There is no single, definitive treatment for individuals with ASD. There is exciting research that shows early behavioral interventions help to maximize each child's potential. Early diagnosis, followed by comprehensive and intensive early interventions can produce better outcomes for many children with autism spectrum disorders.

Treatment options include but are NOT limited to:

Traditional Interventions

Early Intervention Programs-offered to those under the age of 3 funded through either the state or local government, i.e. First Steps or Tiny K

Early Childhood Special Education-offered to those ages 3 and up through your local school district.

Behavioral Interventions-programs that teach children the skills needed for play and communication skills. There are several different types of Behavioral Interventions and they can be taught by a therapist or teacher.

• Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication-handicapped Children (TEACCH)
• Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)

• Floor-time or Developmental, individual-difference, relationship (DIR)

Communication Interventions- interventions should aim at increasing the child's level of communication by either verbal output or non-verbal means of communication (Picture Exchange Communication System or electronic communication device).

Sensory-motor Interventions-helps the child integrate sensory input from the child's surroundings with their own muscles and body position.

Non-Traditional or Alternative Interventions

These interventions are not studied scientifically and research may not support the use of these therapies. Please discuss the use of any of these interventions with your practitioner prior to starting any alternative treatment.

Nutritional Supplements-are not monitored by the Food and Drug Administration and no studies have been done to look for toxic effects from long-term use in young children.

Dietary Changes-some families believe a gluten/casein free diet help with symptoms of ASD.

Prescription or Over-the-Counter medicines-currently there is no medicine approved by the Food and Drug Administration to be used specifically for treatment of ASD. Medications are sometimes used to treat specific symptoms commonly found in individuals with ASD.

Auditory integration training-children are conditioned to tolerate certain sounds by listening to filtered music in a sound booth.

**These were taken from Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Copyright 2006