Treatment of ASD

Due to the wide variety of symptoms and types of ASD there is no single best therapy. Every treatment plan should be based on the specific needs and challenges of the individual. The overall goal of ASD treatment is to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning and quality of life. 

ASD treatment usually includes a combination of approaches, ranging from behavioral to skill-based therapies, and sometimes including medication for specific symptoms. 

Some therapies are one-on-one therapies, while others might include parents, caregivers, or siblings. 

Whatever treatment is chosen, it should always: 

• – Have clear goals.
• – Be person-centered and individualized.
• – Be decided on through shared decision-making.
• – Be strength-based, meaning supportive of the individual.

Types of Treatment 

Psychological and Behavioral Treatment

Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)

• – This treatment involves developing a structured behavioral plan designed to improve adaptive skills, meaning skills needed to function in everyday life, and reduce inappropriate behaviors like meltdowns.
• – The treatment focuses on the relationship between a specific behavior and the factors that come before and follow it.
• – Many different versions of ABA exist. 
• – ABA has shown effectiveness in addressing challenging behaviors, teaching skills, and establishing routines.
• – In ABA, therapists break tasks and skills into simple steps and reinforce practical behaviors. For example, brushing teeth is divided into steps, similar to putting on clothes or tying shoes.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• – This treatment focuses on understanding and challenging negative thoughts (e.g., fear, anxiety, or panic) to reduce associated troubling emotions and behaviors (e.g., tantrums, impulsive behavior, avoidance behavior) by learning practical responses for stressful situations.
• – CBT is a problem-based therapy for specific concerns. 
• – CBT primarily helps individuals with higher-functioning meaning individuals with basic life skills like eating, dressing, speaking and who can also read and write. ABA on the other hand is more suitable for those with more severe symptoms or who are nonverbal.

Occupational Therapy 

• – This therapy teaches skills that help individuals gain everyday skills (e.g., using the restroom, getting ready for the day and put on clothes, maintain personal hygiene or eat a meal) and fine motor skills to perform daily activities.

Educational Treatment

• – These treatments cover all special education services for individuals with ASD, including services provided under the IEP plan and housing services.
• – The Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication-Handicapped Children (TEACCH) Approach provides teachers with methods to improve structure and consistence in classroom for students with ASD (e.g., through daily routines written or drawn within sight or with not only verbal but visual instructions).

Further Skill-Building Interventions 

• – Specific social skills training improves an individual’s ability to navigate social situations and environments.
• – Some of these approaches might involve parents or peer mentors.
• – Training helps individuals develop the skill of understanding others’ perspectives.
• – Life skill training, often provided by occupational therapists, is especially important for adolescents and young adults with ASD. It teaches them self-management techniques, helping them manage their own schedules, care for belongings, prepare meals, or navigate transportation.
• – Job skill training provides real life job experiences, teaches work-related social skills essential for employments, and offers support in getting and keeping a job.

Speech and Language Therapy and Communication Support

• – These therapies aim to improve speech patterns, understanding, and use of speech or language.
• – Communication support interventions help individuals with limited verbal abilities use pictures to communicate or electronic assisted communication devices like speech generating devices.

Sensory Therapy

• – This treatment is for individuals who experience abnormal sensory responses, like a strong reaction to certain textures, movements, or noises.
• – Sensory interventions may include using weighted vests, swinging, jumping, or bouncing sessions, or applying deep pressure on shoulders.
• – Evidence for the effectiveness of sensory therapies is currently limited.

Medical/Pharmacological Treatment

While there is no specific medication for ASD, medications can treat specific symptoms like anxiety, depression, impulsivity, or hyperactivity. For more information please visit the website of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. No medication exists to treat the social challenges experienced by individuals with ASD. 

Treatment of Comorbidities

Comorbidities must be considered when developing a treatment plan and may require medication or different types of behavioral and skill-based interventions. Common comorbidities include sleep problems, ADHD, intellectual disability, depression, anxiety, and gastrointestinal symptoms like constipation. 

Family Interventions

Family interventions provide support and education for families with children or adolescents with ASD. For example, these interventions may include parent management training, parent ABA training, and training to improve parent-child relationships.

Additional Treatment Options

Apart from the therapies and interventions mentioned, additional complementary support through support groups or other types of therapies like art therapy, relaxation therapy, or animal therapy can be beneficial.

Keep in Mind

• – While many additional treatments for ASD are available, research on their effectiveness is limited. Studies show ABA-based therapies are the most effective. Other therapies may benefit some individuals, but there are not enough studies to conclude their overall effectiveness.
• – Except for medication and ABA-based therapies, many therapies aren’t covered by insurance.
• – Always consult your doctor before starting a new therapy. Ask about its safety and whether it could interfere with your current treatment, including medication and other types of treatment.