphasizes physical development, muscle strength building and mobility with the assistance of fine or gross motor skills.
Early Start Denver Model (ESDM):
A comprehensive approach to development used with children aged between 12 and 48 months, based on Applied Behaviour Analysis principles.
Behavior therapies:
Behavioral therapies, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Discrete Trial Training (DTT) and Pivotal Response Training (PRT), are effective when treating autism. These techniques use the ABC model of Action, Behavior and Consequence to recognize exhibited behavioral issues and reward desired behaviors while discouraging negative ones. Progress is tracked to teach positive behaviors in a natural setting.
Alternative therapies
Family members may consider alternative therapies for individuals who do not wish to take medications and need further assistance. Although these treatments have limited scientific evidence, the approach is tailored to an individual’s specific needs. Such approaches can include dietary alterations (e.g., eliminating gluten, casein or food coloring), supplements recommended by medical professionals familiar with such products, chiropractic care, animal therapy (utilized to manage anxiety and seizures) or music therapy (to tackle anxiety).
Medications
Medications can also help alleviate symptoms related to autism, such as gastrointestinal issues, & seizures. However, before you consider medication, consult a doctor about the potential side effects & benefits.
