If you are a parent of a child with autism, or if you have been diagnosed with autism, you probably already know that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. What works for one person may not work for another.
That being said, there are some treatments that are more commonly used than others. In this blog post, we will discuss seven surprising ways to treat autism.
1. ABA Therapy
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurological and developmental disorder that typically manifests itself during the first three years of life. While there is no cure for ASD, there are a variety of treatments available that can help improve symptoms and quality of life.
One such treatment is known as applied behavior analysis (ABA). ABA is a data-driven approach that focuses on modifying specific behaviors in order to improve functioning. In general, ABA therapy involves breaking down tasks into small, manageable steps and then providing positive reinforcement for each step that is completed successfully.
ABA has been shown to be an effective treatment for reducing problem behaviors associated with ASD, and it can also help to improve social skills, communication, and learning. While ABA therapy does require a significant time commitment, the results can be very rewarding for both individuals with ASD and their families.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another treatment that can be effective for individuals with ASD. CBT is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping people to change negative thinking patterns and behaviors.
ASD can sometimes cause individuals to engage in repetitive and restrictive behaviors, which can be frustrating for both the individual and their loved ones. CBT can help to break the cycle of negative thinking and behavior by teaching people new skills and ways of thinking about their situation.
CBT has been shown to be an effective treatment for a variety of mental health conditions, and it can be tailored to meet the specific needs of individuals with ASD.
3. Speech and Language Therapy
Speech and language therapists work with individuals with autism to help them develop communication skills. This may involve teaching them how to use gestures, facial expressions, and body language to communicate.
They may also work on improving a person’s spoken language skills, such as articulation, sentence structure, and vocabulary. In addition, speech and language therapists can help teach people with autism social skills, such as how to start and maintain conversations, how to make eye contact, and how to read nonverbal cues.
While autism is a lifelong condition, speech and language therapy can help people with autism improve their communication skills and ultimately their quality of life.
4. Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy (OT) is another treatment that can be beneficial for individuals with ASD. OT focuses on helping people to develop the skills they need to perform activities of daily living.
This may involve teaching self-care skills, such as dressing, grooming, and toileting. OT can also help people with ASD to improve their fine motor skills, such as writing, cutting with scissors, and even cooking in some cases! In addition, occupational therapists may work on sensory processing issues, helping people with ASD to better tolerate touch, sound, and other stimuli.
While Occupational Therapy cannot cure ASD, it can help people with ASD to develop the skills they need to live more independently and participate more fully in daily activities.
5. Music Therapy
Music therapy is another treatment option that can be beneficial for people with ASD. Music therapy is a type of therapy that uses music to achieve therapeutic goals.
Music therapists may use a variety of techniques, such as songwriting, listening to music, or playing musical instruments. Music therapy has been shown to improve things like social skills, communication, and shared attention. It can also help to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and give autistic children invaluable tools to manage their emotions and express themselves.
6. Early Intervention
Early intervention is critical for children with ASD. Early intervention refers to a range of services and supports that are provided to children from birth to age three who have developmental delays or disabilities.
Early intervention services can include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, developmental therapies, and special education. Early intervention can help children with ASD to begin developing the necessary skills to eventually be successful in school and in life.
7. Medical Marijuana
While there is little to no research (and only some anecdotal evidence) to support the claim that medical marijuana can be used to treat autism, in older patients, it can be effective at treating the depression and anxiety that often accompanies autism. To learn more about how you can find some relief from depression and anxiety through cannabis, visit Veriheal.
Conclusion
While there is no cure for autism, there are a number of treatments that can help people with ASD to improve their symptoms and live more successful lives. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with ASD, be sure to talk to your doctor about all of the treatment options that are available.
