Treatments

The purpose of this portion of the website is not to recommend specific treatment options, but rather give a general overview of what is available. Your child may benefit from many types of therapies depending on his/her symptoms and responses. Each child is unique and learns differently and at various rates. One treatment may benefit one child, but not the other. Even professionals differ in their opinions on what is the most beneficial for your child. Professionals do agree, however, that the earlier the intervention, the better the prognosis. Highly structured programs implemented as early as possible have been shown to give the child the best chance to reach his or her potential. As the parent, you know your child the best and will need to base your decisions from your experiences with your child with the advise of your doctor(s).

The ACU does not endorse any specific therapy. The following descriptions are for informational purposes only.

Click on a headline for more information.

Evaluating Treatments – UAI

Evaluating Treatments – ASA

Strategies and Options

Internet Links

Email Lists and Supports

Books

SOUND ADVICE ON AUTISM: FROM THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS

The series, “Sound Advice on Autism,” produced by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), contains audio interviews with developmental and behavioral pediatricians, a pediatric neurologist, autism researchers and other parents of children with autism.

IDENTIFICATION, EVALUATION AND MANAGEMENT OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS: A REPORT FROM THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS

Autism spectrum disorders are not rare; many primary care pediatricians care for several children with autism spectrum disorders. Pediatricians play an important role in early recognition of autism spectrum disorders, because they usually are the first point of contact for parents. Parents are now much more aware of the early signs of autism spectrum disorders because of frequent coverage in the media; if their child demonstrates any of the published signs, they will most likely raise their concerns to their child’s pediatrician. It is important that pediatricians be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorders and have a strategy for assessing them systematically. Pediatricians also must be aware of local resources that can assist in making a definitive diagnosis of, and in managing, autism spectrum disorders.  Read this report to find out more.

MANAGEMENT OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS: A REPORT FROM THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS

Pediatricians have an important role not only in early recognition and evaluation of autism spectrum disorders but also in chronic management of these disorders.  The primary goals of treatment are to maximize the child’s ultimate functional independence and quality of life by minimizing the core autism spectrum disorder features, facilitating development and learning, promoting socialization, reducing maladaptive behaviors, and educating and supporting families. To assist pediatricians in educating families and guiding them toward empirically  supported interventions for their children, this report reviews the educational strategies and associated therapies that are the primary treatments for children with autism spectrum disorders. Optimization of health care is likely to have a positive effect on habilitative progress, functional outcome, and quality of life; therefore, important issues, such as management of associated medical problems, pharmacologic and  nonpharmacologic intervention for challenging behaviors or coexisting mental health conditions, and use of complementary and alternative medical treatments, are also addressed.  Read this report to find out more.

AUTISM METHODS COMPILATION CHART

This compilation chart shows a comparison and brief analysis of current interventions in autism.

BIOMEDICAL AND DIET

This link will take you to our page with more information about Biomedical and Diet options for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs).