Does your child have autism? Let's learn more about these autism therapies!

When a doctor tells you that your little one has autism, you may feel overwhelmed and even a little scared. That's normal. But the important thing is that you are not alone, and there are many different therapies that can help your child. These therapies can help your child develop their strengths and overcome the challenges they face in their daily lives. Today, we will talk about these autism therapies.

What are Autism Therapies? Let's understand it very simply!

Simply put, autism treatment is a set of methods that help your child reach their full potential and help them cope with the challenges they face. Some treatments are given in a doctor's office. Others can be given at home, at school, or in other public settings. These treatments can vary greatly. But in general, they all try to help your child develop the skills they need to interact with society, learn new things, and function as independently as possible.

Autism is not a disease, it is a change in brain function!

This is very important. Pediatricians and other health care providers have come to understand that autism is a subtle difference in the way your child's brain works, called neurodivergence . It is not a disease that can be "cured." Therefore, these treatments never try to "fix" autism or force a child into a certain framework. Instead, these treatments give children with autism the skills they need to thrive and live happily in a world that is not always easy for those with this neurodivergence.

Remember, autism is part of a child's identity. Treatments try to respect that identity and help the child make life easier.

Not all treatments are the same, right? Let's be careful of false beliefs!

As you look for treatments to help your child, keep this in mind: Not all autism treatments are equally effective or safe. Sometimes, you can't always trust what you see online or what a well-meaning friend says. There are many misconceptions and misinformation about autism – its causes and treatments.

Your pediatrician and other members of your child's healthcare team will only recommend evidence-based therapies . This means that these treatments have been proven safe and effective with data from reliable, well-designed studies. So, always follow your doctor's advice.

What are the best treatments for autism? Let's choose what suits our child!

There are many treatments that can help your child. However, there is no one treatment that is "the best for every child." Your child's doctors will recommend one or more. When making a recommendation, they will consider the following:

• Whether the treatment is appropriate for the child's age and their specific needs .
• What other co-occurring conditions does the child have along with autism?
• How this treatment fits in with your family's wishes, schedule, and affordability .

Sometimes you may need to try several different treatments to find what works best for your child.

Here are some types of treatments your child's doctors may suggest:

• Behavioral therapy
• Speech-language therapy
• Occupational and physical therapy
• Social skills training
• Parent training

Now let's talk about each of these treatments in a little more detail.

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy involves encouraging your child to engage in positive behaviors , such as asking for things they want. It can also help reduce challenging behaviors , including self-harm.

There are people who are specially trained for this, we call them Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) . They design this treatment according to the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) . ABA is a learning theory. It says that the way we behave is determined by our environment, especially the things that happen after that behavior (consequences). By rewarding good behavior and not rewarding other behavior, you can help children learn behaviors that will be useful for life.

However, in the early days of ABA, there were many controversies about it because punishment was used to reduce unwanted behavior. That is no longer the case.

Current behavioral therapies:

• Rewards are used (positive reinforcement). Rewards given for achieving certain goals encourage the child to learn skills and behaviors needed for schoolwork, social relationships, and everyday life.
• Play is used. Play-based activities help children learn social skills and build relationships with peers. For example, therapists can demonstrate different ways of playing, or encourage children to break out of their usual play routines and try something new.
• Identifying the causes of challenging behaviors. By understanding why a child behaves in a certain way, providers can create a plan that meets the child's needs. For example, a child may become upset when they are unable to communicate a need.
• These treatments are given in a variety of settings. This varies from program to program. Some treatments are given in a structured setting, such as the provider's office. Others may be given in your home, at your child's school, or in a community center where your child usually hangs out.
• It can be short-term or long-term. Your child may receive behavioral therapy for a few months, a year, or even longer. It depends on the child's needs, which will change over time. Some programs cover a broad range of skills, while others help the child achieve a specific, short-term goal.

Some examples of behavioral therapy

You'll find a ton of behavioral treatments for autism online. It can sometimes be difficult to tell them apart, or to know if they're really reliable. Your pediatrician can tell you more about what you're looking for, and can help you identify which programs have good evidence. To get you started, here are some popular, evidence-based treatments:

• Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI): EIBI begins for children aged 4 years or younger. This treatment is usually given for several years. It addresses challenges in areas such as communication, social relationships, and restrictive or repetitive behaviors. It is done in a structured environment.
• Early Start Denver Model (ESDM): The ESDM is designed for toddlers. It is delivered in everyday environments (also called "natural settings"), such as your home. It helps build a child's social, cognitive, and language skills through play.
• Joint Attention, Symbolic Play, Engagement and Regulation (JASPER): The JASPER method also uses play. It is used to teach social communication skills to children from 12 months to 8 years old. It is done in natural environments, such as your home or your child's classroom.
• Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT): PRT helps children develop basic social skills by encouraging them to interact with others. These include specific skills such as initiating conversations, responding to others, and waiting their turn.
• Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication-Handicapped Children (TEACCH®): The TEACCH® method helps children develop a wide range of skills in a structured environment tailored to their abilities and sensory preferences.

Speech-Language Therapy

Speech and language therapy can help your child develop their communication skills . It is one of the most commonly used treatments for autism. Here are some examples of things speech therapists can help your child with:

• Learn to use short sentences to ask for things you want.
• Practice putting your feelings into words .
• Adjust the speed or rhythm of the spoken words.
• Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) methods. AAC includes things like speech-generating devices, sign language, and cards with pictures or symbols.

Occupational and Physical Therapy

Occupational Therapy (OT) helps a child acquire the skills needed to perform daily tasks (occupations). For example, OT can improve a child's ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as brushing teeth and getting dressed. Physical Therapy (PT) helps a child with gross motor skills , balance, gait stability, and toe walking.

These therapists can guide a child through various exercises to improve their physical strength, coordination, and motor skills – the movements needed when learning, playing, and engaging in hobbies.

Social Skills Training

Social skills training, also known as group social skills intervention (GSSI) , is a targeted approach to helping children learn how to function in social situations. This is different from other therapies that build social skills as part of a comprehensive plan that addresses individual issues. Social skills training is done in groups. It is often designed for young children and adolescents.

Social skills training uses direct instruction, demonstrations, visuals, and role play to help children feel more confident and comfortable in social situations. For example, therapists can help children:

• Learn strategies for building relationships with peers.
• Understand nonverbal cues, such as eye contact and facial expressions.
• Engage in back-and-forth conversations .
• Manage how you deal with bullying.

Parent Training

These types of interventions help you, the parent, learn strategies to support your child. For example, treatment providers may teach you things like:

• How to follow your child's lead .
• Ways to get your child's attention .
• How to offer choices to your child .
• Ways to encourage peer-to-peer interactions .

Depending on the specific program, you may also receive this training as a group with other parents. The work you do in parent training sessions will complement, or add strength to, the treatment your child is receiving.

What help does this treatment provide for the child?

Autism treatment can help your child with things like:

• Make the most of his skills and talents .
• Communicate in a way that meets his wishes and needs .
• Build social skills .
• Reduce behavioral challenges .
• Acquire daily living skills that support his independence .
• Coping successfully with life transitions – for example, from childhood to youth or from youth to adulthood.

When is treatment most beneficial?

Treatments for autism have the greatest long-term impact if they are started before the age of 3. This is because a child's brain is still developing and is most receptive to change during the first few years of life. However, treatment at any age can be valuable and help your child. The important thing is that the earlier you start, the better.

What should you look for when choosing treatment for your child?

Your pediatrician can guide you and make recommendations. In general, here are some important features to look for:

• Caregivers will assess your child's needs.
• Treatment providers have clear goals for your child to achieve, and they can explain how they will measure your child's progress.
• There is enough staff to provide individualized attention to the child.
• The providers are properly trained and will share their qualifications and background with you.
• The child's interests and preferences are taken into account when determining how treatment will be delivered (for example, when determining the types of positive reinforcement).
• Therapists welcome your involvement, which means they listen to your wishes and teach you things you can do to help your child at home.

Autism treatment should be about uplifting your child, and respecting them as individuals. If something doesn't feel right to you, or if you feel uncomfortable with any aspect of a treatment program, listen to your gut and go somewhere else.

Every child is unique – and so should the approach to their treatment. What works for one child may not work for yours, and that's okay. It may take some experimentation to find what works best for your family's needs. And those needs may change over time.

Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)

Rely on your pediatrician's guidance, and ask as many questions as you can. You are learning along with your child. It is important to learn as much as you can about the different treatments and what they can do for you. The more knowledge you gain, the more tools you will have to help your child build the life he or she wants and deserves. Never give up hope, you want the best for your child!

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