How is autism treated?

The most highly recommended treatment plans for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) begin as soon as possible after diagnosis and include many hours of individual work with a child. Your child’s doctor or other specialist will recommend a plan that is specific to your child’s needs.

For children under 3

In Massachusetts, children under 3 years of age with ASDs are eligible for two sets of related services through the Department of Public Health: 

Early Intervention (EI) Services are provided at home or your childcare location, and might include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, music therapy, an educator or developmental specialist, and/or a social worker or psychotherapist. Many EI agencies also offer playgroups in their offices or in the community once or more a week, and provide transportation so your child can attend the playgroup.  EI agencies also provide each family with a service coordinator who facilitates all services, including working with your Specialty Service providers, described next.

Specialty Services are key components in the care of your child and are also provided at home or your child-care location. The providers will use therapy approaches known as “ABA” or “Floortime,” or a combination of the two (descriptions of these approaches follow).  Experts recommend that children with ASDs receive up to 25 hours a week of intensive services, depending on their needs. The ABA/Floortime providers should work closely with your EI therapists.

For children over 3

Children ages 3 and over with ASDs are eligible for services through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education at your local school district. Services are almost always provided in school, but home-based services may also be included. Contact the Special Education department in your local school district to begin the process. You can find your school district in the phone book or by visiting the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website at profiles.doe.mass.edu

If you live in another state, ask your child’s doctor how to access local resources.

 

In “ABA” and “Floortime,” two of the most commonly used comprehensive teaching approaches for children with ASDs, providers work step-by-step with a child to build language, social and play skills. Most skilled teachers and therapists use a combination of the very structured approach of ABA, and the high affect, play and interactive methods of Floortime. Here is a general description of each approach:

Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) builds new skills and eliminates difficult behaviors by breaking tasks down into small steps. This scientifically-researched approach is especially effective in gaining the attention of children who can be challenging to reach. ABA can be done in any setting -- at a table, on the playground, or in the classroom -- as long as the provider is a trained ABA professional. 

DIR/Floortime (Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-Based approach) includes highly motivating routines based on the child’s interests and builds social, communication and play skills through increasingly complex, playful interactions. Similar approaches include Social Communication, Emotional Regulation and Transactional Support (SCERTS), and Relationship Development Intervention (RDI). 

In addition to these approaches, most programs for children with ASDs incorporate specific tools such as:

Speech-language therapy, which helps a child learn to understand and express her or himself through language.

Total communication interventions, which involve using language, vocalizations, pictures and gestures as well as sign language and the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) – almost any means that a child can and will use to communicate.

Occupational therapy, physical therapy and sensory integration therapy, which respectively focus on a child’s hand and finger skills (fine motor), large muscle (gross motor), and sensory needs.

Positive behavioral supports, which minimize challenging behaviors through rewarding appropriate behaviors, responses and task completion.

Medical professionals may also implement the following therapies:

Medication:  There is no medication specifically for ASD.  Some medications can help with symptoms such as hyperactivity, anxiety, compulsive behaviors, attention, or aggression. Ask your doctor for advice as to whether one or more medications might be appropriate for your child and if the benefits outweigh any risks or side effects associated with the medication.

Biological therapies, which include specialized or restricted diets, nutritional supplements and vitamin regimens. Consult your doctor to determine whether these approaches have been demonstrated to be safe and effective.

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