Therapies Available for People With Autism
Autism is a disorder that many people live with: It is possible to have a reasonably normal life and still have autism. Autism’s characteristic social interaction, communication problems, and restricted or repetitive behaviors can be mitigated with certain therapies. As a neurodevelopment disorder it does not have a quick cure in the form of a pill or injection, but over time, some people may reduce the symptoms of autism enough to effectively live normal lives despite having the disorder.
Autistic children can often benefit from intensive and sustained special education programs and behavioral therapy early in life. Early intervention with education and behavioral therapy can help autistic individuals develop life skills such as self-care, social skills, and job skills, and can often improve their chances of independent functioning later in life and decrease severe symptoms and the maladaptive behaviors common in those with an autistic spectrum disorder.
High-functioning autistic individuals and individuals with Asperger syndrome have the best chance of achieving a more normal lifestyle with early behavior therapy and social support from families. Some of the therapies available to those on the autistic spectrum include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and applied behavior analysis (ABA).
Speech-Language Therapy
Autism can have severe effects on the language of affected individuals. Many autistic children do not speak, have little speech, or have difficulties using language effectively. Speech-language therapy can help autistic children with phonation (the process of sound production), resonance (opening and closing of the vocal folds), intonation (the variation of pitch), and voice. Speech therapy helps autistic children with the mechanics of speech, and language therapy helps them use speech in meaningful social ways.
Occupational Therapy
Autism is often associated with motor skill deficits or sensory issues. Individuals who experience these sorts of issues may benefit from targeted exercises, weighted vests, penmanship tutorials, and other forms of occupational therapy to alleviate their symptoms.
ABA Therapy
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is used to change certain restrictive or destructive behaviors in autistic individuals; particularly younger individuals. Applied behavior analysis focuses on controlling and predicting human behavior by looking at the relationship of behavior to the environment.
Medication
Many children with autism spectrum disorders are prescribed medication such as psychoactive drugs or anticonvulsants to help moderate comorbid symptoms and behaviors. The most common drugs prescribed are antidepressants, stimulants, and antipsychotics.
