Autism treatment resources

[Reena]

I wish I had received treatment for high functioning autism as a child. But I can't blame my mother. She has autism too. She couldn't have known that I was neurodivergent and suffering. Anyway I'm approaching 30s and it's never too late. One day I can champion this malaise. I'm trying my best to gather resources to see how I can improve my symptoms. 

 

 

Types of Treatments

There are many types of treatments available. These treatments generally can be broken down into the following categories, although some treatments involve more than one approach:

Behavioral

Developmental

Educational

Social-Relational

Pharmacological

Psychological

Complementary and Alternative

 

 

 

Edited April 23 by Reena

[Reena]

Taken from the website. 

 

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/treatment.html#Behavioral

 

 

Behavioral Approaches

Behavioral approaches focus on changing behaviors by understanding what happens before and after the behavior. 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. A notable behavioral treatment for people with ASD is called Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). ABA encourages desired behaviors and discourages undesired behaviors to improve a variety of skills. Progress is tracked and measured.

 

Two ABA teaching styles are Discrete Trial Training (DTT) and Pivotal Response Training (PRT).

 

DTT uses step-by-step instructions to teach a desired behavior or response. Lessons are broken down into their simplest parts, and desired answers and behaviors are rewarded. Undesired answers and behaviors are ignored.

PRT takes place in a natural setting rather than clinic setting. The goal of PRT is to improve a few “pivotal skills” that will help the person learn many other skills. One example of a pivotal skill is to initiate communication with others.

 

 

 

Developmental Approaches

Developmental approaches focus on improving specific developmental skills, such as language skills or physical skills, or a broader range of interconnected developmental abilities. Developmental approaches are often combined with behavioral approaches.

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. Others may communicate through the use of signs, gestures, pictures, or an electronic communication device.

Occupational Therapy teaches skills that help the person live as independently as possible. Skills may include dressing, eating, bathing, and relating to people. Occupational therapy can also include:

Sensory Integration Therapy to help improve responses to sensory input that may be restrictive or overwhelming.

Physical Therapy can help improve physical skills, such as fine movements of the fingers or larger movements of the trunk and body.

The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is a broad developmental approach based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. It is used with children 12-48 months of age. Parents and therapists use play, social exchanges, and shared attention in natural settings to improve language, social, and learning skills.

 

 

 

Educational Approaches

Educational treatments are given in a classroom setting. One type of educational approach is the Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication-Handicapped Children (TEACCH) approach. TEACCH is based on the idea that people with autism thrive on consistency and visual learning. It provides teachers with ways to adjust the classroom structure and improve academic and other outcomes. For example, daily routines can be written or drawn and placed in clear sight. Boundaries can be set around learning stations. Verbal instructions can be complimented with visual instructions or physical demonstrations.

 

 

 

 

 

Social-Relational Approaches

Social-relational treatments focus on improving social skills and building emotional bonds. Some social-relational approaches involve parents or peer mentors.

The Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based model (also called “Floor time”) encourages parents and therapists to follow the interests of the individual to expand opportunities for communication.

The Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) model involves activities that increase motivation, interest, and abilities to participate in shared social interactions.

Social Stories provide simple descriptions of what to expect in a social situation.

Social Skills Groups provide opportunities for people with ASD to practice social skills in a structured environment.

 

 

 

 

Pharmacological Approaches

There are no medications that 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 psychological conditions, such as anxiety or depression, in addition to medical conditions such as seizures, sleep problems, or stomach or other gastrointestinal problems.

It is important to work with a doctor who has experience in treating people with ASD when considering the use of medication. This applies to both prescription medication and over-the-counter medication. Individuals, families, and doctors must work together to monitor progress and reactions to be sure that negative side effects of the medication do not outweigh the benefits

 

 

Psychological Approaches

Psychological approaches can help people with ASD cope with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) is one psychological approach that focuses on learning the connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. During CBT, a therapist and the individual work together to identify goals and then change how the person thinks about a situation to change how they react to the situation.

 

 

 

Complementary and Alternative Treatments

Some individuals and parents use treatments that do not fit into any of the other categories. These treatments are known as Complementary and Alternative treatments. Complementary and alternative treatments are often used to supplement more traditional approaches. They might include special diets, herbal supplements, chiropractic care, animal therapy, arts therapy, mindfulness, or relaxation therapies. Individuals and families should always talk to their doctor before starting a complementary and alternative treatment.

 

 

 

Edited April 23 by Reena

[Reena]

I have experienced significant brain fog with my autism. 

If you have similar struggles with your autism, these videos can help. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 23 by Reena

[Phil]

Might seem very ‘broken record’, but have you tried acknowleding the emotions felt (prior to concepts about the emotions felt)?

 

Like blame as an example. The belief blame is not an emotion / is not felt, can manifest as rumination, or endless mental attempts to ‘solve the problem’, which can be conceptualizes as a lack of focus or something about me. Emotional guidance isn’t a problem, and there is no lack of focus, thus the cyclical logic / belief loop(s) / rumination of attempting to make a discordant belief or beliefs “fit”. 

[Reena]

@Phil there's nothing wrong or right. It just means doing the right thing. 

 

[Reena]

@Phil brain fog is not an emotion. It's a condition. 

 

[Phil]

@Reena

Ok. I just asked if you had tried, that’s all.