Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that impairs one's ability to interact with others, how one communicates, how one learns, and ultimately how one behaves. ASD looks differently depending on the individual, meaning each person with ASD has different strengths and challenges, which is why it's considered a spectrum.
Treatment Needs for Individuals with ASD
Thus, those with ASD also have unique treatment needs. In the past, many people with ASD were placed in specific institutions as professionals were less educated about autism than they are today. Most treatment plans are created to reduce symptoms and increase daily functioning. While there is no known cure for ASD, with appropriate treatment, children on the autism spectrum can lessen disruptive behavior and learn skills for greater independence and improve their daily living.
Features and Symptoms of ASD
ASD includes a range of behavioral symptoms. Two features of ASD are:
- Difficulty in social situations and interpersonal communication
- Repetitive behaviors, interests, and activities
Common Signs of ASD
Social Situations and Interpersonal Communication
- Poor eye contact and lack of facial expression – flat expression
- Abnormal tone and rhythm of speech
- Doesn’t speak – or delayed speech
- Prefers to be alone and stays to self
- Doesn’t respond to name or appears not to hear someone talking to them
- Difficulty maintaining conversation
- Unaware of other’s feelings
- Difficulty understanding simple and clear instructions
- Difficulty understanding nonverbal cues
Patterns of Behavior
- Rocking movements or hand flapping
- Biting or hand banging
- Is stressed when specific routines are interrupted
- Sensitive to light, sound, and touch
- Doesn’t engage in imaginative play
- Fixates on an object or activity – with abnormal intensity
- Has specific food preferences – refuses food with a specific texture
Causes of ASD
Autism spectrum disorder has no single cause due to the complexity of each individual case. However, both environmental and genetic factors play an influence. It may be caused by genetic factors such as Rett syndrome or fragile X syndrome. Some genetic mutations may be inherited or can occur in the individual. Further research explores other factors such as viral infections, air pollutants, or pregnancy-related factors.
Types of Treatments
There are many treatments for ASD, which may be used simultaneously depending on the individual. Below are some approaches to treatment as mentioned by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Behavioral Approaches
Focuses on changing behavior by understanding what happens before and following the specific behavior. A commonly utilized behavioral treatment is Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), which encourages goal behavior and discourages unwanted behavior.
Developmental Approaches
This approach is often combined with behavioral approaches. It focuses on skills such as language, physical skills, and interconnected abilities.
- Speech and Language Therapy: Used to improve speech and language.
- Occupational Therapy: Teaches skills such as eating, dressing, bathing, communicating, and relating to others for independent living.
Educational Approaches
These treatments are given in a classroom setting. Teachers adjust and arrange the classroom to improve academic success.
Social-Relational Approaches
Teaches the individual to communicate more effectively and strengthen relational skills such as listening, understanding social situations, and practicing these skills in a social environment.
Pharmacological Approaches
While there is no medicine to treat ASD, medication can reduce symptomology and address co-occurring disorders.
Psychological Approaches
Primarily involves cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to cope with anxiety, depression, and other co-occurring symptoms.
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