Autism spectrum disorder, also known as ASD or autism, is a complex neurological condition that affects children and adults alike. Autism spectrum disorders are chronic conditions that usually get diagnosed in early childhood based on behaviour, mannerisms, and other traits. Although some people still refer to it as autism, the condition has a very broad spectrum, and some people are afflicted more severely than others, hence the new name of ASD.
It is important for people with autism spectrum disorders to seek an early diagnosis. That way, they can start treatment at a young age and learn to live to the best of their ability despite having autism. Since there is no cure for autism, the goal of treatment is to minimize symptoms and teach your child how to cope with their condition.
Cognitive behavioural therapy is one of the top treatments for children with ASD. Cognitive behavioural therapy is designed to help children develop social skills, learn mannerisms, and exhibit proper behaviour. This treatment also often includes Applied Behaviour Analysis, which is important for teaching children with autism to learn new skills.
It is important for children with autism spectrum disorders to receive the right type of education. Otherwise, they will have difficulty learning at the same rate as other children. Even with the perfect educational structure, most kids with ASD struggle in school.
In the same way that it is important for children with autism to learn how to behave and act, it is also important for their friends and family members to learn how to treat them. Therefore, group and family therapy is highly effective for children with ASD and anyone close to them.
One of the symptoms of autism spectrum disorders is that they can affect your child’s movements and muscle awareness. Therefore, occupational therapy may be necessary to teach your child how to dress themselves and perform activities of daily living.
Another unwanted side effect of ASD is that children with the condition tend to be overly sensitive to extreme elements. This includes bright lights, loud noises, sudden movements, and more. Sensory integration therapy can help them cope with this side effect and learn not to let it affect them.
In addition to many different forms of therapy, medications are also used to treat autism spectrum disorders. However, because drugs cannot impact the condition itself, medications are used to manage and mitigate symptoms. Currently, aripiprazole and risperidone are the only medications FDA-approved to treat autism directly. In addition, certain medications that are not FDA-approved can help manage other unwanted symptoms of ASD.
While there is no specific diet for children with autism spectrum disorders, poor nutrition can sometimes result from the disease. Children with ASD tend to be pickier and more adamant about not eating certain things than other children, which can lead to malnutrition. Therefore, parents must be disciplined in making sure their child gets adequate nutrition.
As you can see, there are many different treatments for ASD, and treatment may differ from one person to another. Therefore, it is important to receive a proper diagnosis from a medical professional so they can start the right treatment for your child. Otherwise, they are more likely to struggle with autism into adulthood and never learn to cope with their condition.