Treatment FAQ

which treatment for symptoms of autism spectrum disorder is most supported by research?

by Wiley Wunsch DDS Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Behavioral approaches have the most evidence for treating symptoms of ASD. They have become widely accepted among educators and healthcare professionals and are used in many schools and treatment clinics.Mar 9, 2022

Medication

However, most people with ASD respond best to highly structured and specialized programs. 1 In some cases, treatment can greatly reduce symptoms and help people with autism with daily activities.

Therapy

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, and other antidepressants have been studied in patients with autism spectrum disorders. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

See more

Not every medication helps every person with symptoms of autism. One person with autism might respond to medications differently than another person with autism or than people who don't have autism. Some medications have serious risks involved with their use.

What is the best treatment for autism spectrum disorder?

Assistive technology, including devices such as communication boards and electronic tablets, can help people with ASD communicate and interact with others. For example, the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) uses picture symbols to teach communication skills.

Which antidepressants are used in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders?

Does every medication help every person with autism?

How can assistive technology help people with autism spectrum disorders?

image

Which type of treatment has the best outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorders?

Medications have been most effective in treating the associated behavioral symptoms of autism, though studies have examined potential benefits in some of the core symptoms of autism with certain medications, especially the repetitive behaviors often seen with this diagnosis.

What type of research is currently being conducted for autism?

Study to Explore Early Development (SEED) SEED is a multi-year study funded by CDC. It is currently the largest study in the United States to help identify factors that may put children at risk for ASD and other developmental disabilities.

What is the best treatment for autism?

The most common developmental therapy for people with ASD is Speech and Language Therapy. Speech and Language Therapy helps to improve the person's understanding and use of speech and language. Some people with ASD communicate verbally.

What are two of the latest research findings on autism?

Several studies have established a link between imbalances in the gut biome and ASD. There is also growing evidence that balancing the populations of gut microbes can help correct these disparities and improve some of the unwanted symptoms and behaviors linked to autism.

What is the treatment for ASD?

A notable treatment approach for people with ASD is called applied behavior analysis (ABA). ABA has become widely accepted among healthcare professionals and used in many schools and treatment clinics. ABA encourages positive behaviors and discourages negative behaviors to improve a variety of skills.

What are the biomedical interventions for ASD?

Some biomedical interventions call for changes in diet. Such changes can include removing certain foods from a child’s diet and using vitamin or mineral supplements . Dietary treatments are based on the idea that food allergies or lack of vitamins and minerals cause symptoms of ASD.

How does ASD affect each person?

The differences in how ASD affects each person means that people with ASD have unique strengths and challenges in social communication, behavior, and cognitive ability. Therefore, treatment plans are usually multidisciplinary, may involve parent-mediated interventions, and target the child’s individual needs.

What is a PRT in ABA?

Positive changes in these behaviors are believed to have widespread effects on other behaviors. Verbal Behavior Intervention (VBI) VBI is a type of ABA that focuses on teaching verbal skills.

What are some examples of assistive technology?

For example, the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) use s picture symbols to teach communication skills.

What age can you use ABA for ASD?

This is a type of ABA for children with ASD between the ages of 12-48 months. Through ESDM, parents and therapists use play and joint activities to help children advance their social, language, and cognitive skills.

What are the best ways to help children with ASD?

Behavior and Communication Approaches. According to reports by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Research Council, behavior and communication approaches that help children with ASD are those that provide structure, direction, and organization for the child in addition to family participation [ 10].

What is the best treatment for autism?

The best treatment for autism is the one that works. First and most important, early intervention can make a big difference. The earlier an individual receives appropriate support, the better his/her prognosis. Your doctor can help you decide which autism treatments are appropriate for your child.

What is important when selecting a treatment?

When selecting a treatment, it is important to work closely with your doctor and other healthcare professionals. It is also recommended that you inquire about the evidence supporting the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment (s). This should include positive and negative findings as well as possible side effects.

What is ABA therapy?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – ABA refers to understanding a person’s behavior in the context of their surroundings rather than in a controlled laboratory setting. The aim of this method is to improve specific behaviors and develop skills, and it is based on traditional behavior strategies such as rewarding appropriate behaviors and ignoring or discouraging inappropriate behaviors. ABA is among the most widely studied and frequently used therapies for those on the autism spectrum. There are several forms of ABA therapy including:

What is the best therapy for a child who has difficulty speaking?

Speech Therapy Speech therapy is often recommended when a child has difficulties learning vocabulary, pronouncing words, using an appropriate tone of voice, understanding and using body language, and asking and responding to questions.

Is there a cure for autism?

Keep in mind that there is no single treatment for everyone with autism. Instead, there are a variety of therapies that may be helpful addressing symptoms depending on the individual’s needs. What works for one person may be less effective – or ineffective – for somebody else.

Why are alpha-2 agonists used in autism?

Due to concerns about a possible increased risk of side effects when using stimulants in children with autism spectrum disorder, alpha-2 agonists have been studied as possible alternatives to stimulants for managing hyperactivity and impulsivity in this patient population.

What are the symptoms of autism?

Targeted associated symptoms may include, but are not limited to, irritability, aggression, self-injurious behaviors, anxiety, hyperactivity, impulsivity, inattention, and insomnia.

What is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor?

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) Studies examining the efficacy of SSRIs in autism spectrum disorder have had mixed results.

Is lurasidone safe for autism?

59 Study participants were randomized into three different fixed dosing groups: lurasidone 20 mg/day, lurasidone 60 mg/day, and placebo. Lurasidone was not found to be superior to placebo at either dose as measured by the change in ABC-I scores from baseline. Lurasidone was superior to placebo, as measured by change in the CGI-I scores from baseline to endpoint, in the 20 mg/day treatment group but not in the 60 mg/day treatment group. The most commonly observed side effects included vomiting and somnolence.

Is aripiprazole approved for autism?

Risperidone and aripiprazole are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of irritability associated with the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Risperidone is approved in children at least 5 years of age and aripiprazole is approved for children at least 6 years of age.

Is ADHD a diagnosis of autism?

Symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are commonly observed with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, which has led to research examining the efficacy and tolerability of ADHD treatments in this patient population.

Can antidepressants be used for autism?

Antidepressants have been considered for use in autism spectrum disorder due to the observed symptoms of repetitive, ritualistic behaviors and insistence on restricted patterns of routines. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, and other antidepressants have been studied in patients with autism spectrum disorders.

image

Types of Treatments

Behavioral Approaches

Developmental Approaches

Educational Approaches

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Abhimanyu Chandak
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
The treatment aims at preparing the child to manage his/her routine activities and improve social, communication and behavioral skills. Medications may be prescribed depending on the requirement to control extreme behaviors like hyperactivity or anxiety.
Medication

Antipsychotics: To control irritability and aggression

Risperidone . Aripiprazole


Stimulants: For hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention

Methylphenidate . Atomoxetine . Clonidine

Therapy

Behavioral therapy:Several therapy modules are applied, either to increase the ability of communication or to focus on reducing the behavioral problems.

Family counseling:Family members play an important role in helping the child manage and learn daily routines and language skills.

Speech and language therapy:Depending on the ability of the child and requirement, other therapies to improve social skills are recommended.

Educational therapy:Children with autism who receive individual intensive educational program show significant behavioral changes.

Specialist to consult

Child Neurologist
Specializes in diagnosis and management of conditions that affect the nervous system in neonates (newborns), infants, children and adolescents.
Psychiatrist
Specializes in the branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness.
Psychologist
Specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the brain, emotional disturbance, and behaviour problems.
Pediatrician
Specializes in the health of children, including physical, behavioral, and mental health issues

Social-Relational Approaches

Pharmacological Approaches

Psychological Approaches

Complementary and Alternative Treatments

For More Information You Can Visit

References

  • There are no medicationsthat treat the core symptoms of ASD. Some medications treat co-occurring symptoms that can help people with ASD function better. For example, medication might help manage high energy levels, inability to focus, or self-harming behavior, such as head banging or hand biting. Medication can also help manage co-occurring psychol...
See more on cdc.gov

Diagnosis

Treatment

Alternative Medicine

Coping and Support

Preparing For Your Appointment

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9