What are the treatment methods for autism?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has no cure, but autism treatment can enhance a person's ability to function by reducing symptoms and supporting development. Here is a brief overview of the primary treatment methods:
- Psychological therapy. Psychology underpins many autism therapies, including applied behavior analysis (ABA), talk therapy, drama therapy, play therapy, educational psychology, and family psychology. These help manage traits and improve communication, social skills, and behavior.
- Medication. While no medication can cure ASD, it can help control symptoms such as hyperactivity, severe behavioral problems, and anxiety.
- Speech therapy. Helps improve verbal and nonverbal communication skills and social interactions.
- Stem cell therapy. An experimental treatment aiming to improve immune system regulation and neural connectivity, showing promise in reducing autism symptoms.
Autism treatment methods: Overview
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Method |
Description |
Duration |
Results |
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Psychotherapy helps manage autism traits and anxiety, fosters a better understanding of social interactions. Applied behavior analysis (ABA), a standard autism treatment, uses rewards to reinforce correct actions. |
At least 20 hours per week. |
• 93.9% of parents report that their child has benefitted from ABA. |
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|
Controls symptoms like hyperactivity, severe behavioral problems, and anxiety. |
From 8 weeks to over 2 years, depending on response and medication type. |
Significant improvement of symptoms in 44% of cases; complete resolution in 56%. |
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A speech therapist or SLP helps grasp abstract concepts and develop social and communication skills. |
Months to years, varying frequency. |
Improvements in communication, fluency, articulation, grammar, functional speech, and social skills. |
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Stem cells repair, regenerate, and replace damaged brain cells in individuals with autism. They regulate immune imbalances and promote tissue regeneration. |
Multiple injections over days, weeks, or months. |
One study found a 5.96-point reduction in autism symptom scores. However, research is lacking due to the treatment's newness. |