Some new Autism Treatments and Interventions

There are many established and new autism treatments and interventions in the domains of medicine, education and behavior. Biomedical interventions are those that focus on the physical needs of the person as a biomedical organism, addressing deficits or encouraging weaker pathways by medical or chemical means.

This summary covers some of the common biomedical interventions in current autism treatment, such as the gluten-free/casein-free diet, addressing food sensitivities, use of supplements, gut treatments, sulfation and immune system regulation. These treatments are summarized by an engineering scientist who volunteers his time to several autism research and affiliate activities, and who is also an experienced parent of a young adult with autism. Again, it is important to keep in mind that each person with autism is unique and may respond better to some treatments than others.

There are many established and new autism treatments and interventions in the domains of medicine, education, and behavior. Biomedical inventions are those that

The dramatic increase in the number of individuals identified with ASD has focused increased attention on the types of interventions that can lead to opportunities for a high quality of life. The Texas Statewide Leadership for Autism has compiled the Texas Autism Resource Guide for Effective Teaching (TARGET) which provides information on interventions for individuals with ASD. Recognizing the diversity of those with ASD, TARGET exercises a pragmatic approach to evidence-based practices:

"The best measure of effectiveness of an intervention is whether it is effective for a particular individual. It is of utmost importance to collect and analyze data when using interventions with a student with autism. If an intervention results in positive change for a particular student and you, as an educational professional, have data to support that, then the intervention is evidence-based for that student."

A report by the Ohio State University Project Team entitled Education Services for Military Dependent Children with Autism includes a comparison chart (created by Brenda Smith Myles, Ph.D) outlining and describing the evidence-based practices developed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the National Autism Center and the National Professional Development Center on ASD. 

http://www.autism-society.org/living-with-autism/treatment-options/related-approaches.html 

How Can Autism be Treated?

Each child or adult with autism is unique and, so, each autism intervention plan should be tailored to address specific needs.

Intervention can involve behavioral treatments, medicines or both. Many persons with autism have additional medical conditions such as sleep disturbance, seizures and gastrointestinal (GI) distress. Addressing these conditions can improve attention, learning and related behaviors. 

Early intensive behavioral intervention involves a child's entire family, working closely with a team of professionals. In some early intervention programs, therapists come into the home to deliver services. This can include parent training with the parent leading therapy sessions under the supervision of the therapist. Other programs deliver therapy in a specialized center, classroom or preschool.

Typically, different interventions and supports become appropriate as a child develops and acquires social and learning skills. As children with autism enter school, for example, they may benefit from targeted social skills training and specialized approaches to teaching.

Adolescents with autism can benefit from transition services that promote a successful maturation into independence and employment opportunities of adulthood.