1. Enroll the Patient in a Structured Education Workshop
If you're the parent of an autistic child, your doctor may have already told you how important it is to introduce structure in the patient's life. Studies have shown that many autistic children perform very well when they're educated in regimented, structured programs. Your community may have dedicated schools for special-needs children, but if not, specialized education is available through your public-school system. Interventions of this nature are necessary early on, as preschool-aged patients have the greatest difficulties with symptom management. You'll find that autistic people develop better coping skills as they mature into adults.
2. Improve Social and Communication Skills
Work alongside behavioral and communication therapists to help your autistic child learn vital interaction skills. Generally, you'll encounter two different schools of thought when it comes to therapy programs. On one hand, some therapists focus on reducing problematic symptoms while helping the child develop new skills. On the other hand, certain programs make a harder push towards teaching proper social interaction and fostering clearer communication skills.
3. Use Drugs to Treat Secondary Symptoms
While no drugs have yet been developed that can directly treat the primary symptoms of autism, you can control problematic or aggressive behavioral problems with stimulants or antipsychotic drugs, including benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Beta blockers and opiate blockers may also be indicated. However, these medicines, particularly those in the latter category, come with considerable side effects that you should evaluate with the help of your child's doctor. Sometimes, it's better to stick to therapy, especially if the patient seems to be responding to it.
4. Keep an Open Mind to Unconventional Approaches
You can also supplement your child's therapy and drug treatments with alternative techniques that have shown some promise. A range of unproven, yet potentially beneficial, treatments are available to manage autism symptoms, from vitamin, mineral and dietary supplementation to art and music therapy. These approaches are generally recommended for patients who have to cope with especially high sensitivity to sensory stimulation.
