Autism is a developmental disorder, the symptoms of which appear by age 3. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says that boys are diagnosed with autism three to four times more often than girls. Autism can affect the child's behavioral, social and language skills. Treatment for autism is specialized for the child, and involves different behavioral therapies and medications; however, parents may try special diets and alternative treatments.
Applied Behavioral Analysis
Started when the patient is young, applied behavioral analysis (ABA) teaches important skills and helps the patient function normally. For example, ABA can focus on the child's language abilities and help her communicate and interact with other people. Working with a behavioral psychologist, the child undergoes ABA at home where she feels safe and comfortable. ABA is an expensive treatment, however, and not readily available in many school systems as part of a special education program.
TEACCH
Another behavioral therapy, Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH) uses visual imagery and works on improving the patient's skills. This type of therapy can be especially beneficial for patients who struggle with language, as the visual imagery activates a different part of the brain. TEACCH also works with other autism disorders such as Asperger syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, Rett syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder. The NIH states that TEACCH was developed as a statewide program in North Carolina.
Special Diets
The NIH notes that some autistic patients respond to special diets such as a gluten-free diet or casein-free (no dairy products) diet. The Mayo Clinic adds that an autistic patient may have a yeast-free diet, or take dietary supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin B6, folic acid and magnesium. Before starting a new diet, parents should talk to their child's doctor or a dietitian to make sure the child is receiving all important nutrients in his diet.
Medications
While medications may be prescribed for autism, they often are used to treat problems that occur in conjunction with the disorder such as anxiety and behavioral problems. For example, risperidone, an antipsychotic, may be prescribed if the child also has symptoms of irritability or aggression. Methylphenidate, a stimulant used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is used for attention problems in autism. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a type of antidepressant, may be prescribed for anxiety symptoms.
Alternative Treatments
Since autism is difficult to treat and the child may not respond to certain therapies, some parents look for alternative treatments. An example is chelation therapy in which practitioners claim to remove mercury from the patient's body, according to the Mayo Clinic. The NIH warns that parents should be wary about treatments that do not have scientific support.
