“What do I do next?” This is a question that has undoubtedly been asked by every parent of a child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In many cases, it comes after the “What is autism?” and “How did it happen?“ Unfortunately, just as with the first two questions, the answer isn’t very satisfying. Although many treatments and therapies are proposed to help, few have been studied enough to know whether they really do (or don’t) work, and for which children. This reality is frustrating and confusing for families and professionals caring for children with ASD.
In this section, we explore current autism treatments, the evidence that supports their use, and what we are learning from the experience of individuals and families who have tried them.
When a child is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, families face the next challenge: choosing treatments and therapies for their child. What are these treatments and therapies? How much do we know about them? How can a family best evaluate whether a treatment is working for their child?
The Son-Rise Program®
The Son-Rise Program® is apowerful and effective treatment for children and adults challenged by Autism, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) , Asperger’s Syndrome, and other developmental difficulties.
ABA
Applied Behaviour Analysis refers to interventions that are developed from a branch of science called behaviour analysis. It can be used to help with anything from treating eating disorders to traffic control.
NT
Nutritional Therapy help children with autism will only eat certain foods because of how the foods feel in their mouths. Other times, they might avoid eating foods because they associate them with stomach pain or discomfort. Some children are put on limited diets in hopes of improving autism symptoms.
TEACCH®
Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication handicapped CHildren is a program developed the concept of the “Culture of Autism” as a way of thinking about the characteristic patterns of thinking and behavior seen in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
Intensive Interaction
Intensive Interaction is an approach to teaching the pre-speech fundamentals of communication to children and adults who have severe learning difficulties and/or autism and who are still at an early stage of communication development.
ICT (in print 2)
Information Communication Technology can provide help in many different ways, among the obvious being with communication and motor difficulties. However it should always be born in mind that the computer may reinforce or provide a vehicle for some of the less desirable tendencies of autism.
Floortime / DIR®
Floortime therapy derives from the Developmental Individual-difference Relationship has become the foundation for understanding child development and providing support and intervention that helps children reach their fullest potential. TheDIR® model is also a framework that helps clinicians, parents and educators conduct comprehensive assessments and develop educational and/or intervention programs tailored to the unique challenges and strengths of each child.
RDI™
Relationship Development Intervention offers a real, has been called the missing piece of the puzzle in treating ASD because we don’t try to whitewash symptoms, but go to the heart of the problem and offer solutions that will improve your family’s quality of life.
SI
Sensory Integration is an innate neurobiological process and refers to the integration and interpretation of sensory stimulation from the environment by the brain. These sensory differences can affect behaviour, and can have a profound effect on a person’s life. You can also find out about synaesthesia, therapies and equipment.
HANDLE ®
Holistic Approach to NeuroDevelopment and Learning Efficiency is a paradigm that encourages individuals to be who they are and to experience their own sensations, movement, and processing without judgement. This allows the freedom and choice to shift one’s attentional priorities from attending inward due to sensory, motor, or processing inefficiencies, to learning, growing, and thriving.
PECS
Picture Exchange Communication System was developed in 1985 as a unique alternative communication intervention package for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and related developmental disabilities. First used at the Delaware Autistic Program, PECS has received worldwide recognition for focusing on the initiation component of communication. PECS does not require complex or expensive materials. It was created with families, educators, and resident care providers in mind, so is readily used in a range of settings.
