Autism is a spectrum of complex neurodevelopmental disorders. People with autism have social impairments and communication difficulties, and exhibit restricted, stereotyped, and repetitive patterns of behaviour. Social impairments are characterized by failing to respond to name, avoidance of eye contact with others, indifference to becoming socially engaged, not understanding social cues, like facial expressions or tone of voice, and lack of empathy. They exhibit repetitive movements like twirling, rocking, or self-abusive behaviours like head-banging and biting.
Their speech develops late, and they speak on a restricted range of topics, with scant regard for others interest in such topics. Both genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role in the causation of autism. There is no known cure for autism as of now, but symptoms can improve with age, some even going on to achieve some degree of independent functioning.
Autism Treatments
There is no single best treatment, and treatment has to be tailored to the specific needs of each child. The principal goals of treatment are to decrease the associated deficits, lessen the family distress, and increase functional independence and quality of life.
Behaviour and Communication Therapies
These therapies try to address problem behaviours and teach the child new skills, as well as social and language skills. Behaviour therapies instituted early on in life can be of help in letting the child acquire self-care, social, and occupational skills.
The available options are applied behaviour analysis (ABA), structured teaching, developmental models, language and speech therapy, social skills training, and also occupational therapy. Specific approaches include picture exchange communication system, and virtually simulated environments. Speech therapy is sometimes delivered in natural settings rather than in office environment.
Educational Therapies
Educational therapies that are aimed at autistic children follow two broad approaches: those that are based on applied behavioural analysis (ABA), and those that are based on developmental approach. ABA approaches tend to be more structured, where the adult systematically encourages certain responses and behaviours of the child, and responds in a planned way to either decrease or increase certain behaviours.
Developmental approaches tend to be more spontaneous, and formulate strategies based on the progress being made by the child. The available therapies are discrete trial instruction, activity-based instruction, developmental intervention, pivotal response training, and TEACCH method.
Family Therapies
Family therapy is very essential because a diagnosis of autism affects all the family relationships and dynamics. Parents need counseling to come to terms with the diagnosis of their child, and learn coping strategies to deal with the inevitable stress that is caused. They need to be able to alter their priorities dramatically to adjust to their child’s autism.
They need to communicate with the child’s siblings in an attempt to make them understand the full implications of autism. It may help to seek out autism support groups either locally or online.
Medications
There are no medications available at present which can improve the core symptoms of autism, namely the communication and social impairments. However, anxiety can be relieved by antidepressants. Some behavioural problems can be controlled by antipsychotics.
Alternative and Complementary Therapies
The following therapies may be of some help in case of autism, though the evidence is scant. So, consult your doctor before trying any of them. Several diet-based interventions have been recommended, which include casein-free and gluten-free diet, vitamin and mineral supplements, high doses of magnesium and vitamin B6, essential fatty acids, and digestive enzymes.
Music therapy or art therapy is supposed to increase the child’s sensitivity to sound and touch. Sensory-based therapies are thought to be useful to remedy sensory processing difficulties.