young woman starts autism therapy programs

Effective therapy programs for autism care and medication management programs for ASD can help if your loved one is struggling with neuropsychological disorders.

By definition, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an umbrella of mental and social disorders that manifest in the form of impaired social behavior, over-responsiveness to routine, and impaired language or communication skills.

There are several therapy options for autism care.

Therapy Programs for Autism Care

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations, parents need to start researching for therapy programs immediately after they suspect their children have autism, instead of waiting for official identification of the condition. A formal diagnosis of autism can take time, many tests, and constant follow-ups with mental health professionals.
Although a treatment plan that works might vary from one person to another, some of the proven therapy programs are discussed below.

Sensory Integration Therapy

Sensory integration therapy aims at improving the autistic’s sensitivities to sensory stimuli that might be overwhelming. It covers sensitivities to loud noises, touches, and bright lights.

The program involves the participant’s introduction to gradually increasing levels of stimuli the therapist is working on; however, the sensory integration therapy doesn’t require force.

Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)

This program works by rewarding desired outcomes to teach new skills and reinforce positive behaviors. Family members and caregivers need training on ABA to acquire vital skills for giving an autistic child instant feedback.

The treatment goals of this program revolve around the autistic individual and usually include social skills, communication, school work, and personal care.

The different types of ABA include:

  • Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) — It focuses on significant areas of your child’s development, for instance, controlling social situations and self-management
  • Discrete Trial Training (DTT)—It breaks the desired outcome into the most straightforward steps
  • Verbal Behavior Intervention (VBI) —It aims at improving your child’s communication skills
  • Early Intensive Behavior Intervention (EIBI)— It’s designed for toddlers or children under five
  • Communication (Speech) Therapy

A communication or speech therapy program for ASD can help an autistic child learn how to speak, communicate, and interact with others. The therapy also involves non-verbal skills, such as taking turns in a conversation, making eye contact, and using gestures. The autistic kid can also learn non-verbal cues, such as sign language and picture symbols.
Communication therapy is most effective if parents and teachers work closely with the therapist to enable the child to practice these skills more often.

Relationship Development Intervention (RDI)

RDI aims at improving the social behaviors of an autistic person. It involves parents and caregivers more than the therapist. After making the initial assessment, the therapist sets goals for the autistic child, and caregivers or parents watch a detailed video or partake in an intensive workshop to learn how to implement the therapy.

Additionally, parents or caregivers submit videos of themselves with the child to obtain feedback from the therapist. After analyzing the videos, the therapist will offer advice for further treatment. RDI works best for toddlers. However, speech therapy programs for autism care provide hope for older children as well.

Occupational Therapy

The occupational therapy program for ASD aids your autistic kid to improve in various life areas, including:

  • Daily tasks, such as brushing teeth, holding a spoon properly, and buttoning a shirt
  • Schoolwork
  • Play
  • Chores

However, the focus of occupational therapy depends on the child’s goals and needs.

Therapy programs for both children and adults vary widely among therapists and autism treatment centers. Diverse kinds of therapies work well for each kid, and discovering the right protocol for your child is essential.

Conclusion

Don’t let autism hinder your child’s life when treatment is readily available. At rehab facilities, there are plenty of therapy programs for autism care that can provide much-needed help. Contact a local facility to learn more about treatment options today.