Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex condition that affects individuals differently. While there is no cure for autism, early recognition and various therapies can help reduce symptoms and support development and learning. It is important to understand the different treatments available and how they can help your child. Early intervention during the preschool years is key to helping your child learn critical social, communication, functional, and behavioral skills.
Behavioral, educational, and family therapies are all important components of treatment. Additionally, medicines can help control co-occurring symptoms such as high energy levels, inability to concentrate, or self-injurious behavior. When it comes to ASD, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. The goal of treatment is to maximize your child's ability to function by reducing symptoms of autism spectrum disorder and supporting development and learning.
Most experts agree that the best way to manage symptoms and develop independence skills is through Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. It is also important to remember that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) ranges from mild to severe. Each of these treatments is individualized to maximize the client's ability to function by reducing symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. Current treatments for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) seek to reduce symptoms that interfere with daily functioning and quality of life.
When it comes to research, most dollars from autism research in the United States go towards understanding the biological basis of autism for diagnosing and treating young children. Katarzyna Chawarska, professor of child psychiatry who runs the Center of Excellence in Autism at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, is studying the signs of autism in infants. If your child has any symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, you'll likely be referred to a specialist who treats children with autism spectrum disorder, such as a child psychiatrist or psychologist, pediatric neurologist, or developmental pediatrician, for evaluation. It is also important to remember that alternative or complementary therapies have little or no research to show that they are effective. Wagner, the national autism coordinator, agrees that more research on autism is needed throughout life and said the government is trying to attract and fund more research in this area.
Some of her other questions include why girls and people of color are diagnosed later in life, why autism has so many co-occurring conditions, why people with autism tend to react differently to medications, and why they engage in self-injurious behaviors. In addition to lifestyle and diet modifications, researchers are also looking at several other studies such as the ability to detect autism during pregnancy, the impact its genes have on the diagnosis of autism, and the future of therapies derived from cord blood.
