Discussion forum for parents to share ideas about treatment.http://www.moautismbill.com/parentforum/list.php?3Wed, 08 Sep 2010 05:50:08 -0500 Phorum 5.2.13 http://www.moautismbill.com/parentforum/read.php?3,3,3#msg-3 http://www.moautismbill.com/parentforum/read.php?3,3,3#msg-3
Link: http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=life_treat

Treatment approaches are evolving as more is learned about autism. There are many therapeutic programs, both conventional and complementary, that focus on replacing dysfunctional behaviors and developing specific skills.

As a parent, it's natural to want to do something immediately. However, it is important not to rush in with changes. Your child may have already learned to cope with his or her current environment and immediate changes could be stressful. You should investigate various treatment approaches and gather information concerning various options before proceeding with your child's treatment.

You will encounter numerous accounts from parents about successes and failures with many of the treatment approaches mentioned. You will also discover that professionals differ in their theories of what they feel is the most successful treatment for autism. It can be frustrating! But you will learn to sift through them and make rational, educated decisions on what is appropriate for your child. You live with your child every day and you know his/her needs. And in time, you will come to know his/her autism. Trust your instincts as you explore various options.

Again, please keep in mind that the descriptions of treatment approaches provided here are for informational purposes only. They are meant to give you an overview of an approach. The ASA does not endorse any specific treatment or therapy. For more information about the Autism Society's policy on options, click here.

During your research, you will hear about many different treatment approaches, such as auditory training, discrete trial training, vitamin therapy, anti-yeast therapy, facilitated communication, music therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and sensory integration. These approaches can generally be broken down into three categories:

*Behavioral and Communication Approaches
*Biomedical and Dietary Approaches
*Complementary Approaches

Some of these treatment approaches have research studies that support their efficacy; others do not. Some parents will only want to try treatment methods that have undergone research and testing and are generally accepted by the professional community. But keep in mind that scientific studies are often difficult to do since each individual with autism is different.

For other parents, formal testing might not be a pre-requisite for them to try a treatment with their child. Even for those treatments with "scientific" proof, we recommend that the family or caregiver investigate all options available to determine the appropriateness for their child.

Experts agree though that early intervention is important in addressing the symptoms associated with autism. The earlier treatment is started, the better the chance the child will reach normal functioning levels. Many of the approaches described can be used on children as young as age 2 or 3. They may also continue to be used in conjunction with special education programs or traditional elementary school for children who are mainstreamed.



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Treatment approaches are constantly evolving as more is learned about the autism spectrum. There are many therapeutic programs, both conventional and complementary, that focus on replacing dysfunctional behaviors and developing specific skills.

As a parent, it's natural to want to do something immediately. The literature states time and time again the importance of early treatment for individuals on the autism spectrum. However, it does no good to push ahead with a treatment that is not appropriate for the individual or one that may be harmful. You also must consider the larger implications of beginning a new treatment as sudden changes or unexpected different expectations could be stressful and confusing for your child. Various treatment approaches should be investigated and information gathered concerning various options before proceeding with any child's treatment.

Parents will encounter numerous accounts from other parents about successes and failures with many of the treatment approaches mentioned. Professionals also differ in their theories of what they feel is the most successful treatment for autism. Parents must learn to sift through the information, examine options with a critical eye and make rational, educated decisions on what is appropriate given the individual circumstance. Parents live with the individual on the spectrum every day and best know his/her needs and the unique ways that autism impacts their lives. Parents must be empowered to trust their instincts as various options are explored, considered and implemented.

The descriptions of treatment approaches serve as overviews only and should always be followed with contact with qualified professionals and discussed with parents or individuals on the spectrum who have personal experiences with these approaches.

Learning/Behavioral

When families first receive a diagnosis on the autism spectrum for their son or daughter, it is not long before they are bombarded with literature that focuses on “cure” or “recovery.” For many, this goal becomes the single focus of any programming efforts. As the years progress, many families view the absence of a cure as tantamount to catastrophe. Since there is currently no known or reliably effective cure for autism, should this goal be our sole or primary focus? The desperation families feel in the absence of a cure highlights an urgent need to develop a model for successfully “living with autism” even as we pursue a model for helping individuals “recover” from autism (Carr, 2007a).

The good news is that, through carefully designed support for positive, constructive behavior (hence, the term “positive behavior support”), it is possible to repair and enhance the quality of life for people with autism and their families (Carr et al., 2002). A support model mirrors the field of general medicine in which many chronic conditions are also not curable at present. For example, people with diabetes, arthritis, AIDS, cancer and heart disease are often not cured and, yet, with support and appropriate management, they can live fulfilling lives. So, too, can people with autism and their families.

- from “Positive Behavioral Supports: Creating Meaningful Life Options for People with ASD” by Edward G. Carr, Ph.D., and Cathy L. Pratt, Ph.D, featured Volume 49 of the Autism Advocate, issue no. 4. To read the article in its entirety, click here.

Biomedical

Autism is a spectrum disorder with a variety of options for treatment for individuals across the lifespan. Professionals and families have found that a combination of approaches may be effective in treating symptoms and behaviors that make it hard for individuals with autism to function. These treatment options may include psychosocial and pharmacological interventions.

While there are no drugs, vitamins or special diets that can correct underlying neurological problems associated with autism, parents and professionals have found that some drugs used for other disorders are sometimes effective in treating some aspects of behaviors associated with autism.

Changes to diet and the addition of certain vitamins or minerals may also help with behavioral issues. For more then a decade, there have been claims by parents and some professionals that adding essential vitamins such as B6 and B12 and removing gluten and casein from a child's diet may improve digestion, allergies and sociability. Not all researchers and experts agree about whether these therapies are effective or scientifically valid.]]> justaparent Autism TherapiesFri, 04 Sep 2009 19:19:46 -0500