Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders. The main signs of autism include difficulties with communication and social interactions, and repetitive behaviors. According to Autism Speaks, an advocacy group, it is estimated that one in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism. There is no cure, but treatments, including behavior and communication therapies, help control symptoms. Many of these treatments can be done at home.
Benefits
For many years, medication was the only recourse in treating children with autism, and often there were side effects. Today, parents are looking for different, natural ways to treat their children. Some work alone while others are used in combination. And while no therapy is guaranteed to be 100 percent effective, non-medical intervention does not have the side effects of pharmaceuticals.
Diet
An autistic child’s diet can affect his behavior. Eliminating trigger foods can help calm him and prevent outbursts. Doctors have tried different diets, including gluten-free, which means eliminating wheat products, or dairy free. Learning what foods trigger behavior problems or cause hyperactivity in your child, and avoiding them, may help calm the behaviors. According to Autism Web, advocates of dietary intervention suggest parents remove one food from their child's diet at a time, so they know which one causes a problem.
Music Therapy
Music therapy is a natural way to help children with autism, since autistic children have been found to respond to music in many ways. Often, it has a calming effect. Singing along to the words of a familiar song will help a parent connect with a child, calming her. Sometimes the music makes a child happy and inspires her to move around, helping with motor skills. Other children sing along to words of the song, helping to improve speech.
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Sensory Integration
Children with autism may have a difficult time controlling their movements or listening when they are busy looking at something else. Sensory integration therapy helps children with autism combine appropriate movements with input they get from the different senses, thereby calming him and helping him to focus. An occupational therapist can help you design a sensory plan to use with your child a home. Activities may include swinging in a hammock, playing in boxes, crawling through tunnels, balancing on a beam or twirling on a chair.
Considerations
It usually takes a team of several different professionals to treat the different aspects of autism. Many parents will work with developmental-behavioral pediatricians, psychologists, neurologists, and neuropsychologists in treating the medical aspects of their child's condition. Speech and language pathologists are also often used to provide training in verbal communication. Occupational therapists not only provide the sensory integration programs and therapies, but also help teach children activities of daily living, including eating and dressing. Since many children with autism tend to be clumsy and awkward, physical therapists work with their gross motor skills. These therapists will most likely provide one-on-one treatment, as well as a plan that can be followed at home.
