Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Treatments

Treatment should be multimodal, and evidence is well established that early identification and implementation of behavioral and therapeutic interventions are associated with more positive outcomes. A recent article examined 34 studies of early intensive... Full Answer

This is a really tough question to answer. As a father to 3 boys in various places on the Autism spectrum, I've asked myself this question many times.  Autism is a profoundly dynamic disorder, meaning that each and every person with Autism is... Full Answer

Early, specialized educational-behavioral interventions are generally recommended for children with autism, with one-on-one therapies for twenty-five hours per week and sometimes more. The best-studied intervention is a very structured,... Full Answer

The developmental delays of autism spectrum disorders cannot be treated with medications, but sometimes medications are used to treat other symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and anti-anxiety drugs may be used to decrease the... Full Answer

Watch as licensed psychologist and autism specialist Dr. Ronald Leaf explains whether or not there is a cure for autism. Full Answer

Studies show that early, individualized, and intensive treatment has the most positive impact on the abilities of a person with autism. Therapy for specific functional problems might even begin before a formal diagnosis is complete. Since no... Full Answer

A variety of approaches can help people with autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs) change behavior and improve communication skills: SCERTS model. This model addresses key areas of weakness for ASDs, such as social communication (SC) and emotional... Full Answer

The SCERTS model addresses key areas of weakness for autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs), such as social communication (SC) and emotional regulation (ER), along with helping caregivers provide transaction supports (TS) that build on a child's... Full Answer

Applied behavioral analysis (ABA) or early and intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) can help children with autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs) change behavior and improve communication skills. Traditional ABA uses highly structured teaching... Full Answer

Project TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication-Handicapped Children) can help children with autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs) change behavior and improve communication skills. This classroom-based model focuses on... Full Answer