Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
However, most people with ASD respond best to highly structured and specialized programs. 1 In some cases, treatment can greatly reduce symptoms and help people with autism with daily activities. Research shows that early diagnosis and interventions, such as during preschool or before, are more likely to have major positive effects on symptoms ...
Autism. Autism is one of a group of serious developmental problems called autism spectrum disorders that appear in early childhood — usually before age 3. Though symptoms and severity vary, all autism spectrum disorders affect a child's ability to communicate and interact with others. While there is no cure for autism, intensive, early ...
Research shows that early diagnosis of and interventions for autism are more likely to have major long-term positive effects on symptoms and later skills.1,2,3,4,5 Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can sometimes be diagnosed in children before they are 2 years of age. Some children with ASD whose development seems typical up to that point begin to regress just before or sometime during age 2 years.6
Currently, there is no medication that can cure autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or all of its symptoms. But some medications can help treat certain symptoms associated with ASD, especially certain behaviors. NICHD does not endorse or support the use of any medications not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating symptoms of autism or other conditions.
The ultimate goal of treatment is to increase children's ability to function, reduce symptoms and help them achieve their goals. Treatment options for children diagnosed with autism vary. Individualized treatment plans could include therapies, school and community support programs, and medications, if necessary.
Behavior management therapy tries to reinforce wanted behaviors and reduce unwanted behaviors. It also suggests what caregivers can do before, during, after, and between episodes of problem behaviors. Behavioral therapy is often based on applied behavior analysis (ABA), a widely accepted approach that tracks a child's progress in improving his or her skills. Different types of ABA commonly ...
For a variety of reasons, children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may not get the nutrition they need for healthy growth and development.1,2,3,4 Some children with autism will only eat certain foods because of how the foods feel in their mouths. Other times, they might avoid eating foods because they associate them with stomach pain or discomfort. Some children are put on limited diets in ...
Physical therapy includes activities and exercises that build motor skills and improve strength, posture, and balance. For example, this type of therapy aims to help a child build muscle control and strength so that he or she can play more easily with other children.
These signs usually appear by age 2. Each child with autism spectrum disorder has a unique pattern of behavior and severity level — from low-functioning to high-functioning. The child may or may not have a language delay or intellectual disability. Some children with the disorder have difficulty with learning and language, and others may have ...
Occupational therapy helps people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) do everyday tasks by finding ways to work within and make the most of their needs, abilities, and interests.1 An occupational therapist might:1