“What kind of therapy is best for autism?”
My daughter was diagnosed with autism. Is it serious? What kind of therapy is best for autism?
6 Answers
Autism is pretty common and there are many people who have this diagnosis and are high functioning successful individuals! It is important to remember that your daughter’s diagnosis doesn’t change anything about her as a person, other than the fact that the neurotransmitters in her brain fire in a way that has a consistent pattern associated with her diagnosis. Your daughter is still a beautiful girl with many roles in life that have zero to do with a mental health diagnosis. She is, I imagine, a friend, perhaps a sister, a student, a skilled individual with her unique contributions to her family and friends that only she can provide because of who she is. She will probably miss social cues that are “obvious” to someone without her diagnosis, and she may exhibit some rigid inflexible behaviors. She’ll probably need some skills training to help her navigate the complexities of relationships. She might need some extra help with school and you might notice some sensory sensitivities. None of us (people) get a free ride on earth without dealing with “something”. Not her doctor, teacher, neighbor, or best friend’s cousin’s uncle. We’ve all got challenges to manage! This is part of her “something” and it doesn’t define her. I suggest you talk with her doctor or whoever diagnosed her and get a recommendation. She may need a therapist, and/or a behavior intervention specialist or a speech specialist, depending on what her symptoms are. Autism isn’t cured, it’s a neurological disorder. The goal is to manage it and help her learn the skills/tools she needs to be a successful best version of herself.
It would be best to go through the physician who diagnosed your daughter to
see what treatment is available per her diagnosis and level of care needed.
As autism is a broad spectrum, there is no one direct avenue for treatment
options unfortunately.
Best regards.
see what treatment is available per her diagnosis and level of care needed.
As autism is a broad spectrum, there is no one direct avenue for treatment
options unfortunately.
Best regards.
Hi,Thank you for your question. Here are some therapies that work very well for Autism:
*Applied Behavior Analysis* (ABA) is the most-researched and common intervention type for autism. This intervention has been used for over 50 years. Through ABA, the individual can learn play, communication, self-care and social skills. The highly structured intervention can also help in reducing problematic behaviors. Studies showed that ABA yields positive outcomes for children with autism. It is usually the starting point for autistic children with symptoms on the severe side. The therapy can help children learn skills, while also eliminating problem behaviors.
Different types of ABA commonly used to treat autism spectrum disorder (ASD) include:
- Positive Behavioral and Support (PBS). PBS aims to figure out why a
child does a particular problem behavior. It works to change the
environment, teach skills, and make other changes that make a
correct behavior more positive for the child. This encourages the child to
behave more appropriately.
- Pivotal Response Training (PRT). PRT takes place in the child's
everyday environment. Its goal is to improve a few "pivotal" skills, such
as motivation and taking initiative to communicate. These help the child to
learn many other skills and deal with many situations.
- Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI). EIBI provides
individualized, behavioral instruction to very young children with ASD. It
requires a large time commitment and provides one-on-one or small-group
instruction.
- Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT). DTT teaches skills in a controlled,
step-by-step way. The teacher uses positive feedback to encourage the child
to use new skills.
*Cognitive Behavioral Therapy* (CBT) is another form of behavioral therapy that has been in use since the 1960s. Usually children with milder symptoms of autism benefit from this type of therapy. Its aim is to define what triggers the behaviors. Through the use of CBT, children can learn to see when they are going to exhibit a certain behavior, and they practice doing something different instead of problematic behavior. This form of therapy helps with fear and anxiety.
*Relationship Development Intervention* (RDI) is a family-centered approach. The aim of RDI is to focus on certain defined emotional and social objectives which are used to establish meaningful relationships. Aimed more towards the parents, RDI consultants help caregivers develop skills related to interpersonal engagement.
*Verbal Behavior Therapy* (VBT) is a type of behavioral therapy that teaches the non-vocal child how to communicate with purpose. The aim of verbal behavior therapy is to teach children how to use words functionally to get the desired response. Through repetition, children understand that communication will yield positive results. They will get what they want by using language functionally.
*Developmental and Individual Differences Relationship* (DIR) Therapy, also called Floortime, engages children through activities that they will enjoy. Parents will also participate in the session. Therapists will help the child work on gaining new skills. During this therapy, the child will be engaging and interacting with others.
*Sensory Integration Therapy* works to improve a child’s sensitivities to sensory stimuli that may be overwhelming to the child. Loud noises, bright lights, and touches may all be addressed. A therapist using this type of therapy will introduce the child to increasingly higher levels of the stimuli being worked on. While the therapist does need to push the child’s limits, there is no force involved. Sensory integration therapy does not require a lot of time per session and positive results usually occur relatively quickly if this is going to work.
*Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children* (TEACCH model) is used to help children with autism achieve positive results with their social and maladaptive behaviors. It uses an environment that is structured and organized at all times. In addition, activities are predictably sequenced and visually organized to enhance the environment for the child. Children proceed to practice activities and skills in a specific fashion. Outcomes are more positive when the parents are taught to use a similar method at home.
Overall, different types of therapies work better for each individual and finding the right protocol is the key to success. I hope this has been helpful!
*Applied Behavior Analysis* (ABA) is the most-researched and common intervention type for autism. This intervention has been used for over 50 years. Through ABA, the individual can learn play, communication, self-care and social skills. The highly structured intervention can also help in reducing problematic behaviors. Studies showed that ABA yields positive outcomes for children with autism. It is usually the starting point for autistic children with symptoms on the severe side. The therapy can help children learn skills, while also eliminating problem behaviors.
Different types of ABA commonly used to treat autism spectrum disorder (ASD) include:
- Positive Behavioral and Support (PBS). PBS aims to figure out why a
child does a particular problem behavior. It works to change the
environment, teach skills, and make other changes that make a
correct behavior more positive for the child. This encourages the child to
behave more appropriately.
- Pivotal Response Training (PRT). PRT takes place in the child's
everyday environment. Its goal is to improve a few "pivotal" skills, such
as motivation and taking initiative to communicate. These help the child to
learn many other skills and deal with many situations.
- Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI). EIBI provides
individualized, behavioral instruction to very young children with ASD. It
requires a large time commitment and provides one-on-one or small-group
instruction.
- Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT). DTT teaches skills in a controlled,
step-by-step way. The teacher uses positive feedback to encourage the child
to use new skills.
*Cognitive Behavioral Therapy* (CBT) is another form of behavioral therapy that has been in use since the 1960s. Usually children with milder symptoms of autism benefit from this type of therapy. Its aim is to define what triggers the behaviors. Through the use of CBT, children can learn to see when they are going to exhibit a certain behavior, and they practice doing something different instead of problematic behavior. This form of therapy helps with fear and anxiety.
*Relationship Development Intervention* (RDI) is a family-centered approach. The aim of RDI is to focus on certain defined emotional and social objectives which are used to establish meaningful relationships. Aimed more towards the parents, RDI consultants help caregivers develop skills related to interpersonal engagement.
*Verbal Behavior Therapy* (VBT) is a type of behavioral therapy that teaches the non-vocal child how to communicate with purpose. The aim of verbal behavior therapy is to teach children how to use words functionally to get the desired response. Through repetition, children understand that communication will yield positive results. They will get what they want by using language functionally.
*Developmental and Individual Differences Relationship* (DIR) Therapy, also called Floortime, engages children through activities that they will enjoy. Parents will also participate in the session. Therapists will help the child work on gaining new skills. During this therapy, the child will be engaging and interacting with others.
*Sensory Integration Therapy* works to improve a child’s sensitivities to sensory stimuli that may be overwhelming to the child. Loud noises, bright lights, and touches may all be addressed. A therapist using this type of therapy will introduce the child to increasingly higher levels of the stimuli being worked on. While the therapist does need to push the child’s limits, there is no force involved. Sensory integration therapy does not require a lot of time per session and positive results usually occur relatively quickly if this is going to work.
*Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children* (TEACCH model) is used to help children with autism achieve positive results with their social and maladaptive behaviors. It uses an environment that is structured and organized at all times. In addition, activities are predictably sequenced and visually organized to enhance the environment for the child. Children proceed to practice activities and skills in a specific fashion. Outcomes are more positive when the parents are taught to use a similar method at home.
Overall, different types of therapies work better for each individual and finding the right protocol is the key to success. I hope this has been helpful!
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out. This is not a one answer is the best. A diagnosis of Autism is not cut and dry. It is a spectrum diagnosis. Meaning that your daughter's diagnosis falls on a continuum of mild to severe. Where does she fall? After a proper assessment for Autism, you can work to find an Applied Behavior Analysis that you find is a good fit for your daughter and your family. I would also consider family and individual therapy to manage the possible challenges that may come up. But keep in mind, it will depend on where she is on the spectrum.
Thank you for reaching out. This is not a one answer is the best. A diagnosis of Autism is not cut and dry. It is a spectrum diagnosis. Meaning that your daughter's diagnosis falls on a continuum of mild to severe. Where does she fall? After a proper assessment for Autism, you can work to find an Applied Behavior Analysis that you find is a good fit for your daughter and your family. I would also consider family and individual therapy to manage the possible challenges that may come up. But keep in mind, it will depend on where she is on the spectrum.
Individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder do not necessarily need therapy. If your child is lacking social skills or needs support with social skills or any other life skills, therapy can be a resource for obtaining these skills. If your child is well adjusted and has age-appropriate skills, it may not be needed.
Patricia Harris | MA, MS, LPC
San Antonio Counseling and Behavioral Center
4242 Medical Dr., Ste. 6200
San Antonio, TX 78229
Phone: (210) 614-4990 | Fax: (210) 614-4991
Patricia.Harris@sacounselingcenter.com
Sacounseling.com/_I facebook.com/SanAntonioCounseling
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Patricia Harris | MA, MS, LPC
San Antonio Counseling and Behavioral Center
4242 Medical Dr., Ste. 6200
San Antonio, TX 78229
Phone: (210) 614-4990 | Fax: (210) 614-4991
Patricia.Harris@sacounselingcenter.com
Sacounseling.com/_I facebook.com/SanAntonioCounseling
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE:
This email and any files transmitted with it may contain PRIVILEGED or CONFIDENTIAL information and may be read or used only by the intended recipient. If you are not the intended recipient of the email or any of its attachments, please be advised that you have received this email in error and that any use, dissemination, distribution, forwarding, printing, or copying of this email or any attached files is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please immediately purge it and all attachments and notify the sender by reply email or contact the sender at (210) 614-4990.
Check this link out...
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/treatment.html
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/treatment.html
