Autism Treatment

Autism is a brain disorder that often makes it hard to communicate with and relate to others.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behavior.

The symptoms and signs of autism vary, but every child on the autism spectrum has problems to some degree in the following areas:

Communicating verbally and non-verbally
Social Interaction and relationships
Behaviors that are restricted, inflexible, and even obsessive

Autism Symptoms

Recognizing the early signs of autism and seeking early intervention services and treatment improves the outcomes of learning, social skills, and communication in children with autism spectrum disorder.

Though each child with autism is likely to have a unique pattern of behavior, some common autism symptoms include:

Social Skills

Fails to respond to his or her name
Has poor eye contact
Appears not to hear you at times
Resists cuddling and holding
Appears unaware of others’ feelings
Seems to prefer playing alone — retreats into his or her own world
Doesn’t ask for help or request things

Language

Doesn’t speak or has delayed speech
Loses previously acquired ability to say words or sentences
Doesn’t make eye contact when making requests
Speaks with an abnormal tone or rhythm — may use a singsong voice or robot-like speech
Can’t start a conversation or keep one going
May repeat words or phrases verbatim, but doesn’t understand how to use them
Doesn’t appear to understand simple questions or direction

Behavior

Performs repetitive movements, such as rocking, spinning or hand-flapping
Develops specific routines or rituals and becomes disturbed at the slightest change
Moves constantly
May be fascinated by details of an object, such as the spinning wheels of a toy car, but doesn’t understand the “big picture” of the subject
May be unusually sensitive to light, sound and touch, and yet oblivious to pain
Does not engage in imitative or make-believe play
May have odd food preferences, such as eating only a few foods, or craving items that are not food, such as chalk or dirt
May perform activities that could cause self-harm, such as head banging

References: Mayo Clinic

Early Intervention Autism Treatments

When autism is diagnosed in infancy, treatment can take full advantage of the young brain’s remarkable plasticity. Early diagnosis and treatment help the child develop important skills. Treatment will usually reduce some of the symptoms, regardless of the child’s age, and will help the child reach their full potential.

Specialized Autism Treatment

Children with autism tend to respond better to highly structured and specialized treatment programs that focus on communication, social, behavioral, and independent living skills, and learning. The intervention focuses on the core areas affected by autism, including social skills, language and communication, imitation, play skills, daily living and motor skills.

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Evaluating Autism Treatment Options

Diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of autism involves a multi-disciplinary team of medical professionals, including a pediatrician, psychologist, speech and language pathologist, and occupational therapist.

This comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach that focuses on the child’s individual needs, together with the participation of the parents, will ensure greater success and outcomes.