No matter what kind of therapy your child needs, it’s important to do your research. Autism is a complex condition, so you may need to choose several different types of therapies in order to find one that works best for your child.
Some treatments are better than others, but they all have one thing in common: They help children with autism build skills and coping mechanisms. These approaches can also improve their quality of life and reduce symptoms in many cases.
The best therapy for autism depends on the individual and their needs, but it usually includes a combination of behavioral, speech and occupational therapies. The therapies should be used in conjunction with other autism treatments, such as medication or psychological approaches.
Medications can be helpful in managing certain symptoms, such as anxiety and hyperactivity. They can also be effective in helping people with autism function better with certain physical problems, such as seizures or gastrointestinal issues.
There are many medications for autism, so you may need to work with your doctor to choose the right type of drug for your child. It’s also important to remember that these medications can have serious side effects, so you need to monitor their use closely.
Talk to a pediatrician or therapist with experience in treating people with autism when thinking about using medication for your child’s treatment. They can tell you whether the medication is effective and what to expect, so that you can make an informed decision.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common type of therapy that helps individuals with autism learn the connections between their thoughts and behaviors. It uses repetitive, visual exercises to help a person think about and change their behavior.
Sensory integration therapy is a specific type of occupational therapy that targets the difficulty many people with autism have processing noises, lights, textures and other sense-related triggers. It involves gradually increasing your child’s tolerance for these triggers with play-based activities.
Social skills groups can also be a great place for your child to practice their social skills with other kids. This type of group is often run by a speech-language therapist and provides your child with structured practice and feedback, such as social stories that describe the rules of interacting in social situations.
A therapist can also use games and fun programs to help your child become more comfortable in social situations, which can lead to better communication skills. They can also help your child learn to communicate with nonverbal cues, such as signing or hand signals.
Occupational therapy can also be used to help your child become more independent. This type of therapy can help your child learn to do tasks that they normally don’t have the skill to do, such as buttoning their shirts or feeding themselves.
Arts therapies are another option, such as music, visual arts and acting, that can be beneficial to autistic children. They often take place at local museums and theaters, and can be free or low-cost.
