Autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, refers to a group of pervasive developmental disorders that include autism, Asperger's disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified, or PDD-NOS, notes Melisaa Dodd Inglese, Ph.D. The disorders are referred to as a spectrum of disorders because symptoms can appear in a mixed number of combinations and degree of severity. In autism, three areas are impaired; they include social interaction, communication, and repetitive or restrictive behaviors bound by routine or intense focus. Treatment for ASD sufferers should have a multidisciplinary approach toward treatment.
Applied Behavioral Analysis
Applied behavioral analysis, or ABA, has been a widely accepted behavioral program used for the treatment of autism. According to Joan Arehart-Treichel in her article, "Autism Treatment Arsenal Expands, With More Options on Horizon", ABA focuses on traditional behavioral conditioning; the cause of maladaptive or undesirable behavior is determined and ways to change the undesirable behaviors or to reinforce the desirable ones are implemented. With behavioral therapy, parents and therapists can decide on which skills needs to be addressed first. Following simple directions might be a good starting place. When the child performs the desired action, for example, picking up a ball, a reward is given for the correct behavior. Arehart-Treichel also talks about a naturalistic approach to therapy. For instance, tell the child to say "ball"; when he says "ball," the parent or teacher rolls the ball to him.
Medication
Today, there is only one medication, risperidone, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of autism. Risperidone, a dopamine and serotonin receptor antagonist, works on irritability, aggressiveness and tendencies to cause self-injury. Physicians and physician extenders may use other off-label medications when treating ASD. According to West, Waldrop and Brunssen, many off-label drugs are prescribed with little research supporting their use.
Diet
Parents of autistic children frequently report that their child is a selective eater, sometimes only wanting to eat five or six foods. Food selectivity is a huge problem because it leads to inadequate nutrition. The autistic child may be sensitive to the textures of foods, also called sensory sensitivity. Occupational therapists and dietitians can perform a dietary assessment and develop a plan that works through the food sensitivity. Beside food texture, the type of diet the child consumes has peaked the interest of researchers. According to the "Journal of the American Dietetic Association," one of the most frequently used diets is a GFCF diet, or gluten-and-casein-free diet. It is felt that some autism symptoms are related to incomplete breakdown of foods containing gluten and casein.
References
- "Journal of Pediatric Nursing"; Caring for Children With Autism spectrum disorder, Part II: Screening, Diagnosis, and Mangement; Melissa Dodd Inglese; February 2009
- "Psychiatric News"; Autism Treatment Arsenal Expands, With More Options on Horizon" Joan Arehart-Treichel; May 2010
- "Journal of Pediatric Health Care"; Pharmacologic Treatment for the Core Deficits and Associated Symptoms of Autism in Children"; March/April 2009
- "Journal of the American Dietetic Association"; What Is the Current Status of Research Concerning Use of a Gluten-Free, Casein-Free diet for Children Diagnosed with Autism?; 2009
