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Understanding Autism
What is Autism?
Diagnosis & Consultation
Treatment
Guidelines
Learning
Biomedical
Education
Living with Autism
Resources
Discovering that your child has autism can be an overwhelming experience. For some, the diagnosis may come as a complete surprise; others may have suspected autism and tried for months or years to get an accurate diagnosis. In either case, you probably have many questions about how to proceed. A generation ago, many people with autism were placed in institutions. Professionals were less educated about autism than they are today and specific services and supports were largely non-existent. Today the picture is much more clear. With appropriate services, training, and information, children with autism will grow and can learn, even if at a different developmental rate than others.
While there is no cure for autism, there are treatment and education approaches that may reduce some of the challenges associated with the disability. Intervention may help to lessen disruptive behaviors, and education can teach self-help skills that allow for greater independence. But just as there is no one symptom or behavior that identifies autistic children, there is no single treatment. Children can learn to function within the confines of their disability, but treatment must be tailored to the child's individual behaviors and needs.
Remember, the purpose of this section is to provide a general overview of available approaches, not specific treatment recommendations. Keep in mind that the word "treatment" is used in a very limited sense. While typically used for children under 3, the approaches described herein may be included in an educational program for older children as well.
It is important to match your child's needs and potential with treatments or strategies that are likely to be effective in moving him/her closer to normal functioning. We do not want to give the impression that you will select one item from a list of available treatments. You should move forward in your search for appropriate treatment knowing that you do not have to exclude other options, and that all treatment approaches are not equal. The basis for choosing any treatment plan should come from a thorough evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses observed in the child.
Learn more about:
Understanding your options
Programs for children under 3
Programs for school-aged children
Evaluating Approaches
Treatment approaches are evolving as more is learned about autism. There are many therapeutic programs, both conventional and complementary, that focus on replacing dysfunctional behaviors and developing specific skills.
As a parent, it's natural to want to do something immediately. However, it is important not to rush in with changes. Your child may have already learned to cope with his or her current environment and changes could be stressful. You should investigate various treatment approaches and gather information concerning various options before proceeding with your child's treatment.
You will encounter numerous accounts from parents about successes and failures with many of the treatment approaches mentioned. You will also discover that professionals differ in their theories of what they feel is the most successful treatment for autism. It can be frustrating! But you will learn to sift through them and make rational, educated decisions on what is appropriate for your child. You live with your child every day and you know his/her needs. And in time, you will come to know his/her autism. Trust your instincts as you explore various options.
Again, please keep in mind that the descriptions of treatment approaches provided here are for informational purposes only. They are meant to give you an overview of an approach. The Autism Society of America does not endorse any specific treatment or therapy.
During your research, you will hear about many different treatments approaches, such as auditory training, discrete trial training, vitamin therapy, anti-yeast therapy, facilitated communication, music therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and sensory integration. These approaches can generally be broken down into three categories:
Learning Approaches
Biomedical & Dietary Approaches
Complementary Approaches
Some of these treatment approaches have research studies that support their efficacy; others may not. Some parents will only want to try treatment methods that have undergone research and testing and are generally accepted by the professional community. But keep in mind that scientific studies are often difficult to do since each individual with autism is different.
For others, formal testing might not be a pre-requisite for them to try a treatment with their child. Even for those with "scientific" proof, we recommend that the family or caregiver investigate all options available to determine the appropriateness to their child.
Experts agree though, that early intervention is important in addressing the symptoms associated with autism. The earlier treatment is started, the better the chance the child will reach normal functioning levels. Many of the approaches described can be used on children as young as age 2 or 3. They may also continue to be used in conjunction with special education programs or traditional elementary school for children who are mainstreamed.
If your child is younger than 3 years old, he or she is eligible for "early intervention" assistance. This federally-funded program is available in every state, but may be provided by different agencies. Contact one of the ASA chapters in your area for more specific information or obtain a state resource sheet from the National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities from your state referral.
This early education assistance may be available to you in two forms: home-based or school-based. Home-based programs generally assign members of an early intervention team to come to your home to train you and educate your child. School-based programs may be in a public school or a private organization. Both of these programs should be staffed by teachers and other professionals who have experience working with children with disabilities specifically autism. Related services should also be offered, such as speech, physical or occupational therapy, depending on the needs of each child. The program may be only for children with disabilities or it may also include non-challenged peers.
From the age of 3 through the age of 21, your child is guaranteed a free appropriate public education supplied by your local education agency. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal mandate that guarantees this education. Whatever the level of impairment, the educational program for an individual with autism should be based on the unique needs of the student, and thoroughly documented in the IEP (Individualized Education Program). If this is the first attempt by the parents and the school system to develop the appropriate curriculum, conducting a comprehensive needs assessment is a good place to start. Consult with professionals well versed in autism disorders about the best possible educational methods that will be effective in assisting the student to learn and benefit from his/her school program. Educational programming for students with autism often addresses a wide range of skill development, including: academics, language, social skills, self-help skills, behavioral issues, and leisure skills.
As a parent, you can and should be an active and equal participant in deciding on an appropriate educational plan for your child. You know your child best and can provide valuable information to teachers and other professionals who will be educating your child. Collaboration between parents and professionals is essential open communication can lead to better evaluation of a student's progress.
To learn about other services specific to your area, you may wish to contact resources in your community, such as your local ASA chapter, a local university affiliated program for developmental disabilities, the local chapter of the Association for Retarded Citizens, Easter Seals, or the local developmental disabilities council. If you decide to contact any of these agencies, please keep in mind that it may take days or weeks to find the information you need.
Because no two children with autism have the exact same symptoms and behavioral patterns, a treatment approach that works for one child may not be successful with another. This makes evaluating different approaches difficult. There is little comparative research between treatment approaches. Primarily this is because there are too many variables that have to be controlled. So, it's no wonder that as a parent you might be confused about what to do.
In her article "Behavioral and Educational Treatment for Autistic Spectrum Disorders" (Advocate, Volume 33, No. 6), Bryna Siegel, Ph.D., suggests thinking about "each symptom as an autism specific learning disability…" that tells "something about a barrier to understanding." Using this model, you can then evaluate what your child can and cannot do well. "…take stock of which autistic learning disabilities are present," and "then select treatments that address that particular child's unique autism learning disability profile."
Understanding these learning differences is the first step in assessing whether a specific treatment approach may be helpful to your child. Understanding a child's strengths is equally important. For example, some children are good visual learners, while another more advanced child may need written, rather than oral, cues.
Finding Treatment Programs in Your Area
Once you become familiar with the treatments that are available and appropriate for individuals with autism, you may be concerned about where they can receive these services. Treatments may be obtained through either the medical or educational community, depending on the nature of the treatment. There are also a variety of resources you can use to find qualified professionals or service providers in your area. There are several state agencies established to provide this type of information and support, including Protection and Advocacy; Developmental Disabilities Planning Councils; Vocational Rehabilitation Centers; Parent Training Centers; and Educational Resources. You should also try your local ASA chapter for tips on programs and professionals in your area.
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