It's normal to feel overwhelmed and anxious when your child is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). You may have many questions on your mind, such as "What do I do now?" "What will my child's future be like?" But don't worry. The important thing is that you are not alone, and there are many treatments available today that can help these children develop their abilities, manage their symptoms, and lead a better life.
Autism is not a one-size-fits-all condition. It is more like a spectrum. This means that some children may have very mild symptoms, while others may have more severe symptoms. Therefore, the same treatment for one child may not be right for another. Treatment is chosen based on your child's individual needs, challenges, and strengths. The main goal of all these treatments is to reduce your child's symptoms and provide maximum support for their learning and overall development.
Therapies that improve behavior and communication
These are the main and most important treatments for autism. They try to improve the child's social skills, communication skills, and behavior patterns.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
This is a common method used in schools and clinics. Simply put, it helps to increase a child's good behavior and reduce bad behavior . This approach can develop a variety of skills, and there are different strategies that can be used depending on the child's needs.
- Discrete Trial Training (DTT): This involves developing skills through simple lessons and positive reinforcement when the child does something well.
- Pivotal Response Training (PRT): The goal of this is to motivate the child to learn and communicate with others.
- Early In TENS ive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI): This is the most successful method for young children under 5 years of age.
- Verbal Behavior Intervention (VBI): This mainly focuses on developing the child's language and speech skills.
| Treatment method | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Floortime (DIR format) | In this, parents sit on the floor with their child and play with their favorite games. The goal is to enter the child's world and play with them, developing their emotions and communication skills. |
| TEACCH Method | This is a method based on visual cues. For example, picture cards are used to teach step-by-step daily tasks, such as how to put on a dress. |
| PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) | This is also a visual method. But here, instead of pictures, special symbols are used. Through these symbols, the child learns to ask questions and ask for what he wants. |
| Occupational Therapy | This therapy teaches the child life skills such as how to eat, dress, and bathe on their own. The goal is to help the child live as independently as possible. |
| Sensory Integration Therapy | Some children don't like bright lights, certain sounds, or being touched, and they get anxious. This therapy helps them cope with and tolerate such sensory information. |
Support from Medications
The first thing to remember is that there is no cure for autism, and there is no specific medication for autism.
So, why do doctors prescribe medication? Medications are used to treat other problems that may occur with autism. For example, the excessive anger and aggressive behavior that some children experience, insomnia, etc.Medications can help control conditions such as attention deficit disorder, seizures, or depression.
Research has shown that the results are more successful when medication is given in conjunction with the behavioral treatments mentioned above.
Currently, the FDA in the United States has only approved two types of medications for children with autism.
1. Risperidone (Risperdal): This is prescribed to reduce excessive anger and aggression in children between the ages of 5 and 16.
2. Aripiprazole (Abilify): This medication can be given to children between the ages of 6 and 17.
In addition to these, sometimes doctors may prescribe other medications (e.g. SSRIs, anti-anxiety medications), but they are not specifically approved for autism.
Therefore, the most important thing is that only your doctor should decide whether your child needs medication, and if so, what to give them. Never give your child any medication without medical advice.
Let's Be Mindful of Nutrition Too
Experts have not recommended a specific diet for children with autism, but it is very important for a child to receive proper nutrition.
Some parents try to eliminate gluten-containing wheat products and casein-containing dairy products from their children's diets to see if symptoms improve. However, no scientific research has proven that eliminating these foods provides a clear improvement in autism symptoms.
In fact, restricting things like dairy can deprive a child of the nutrients needed for bone development and weaken their bones. Studies have shown that children with autism tend to have slightly thinner bones than typical children, so it's important to provide them with foods rich in calcium, which strengthens bones.
Therefore, it is best to consult a nutritionist or dietitian to create a healthy meal plan that suits your child's needs. Then you can ensure that your child is getting all the nutrients they need.
Take-Home Message
- Autism is not a disease, but a condition that can be managed with treatment. Don't worry, there are many ways to help your child.
- Every child is different, so the treatment plan will vary from child to child. Talk to your doctor to choose what works best for your child.
- Behavioral and communication therapies are the main treatment methods. These provide great support for the child's skill development.
- There is no specific medicine for autism. Medication is only given to control other related symptoms (such as anger, insomnia). Do not give any medicine without medical advice.
- Don't try unproven diets (like gluten-free). Talk to your doctor or a nutritionist about a balanced diet.
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