Autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, includes a broad range of developmental disorders characterized by impaired social interactions and communication difficulties. Autism, also called autistic disorder, is the most severe form of ASD, most often appearing in the first three years of life. There is no cure for autism, but many therapies exist to aid individuals in adapting to life with autism.
Behavioral and Communication
Behavioral and communication therapy is the foundation of autism treatment, with the goal of improving social, behavioral and language difficulties. The most employed technique is applied behavioral analysis, ABA, a form of therapy aimed at correcting behaviors and teaching adaptive skills through positive reinforcement, or rewarding desired behaviors. The majority of therapies are highly structured and time intensive, with plenty of one-on-one activities and tasks with professionals in the field of psychology and behavioral analysis.
Medications
Although no drugs have been developed specifically for the treatment of autism, several classes of drugs have been found useful in treating negative behaviors associated with the disorder. Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are often prescribed to treat anxiety, depression or obsessive-compulsive behaviors in individuals with autism. Stimulants used in the treatment of children with ADHD are often prescribed to increase focus and decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity. Antipsychotic medications are useful in alleviating withdrawal, hyperactivity and aggression in individuals with autism.
Supplements
No conclusive evidence has been found to date, but ongoing research is looking at vitamin and mineral deficiencies as one possible cause of autism. Therefore, supplements have been used to correct deficiencies and thus improve symptoms. It is believed that low levels of vitamin A, B, biotin, selenium, zinc, calcium and magnesium occur in individuals with autism. Vitamin B is the most common supplement prescribed by professionals, which is a crucial vitamin needed in the body for creating enzymes vital to the brain, according to the Autism Society of America.
Dietary Intervention
The Autism Society of America reports that food allergies and sensitivities are common in individuals with autism. It is believed that digestion problems of certain foods leads to biochemical and neurological disruptions in the brain. Therefore, it is often advised to adhere to strict diets that eliminate or reduce certain foods. The most common is the gluten-free, casein-free diet, which involves eliminating foods with gluten and casein, each a naturally occurring protein found in grains and milk, respectively.
