What is the Best Therapy For Autism

When you get the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, it is normal to look for any treatment or support that can help your child overcome their challenges. You may do everything from scouring the internet for information, joining support groups or meeting counselors to enrolling your child in best therapy for autism

There are many different therapies and supports available, and each one works best for your child’s specific symptoms and needs. The best way to find out which one is right for your family is to speak with a professional and ask questions.

Applied behavior analysis, or ABA, is one of the most effective therapies for autism. Often referred to as the “gold standard” of autism treatment, this program uses specialized, structured techniques to teach new behaviors and skills.

It is important to note that ABA is a long-term commitment, and it can take many years of sessions for your child to make progress. However, it has been shown to be highly effective in addressing social skills, attention, sleep, play and anxiety in children with ASD.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is another type of therapy that can be beneficial for children with ASD. This approach is based on the idea that a person’s thoughts influence their actions and behaviors. In CBT, therapists work with your child to identify the thoughts that trigger negative behaviors and change them to be more positive.

Arts therapies are also useful for many people with autism. These programs include music, visual arts, and acting, and often involve group settings. They can be expensive, but some families find that the activities are worth it to develop their children’s social skills and independence.

Medication

There are no medications that directly treat the core symptoms of autism, but they can help with co-occurring issues such as high energy levels, inability to focus and self-harming behaviors such as head banging or hand biting. Medication can also be helpful in managing the mental health issues that can accompany autism such as anxiety and depression.

Non-evidence-based therapies

There is a lot of talk about alternative treatments for autism. Some of these therapies are not backed by science, and some are dangerous. For example, there are a number of hoaxes and scams out there that promise to cure autism.

Others, such as chelation therapy, have not been proven to be effective. These alternative options are usually based on theories about the cause of autism.

If your doctor recommends medication, it is crucial that you discuss with your doctor or a medical professional the side effects and benefits of taking it. You must also work closely with the doctors to monitor how your child responds to it.

Special diets

Some children with autism have trouble eating or processing foods. They can become malnourished or even dehydrated if they are on restrictive diets. While special diets are not a good option for most kids, they can be useful in helping some children with autism improve their appetite.