Treatment for autism is usually a very intensive, comprehensive undertaking that involves the child’s entire family and a team of professionals. Some programs may take place in your home. These may be based in your home with professional specialists and trained therapists or may include training for you to serve as a therapist for your child under supervision of a professional. Some programs are delivered in a specialized center, classroom or preschool. It is not unusual for a family to choose to combine more than one treatment method.
The terms “treatment” and “therapy” may be used interchangeably.The word “intervention” may also be used to describe a treatment or
therapy.
We’ve provided an overview of many different treatment methods for autism in this section of your kit. The descriptions are meant to give
you general information Your pediatrician, developmental pediatrician, or a social worker who specializes in the treatment of children with autism, can make suggestions or help you prioritize therapies based on your child’s comprehensive evaluation. Once you have narrowed down some choices of appropriate therapies for your child, you will want to explore more comprehensive information before making a commitment to one. For many children, autism is complicated by medical conditions, biological issues and symptoms that are not exclusive to autism. Children with other disorders, such as Articulation Disorder, Apraxia, Seizures, GI problems, etc. might require some of the same therapies.