What kind of autism therapy do I need? the following options

Autism is a brain development disorder that affects a person's skills to interact, socialize, communicate and think. In addition, the characteristics of autism in children are often accompanied by repetitive movements called stimming. With proper care and therapy, children or adults who have autism can live a better life in the future. What are the right therapies and treatments for children with autism (the old term for people with autism, -red)? Come on, see the options in the following review.

Autism therapy options for children and adults

There is no single drug that is specifically designed to treat children with autism (the old term for people with autism, -red), but there are many therapeutic options to choose from.

Autism cannot be completely cured. However, therapy can help control symptoms as well as improve a person's functional ability to live life.

However, keep in mind that the condition of autism in each person is different. There are those whose symptoms are still mild, so they need only one or two types of therapy. Some are more severe, so they need a more diverse range of therapy.

So, you will be strongly advised to follow the doctor's recommendations. For more details, let's discuss one by one the treatment options for autism.

1. Behavioral management therapy

Behavioral management therapy prioritizes positive support, skill training, and self help to develop desired behaviors while reducing unwanted behavior in children with autism.

A generally accepted approach to treatment for people with autism is called applied behavior analysis (ABA). According to the National Institute of Health, ABA has several types which can include:

Positive behavior and support (PBS)

PBS tries to change the environment, teaches people with autism new skills, and makes other changes to support them to behave properly. This therapy can encourage people with this disorder to behave normally and become more positive.

Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI)

EIBI therapy is intended for children with autism at an early age (usually under 5 years of age). This therapy requires instruction and regulates behavior from one person to another or in small groups.

Vital response training (PRT)

PRT is a therapy that takes place in everyday life. The goal is to increase motivation to learn, control their own behavior, and take the initiative to initiate communication with others.

Changes in these behaviors can help sufferers cope with a variety of situations, for example when children meet new people.

Discrete experimental training (DDT)

DTT is a teaching therapy that uses step-by-step methods for autistic children. The lesson will be divided into sections and the therapist uses positive feedback, such as rewards for the child's positive behavior during therapy.

2.Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) uses the links between feelings, thoughts, and behaviors to help people with autism cope with anxiety, cope with social situations and become better aware of their emotions.

In this therapy, doctors, people with autism, and their parents (or caregivers) work together to set specific goals. Sufferers will learn to determine and change the thoughts that cause problematic behavior and feelings slowly.

Cognitive behavioral therapy can be tailored to the weaknesses and strengths of each sufferer. The length of the therapy period depends on the patient's progress in following all the sessions.

3. Educational therapy

A team of specialists will work together to prepare various activities through educational therapy. The goal of this therapy is to help children with autism hone skills, behaviors, and their ability to communicate.

These programs can be very structured and are designed to meet the specific needs of each individual. People with autism often receive a combination of private classes, small group classes, and regular classes.

4. Occupational therapy

Occupational therapy aims to help children or adults with autism complete their daily tasks. They will learn to solve problems in life and maximize their abilities, as well as their needs and interests.

Some of the skills taught to children with autism in this therapy are how to use a spoon correctly when eating or how to dress.

5. Family therapy

Family therapy focuses on teaching parents, caregivers, and other family members to communicate and play with people with autism in specific ways.

The reason is, children with this condition cannot be faced and cared for in a way that is usually applied to normal children. With this therapy, children or adults with autism can learn new skills and correct unwanted behavior with the help and support of their families.

6. Medicines

Medicines do provide little benefit to the main symptoms in children with autism. However, medications can correct related problems and conditions such as depression, sleep disorders, anxiety disorders, epilepsy, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and aggressive behavior such as self-harm.

Experts recommend using drugs in conjunction with other autism therapies, such as CBT. Medicines commonly used in the treatment of autism include: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), tricyclics, and antipsychotic drugs.

These drugs can cause side effects, so it is very important to follow your doctor's instructions, both in determining the dosage, the type of drug, and the period of use of the drug.

7. Physical therapy

Some children with this disorder may experience movement problems. Physical therapy includes specific exercises for children with autism to improve their health, strength, balance, and posture.

A physical therapist will help people with autism by designing appropriate programs and teaching them how to do physical activity.

8. Monitor nutritional intake and diet

Some people with autism are at risk for nutritional deficiencies. This happens because they only want to eat certain types of food. Some of them even avoid eating because they are sensitive to the arrangement of light or furniture in the dining room.

They also refuse to eat because they believe that eating can trigger autism symptoms to recur. This certainly affects their growth and development.

Therefore, parents and caregivers should work with a nutritionist to create a meal plan for people with autism. Good nutrition is necessary because people with autism tend to have thinner bones and digestive problems (constipation, stomach upset, vomiting).

9. Social skills training

One of the most useful therapies for children with autism is social skills training. This training helps people with autism learn how to interact with other people.

The various activities that are honed in this training include working together in teams, answering and asking questions, making eye contact, understanding body language, and finding solutions to problems together with other people.

10. Speech therapy

Speech therapy aims to improve communication skills for people with autism. Some people have problems with verbal communication skills such as speaking or understanding what other people are saying.

This therapy will help them to better explain their thoughts and feelings, use the right words and sentences, or improve their speaking rhythm.

The ability to communicate nonverbally will also be trained. For example, the ability to interpret body movements, recognize various facial expressions, and so on.

11. Early intervention

Early diagnosis and treatment can help control symptoms of autism. Early intervention teaches a child or person with autism to learn basic skills such as thinking and decision making as well as social and emotional skills.

The right therapies and interventions can help people with autism maximize and encourage their abilities.

If you suspect your child or yourself has autism, consult a doctor as soon as possible so that autism treatment and therapy can be started at a more appropriate time.

Don't forget to increase your self-knowledge about autism and how to care for them through doctor consultation, reading books, or joining related communities.

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