Autism Therapy – Effective Treatments for Autism

All parents want their children to lead fulfilling lives and will try multiple therapies to help their children with autism. While there are many varying programs or treatment options to help children with autism, the most important factor to consider when choosing an autism therapy should be the evidence of its effectiveness. There is a lot of research literature that can be found about autism treatments.

Here are some evidence-based autism treatments:

1. Occupational Therapy
This therapy is highly beneficial in developing coordination and motor skills. This would ultimately improve the skills needed for daily living and working if it is within the child’s abilities to do so.

2. Speech Therapy
This helps to improve language and communication skills. Children with autism can learn to communicate in more useful and functional ways.

3. Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) Training
This method has been clinically proven to help children with autism develop new skills and manage behavioural problems like self-injury. ABA uses a reinforcement system to help children turn new skills into habits.

4. Sensory Therapy
The objective of this therapy is to help children appropriately integrate and respond to sensory input. Children may be highly sensitive to stimuli, like lights, sounds and touch, or do not react to them at all.

5. Music Therapy
This therapy method uses music and musical experiences to improve children’s psychological functions like attention, concentration, and impulse. It may also help to increase their verbal and body language.

6. Art Therapy
This therapy uses art and the creative process of art making to help in psychological, social, and emotional learning. It is used to facilitate self-expression and self-discovery. For example, children with autism can learn to explore, understand, manage, and express their emotions that they may be unable to verbally communicate.