Treatment and Therapy For Autism
Repetitive and restrictive behavior, impaired abilities for communication and social interaction are some of the characteristics of autism. A disorder in the neural development is a major cause behind autism. However, diagnosis can be made in early childhood as symptoms become apparent in the first three years of a child’s life. Autism is recognized as one of the most common among the three of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Parents can usually notice the signs of this disorder in their child’s life by the first couple of years. Though these signs generally develop gradually, in some cases the child undergo normal growth procedure followed by a regress period. Therapy for autism includes early cognitive and behavioral intervention that in the course of time helps autistic children to gain communication and social skills along with self-care abilities.
Though there have been no such known cures for autism, there are reported instances of autistic children who have recovered. And over the last two decades, enormous efforts have been made towards developing evidence-based interventions to deal with Autism Spectrum Disorders in young children. The autism therapies endeavor to minimize the abnormal behaviors and deficits associated with the disorders as well as increase the functional independence and lifestyle qualities for the autistic children. The therapy for autism is typically customized according to the requirements of the child. The treatments are categorized in two major sections: medical management and educational interventions. Support and training are also provided to parents and families of the child.
When a child is diagnosed with the Autism Spectrum Disorder, understandably it leaves a devastating feeling for the family. However, one must understand that early diagnosis is the stepping stone to the recovery procedure. In most of the cases psycho-educational approaches are adopted to enhance the communication, social and cognitive skills whereas problem behaviors are minimized. There is no particular treatment considered as the best and every treatment requires modifications according to the needs of the child. The therapy for autism includes approaches like language and speech therapy, social skill therapy, parent-communication trainings, communication interventions, occupational therapy, structured teaching such as the TEACCH programs, and the often used Applied Behavior Analysis or ABA.
ABA is an empirically supported and trusted intervention therapy for autism, specifically with regard to early home-based intensive therapy. It is also recommended, to yield the best results of receiving early intensive ABA therapy, the children must receive the therapy for about 40 hours every week for approximately two years.
The EIBI or Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention has also undergone meticulous research for more than 40 years to improve the techniques and their effectiveness. Most of these EIBI programs identify that each skill appropriate for every specific age is teachable and must be imparted to the children. The general areas addressed as part of curriculum include play skills, social skills, pre-academic as well as academic skills, language, and most importantly independent survival and living skills. The therapy for autism is intended to impart basic and necessary social and living skills to the autistic individual for his overall emotional and social growth.
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