Autism Symptoms and Treatments

Though it's a relatively new diagnosis, information about autism symptoms and treatments is easy to find from many sources. The Internet has a wealth of information, medical and educational professionals are continually being updated on current research, and support groups gather all over the world to share information.

The difficulty lies in the fact that not all of the authorities on autism symptoms and treatments agree with each other. Conflicting information and sometimes very angry arguments arise from the frustration of people dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Part of the problem is that it has only been identified as a problem within the last few decades; another part is that there are many individual kinds of autism that can manifest and be treated differently.

The list of symptoms for autism covers three major areas: communication, behavior, and interaction, if a child has 6 or more of the 12 symptoms in these areas, he or she may be diagnosed with autism. Symptoms may include:

• Uneven motor skills (fine and gross)
• Lack of eye contact
• Resistance to changes in routine
• Extreme amount of physical activity, or extreme lack of it
• Abnormal attachment to objects but disengagement with people
• Seems unable to hear verbal cues
• Over-or under-sensitivity to pain, danger, or sounds

Because many of the symptoms are highly subjective, the full list of symptoms needs to be evaluated by trained personnel experienced in interacting with autistic children. People who are diagnosed with ASD may do so on a variety of levels, ranging from almost catatonic to very high functioning. That is part of the difficulty in diagnosing the disorder – almost every child with autism has his own range of symptoms.

Once a child has been diagnosed with autism, a team of professionals from the medical, educational, and social services will meet with the parents in order to develop a method of treatment. This may include changes in diet, occupational therapies, specific pedagogical strategies in the child's school, and more.

Several methods of treatment have been developed, such as:

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – developing social skills and behaviors
• Floortime Therapy – a cooperative developmental treatment developed by Stanley Greenspan
• Gluten Free, Casein Free Diet (GFCF) – a diet-based treatment
• Speech Therapy – Language development and social skills by a trained speech pathologist
• Occupational Therapy – helping improve skills in everyday life
• Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) – Alternative communication method using picture cards
• SCERTS - Social Communication and Emotional Regulation with Transactional Supports for children and their families through a team-based multidisciplinary approach.
• Sensory Integration Therapy – Treating the dysfunction of a child's sensory stimulus
• Relationship Development Intervention – Developed by Steven Gutstein, a parent-based treatment focused on improving social interactions over the long term.
• Verbal Behavior Intervention – Often used in collaboration with ABA, this method of treatment deals with the function of language and methods of communication.
• TEACCH - Training and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children developed by Eric Schopler, R.J. Reichler and Ms Margaret Lansing

Some facets of the autism community severely disagree on issues such as the root cause of autism or the viability of certain treatments. Most agree that that focus needs to be on the needs of the child, and using what works. Often this is a combination of therapies (such as verbal behavior intervention combined with applied behavior analysis).

Another point of general consensus is that the earlier autism is diagnosed and treated, the better chance the child has of moving beyond the difficulties of the disorder and into a more normal and happy life. Schoolteachers and medical professionals are good sources, but there are also major organizations such as the following to help direct parents and families of those with ASD to the information they need:

• Autism Society of America
• Autism Resources
• AutismLink
• Autism Speaks
• Autism Research Institute

• Preschool Activities for Autistic Children
• Possible Causes of Autism
• Tips for Raising Kids with Autism
• What Is Your Autism Empathy Rating?

• Lesson Plans for Autistic Children
• Adult Autism Symptoms
• Social Skills Activities for Kids with Autism
• Speech Therapy Ideas for Autistic Children
• Famous Autistic People

• Alternative Herbal Therapies for Autism
• GFCF Diet for Autism
• Category:Autism Treatments
• Alternative Treatments for Autism
• Autism Symptoms