Sadly, there is no “cure” for autism, a neurological disorder that causes developmental disabilities and usually appears in children by age 3. What there can be, though, is effective treatment for a child with autism, particularly when the autism is caught early.
Each child with autism is different and will have different needs. As a result there is no one-size-fits-all treatment.
Many parents use a carefully structured behaviorally-based therapy plan, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), specifically designed for their child, starting with what the child does and does not know how to do. These behavior-based plans include clear instructions for the child to follow and prompting to do so as well as immediate praise and reward so that the desired behavior is reinforced. Stopping temper tantrums, learning to sit still, and reducing repetitive behavior are among the goals of this type of therapy because, without achieving these stills, a child with autism finds it almost impossible to learn anything else.
A child with autism should receive at least 25 hours a week of this type of intensive therapy.
Medications to treat other symptoms, such as seizures and hyperactivity, may also be appropriate.
Behavior-based therapy also acknowledges that a child with autism needs to learn is how to communicate. Without communication, it is difficult to teach them the other skills they need to learn.
Children normally learn language skills by watching and imitating. They hear their parents talk. They learn that certain sounds are associated with certain things, like “mama”, “dada”, and “bottle”. One of the symptoms of autism, though, is the inability to watch and imitate.
Talking a lot to a child with autism is simply not effective. Short, simple, and clearly audible instructions are required, like “Stop” or “Look at me”. Research has also shown that most children with autism learn language better by using visual cues, such as pictures, cards, and even pointing, so these techniques are used to help the child learn. A classroom-based program called TEACCH uses visual cues to get students with autism to focus.
Social skills also have to be learned, such as following directions and not interrupting. Some children with autism also need basic living skills training. The intensive behavior therapy a child receives helps reinforce these behaviors and improves, often significantly, the child’s ability to function and about a quarter of children with autism can eventually test at a normal IQ and learn to function in public school. Sadly, another 25 percent never learn language skills.
Many parents also seek out alternative treatments for their child with autism, such as special diets or a controversial treatment called chelation therapy. Without more research, though, it is hard to say how effective these are in treating autism.
For more information on Autism Treatments including Applied Behavior Analysis, therapy, speech therapy and other types of Autism treatments and therapies, you should download our Free Special Report on Autism. This popular, jam-packed resource guide is available for download right now at http://www.autism-treatments.org/signup/
Tags: autism care, autism cure, autism treatment, autism treatments, cure for autism, treatment for autism
