A Gamut of Treatments

Treatments for Autism are varied and full of challenges. No single program can be said to work with every child diagnosed with autism. However, one idea that all seem to agree on is that early intervention with young children is the key to making the most progress with this disease. Each person with autism displays different “physical, emotional, behavioral and social issues” (“What’s the Best”). Autism, a once rare disorder, is now gaining attention in the medical community.

Only “two treatments available for autism are scientifically proven” (“What’s the Best”). The first, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), is a therapeutic approach using operant conditioning. It is extremely structured and the “child is not rewarded unless he attempts to behave in an appropriate manner” (“Treatment For.”). This approach is very “labor intensive and the one on one sessions make it extremely expensive to use in our public school system” (“Treatment For”).

The second proven technique is the use of medications such as Risperdal. This drug balances the dopamine receptors so that students can “think more clearly and act less aggressively” (“Autism”). My own father was a pharmaceutical manager for a company that sold this medicine in 13 states. While this medicine helps to regulate behavior and emotion, no medicine has been developed to cure autism.

Most school systems offer parents therapies for their children such as “occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language therapy” (“Treatment For”). The Autism Society requests that all parents look at the strengths and weaknesses of their particular child and “try several approaches to treatment” (“Treatment Options”). No one treatment can be said to be far superior to all the rest. One controversial treatment is the changing of diet and the use of vitamins and supplements to treat children with autism spectrum disorder. This regimen, however, “should not be done without the advice of a health care practitioner, as side effects may be severe” (“Treatment For”).

After researching about the many different treatment options I began to think about my own future family. If I had a child diagnosed with autism I would take the courses necessary to be certified in the ABA therapy, thereby devoting my full energies to helping him function at the highest level possible.

Sources:

“Autism.” The New York Times Health Information. Web. 26 September 2010.

“Treatment for Autism, Autism Prognosis.” Neurology Channel. Web. 26 September 2010.

“Treatment Options.” Autism Society. Web. 26 September 2010.

“What’s the Best Treatment For Autism?” Health's Disease and Condition. Web. 26 September 2010.

Picture Source: “Treatment for Autism/ADHD.” Chimney Rock Medical Pavilion.. Web. 26 September 2010.