Autism Treatment: Kinds of Therapy and Drugs – Autism cannot be cured. However, there are several therapeutic options that can be done to develop the patient’s abilities. Through therapy, patients are expected to be independent in carrying out daily activities.
Autism Treatment
Therapies for autism disorder
Some of the therapeutic methods that can be given by a doctor are:
This therapy provides a number of lessons for patients that include basic daily skills, both verbal and nonverbal, namely:
#1. Applied behavior analysis (ABA)
Applied behavioral analysis therapy helps sufferers to behave positively in all situations. This therapy also helps the patient develop his ability to communicate and abandon negative behaviors.
#2. Developmental, individual differences, relationship-based approach (DIR)
DIR, commonly called Floortime, aims to develop an emotional connection between the patient and the family.
#3. Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy encourages sufferers to live independently by teaching basic skills, such as dressing, eating, bathing, and interacting with others.
#4. Speech therapy
Speech therapy helps patients to learn to develop communication skills.
#5. Treatment and education of autistic and related communication-handicapped children (TEACCH)
This therapy uses visual clues such as images that show the stages in doing something. TEACCH will help patients to understand how to perform daily activities, such as changing clothes.
#6. The picture exchange communication system (PECS)
This therapy also uses visual clues such as TEACCH. However, PECS uses symbols, to help patients communicate and learn to ask questions.
#7. Physical Therapy or Physiotherapy
One of the signs that can be found in children with autism is motor disorders. To overcome this, therapy can be done in the form of physical therapy or physiotherapy.
Pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) in children with autism are associated with delays in brain development that regulate a person’s motor skills.
Generally, people with autism delay in the growth of motor skills. In fact, some of these special children have low muscle mass.
Well, physical therapy can help children with autism by exercising muscle strength, coordination, and basic exercise skills.
#8. Play Therapy
Autistic children need help when playing. With play therapy, children can practice the ability to socialize and communicate.
This type of autism therapy can also be combined with speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.
#9. Psychological therapy
This can include a variety of different types of therapy, including behavioral therapy, educational therapy, and social skills training.
#10. Alternative therapies
Many parents consider alternative therapies to complement other treatment options. But in some cases, there may be some risks, so discuss it with your doctor before doing so.
One alternative therapy is massage therapy. Massage therapy can be done to compensate for medical treatment. Proper massage therapy can be a companion therapy for children with autism.
Massage therapy in autistic children is able to smooth blood circulation, which can distribute oxygen, nutrients and remove toxins.
Massage in autistic children focuses on several points on the head, such as the top of the head, the nape of the neck, the base of the head bone and the peak area to the side of the head continues to the ear. This massage can stimulate the nervous system, improve concentration, smooth blood circulation, calm, and overcome hyperactivity in children with autism.
Massage can be done by parents adjusted to the severity of autism suffered by the children. An acupuncture series can be done 10 to 12 times a week.
Drugs
Autism treatment usually includes the administration of medications and therapy. Although it has not been able to cure the main symptoms experienced by people with autism spectrum disorder, drugs can help prevent problems related to a person’s behavior. For example, the tendency to hurt his self, get angry easily, or have difficulty sleeping.
Well, today many types of drugs are commonly used in modern medicine for the treatment of autism.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
- Tricyclic
- Antipsychotic drugs
- Medication for sleep disorders.
Drugs can be used to reduce autism-related behavioral problems. However, medications can’t help improve autism symptoms. Medications can provide side effects so any warning signs should be reported to your doctor.
