Autism therapy is used to treat a wide variety of symptoms and behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There are many different therapies, each one designed to help your child achieve the best possible outcomes. The most effective autism therapy will be the one that fits your child’s unique set of needs and abilities.
Behavioural therapies can reduce problem behavior and teach new skills. These can include techniques for reducing tantrums, teaching self-control, and using reward-based motivation systems. These approaches are often used in conjunction with educational therapies.
Speech-language therapy can help your child develop the communication skills needed to interact in everyday settings. These sessions can include exercises that focus on describing feelings and identifying objects or people. They also improve your child’s speech rhythm, sentence structure and vocabulary.
Social skills programs help children with ASD learn how to make and keep friends. These sessions use a mix of interactive games and social activities. They can be done in a group or individually.
Other therapies can help your child with their daily living skills, such as learning how to brush their teeth or how to get dressed. These may include sensory-motor therapies, a diet program and other activities to teach your child how to cope with their environment.
Medical health issues can also affect your child with autism. Some conditions, such as epilepsy, sleep disorders or stomach problems, can be addressed with medications.
The most effective type of medication for your child’s unique situation will depend on a number of factors, including your child’s age, level of activity and the severity of their autism symptoms. Your child’s doctor can help you decide which medications are right for your child.
Medications and supplements can help with your child’s autism, but not all of them work. Some can interact with each other, and others can cause dangerous side effects.
Talk to your child’s doctors about the use of any medication or supplement and their possible interactions with other medications they are taking. Your child’s doctor can also help you find out about any other medical conditions that your child has, such as seizures or sleep problems.
Medication and supplements can also help with your child’s other symptoms, such as high energy levels or anxiety. These can include a combination of prescription drugs or herbal supplements. These can be safe and effective when taken as directed by your doctor.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help your child improve their thinking skills and reduce anxiety. This type of therapy can be helpful for older children with ASD who do not have other developmental delays and average reasoning and language skills.
Pivotal response treatment is another type of behavioral therapy that helps your child with autism communicate better. This approach uses a simple rewards system to encourage meaningful attempts at communication. For example, if your child tries to ask for something and they get it, they can earn an unrelated reward, such as a favorite toy or time playing with a toy.