Blogs


Therapies for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder


Therapies for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder


SHARE



Diagnosis

During routine check-ups, your child's doctor will look for signs of developmental delays. If your child exhibits any autism spectrum disorder symptoms, you will most likely be referred to a specialist who treats children with autism spectrum disorder, like a child & adolescent psychiatrist or child psychologist, or pediatric neurologist, for a detailed assessment of Autism. 

Making a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder can be difficult due to the wide range of symptoms and severity. As there is no specific biomarker-based medical test that can be used to diagnose the disorder. Rather, a Child specialist or Clinical Psychologist may:

  • Observe your child and inquire about how his or her social interactions, motor movements, communication skills, and behavior have changed over time.
  • Give your child hearing, speech, and language tests, as well as tests for developmental level and social and behavioral issues.
  • Give your child structured social and communication interactions and grade their performance.
  • Use the criteria from the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
  • Include other specialists in the diagnosis process.
  • In order to determine whether your child has a genetic disorder such as Rett syndrome or fragile X syndrome, we recommend genetic testing.
  • You can use the Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism(ISAA) or Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS; 


Treatment

There is no specific cure or treatment for autism spectrum disorder, and no one-size-fits-all treatment. The major goal of treatment of the autistic child is to improve your child's ability to major function by reducing symptoms of autism spectrum disorder and promoting motor, cognitive, speech & language, social-emotional development, and learning. Early detection and early intervention during your child's preschool years can help them learn important social, communication, functional, and behavioral skills more adequately.

The variety of home-based and school-based autism spectrum disorder treatments and interventions available can be overwhelming, and your child's needs may change over time. Your healthcare provider can suggest options and assist you in locating resources in your area.

If your child has autism spectrum disorder, consult with experts about developing a treatment plan and assembling a team of professionals to meet your child's needs.

Among the treatment options available are:

  • Communication and behavior therapies

Many programs address the social, language, and behavioral difficulties that are common in autism spectrum disorder. Some programs emphasize problem behavior reduction and the acquisition of new skills. Other programs teach children how to behave in social situations or how to communicate more effectively with others. Through a reward-based motivation system, applied behavior analysis (ABA) can assist children in learning new skills and generalizing these skills to a variety of situations.



  • Educational therapies are available.

The design of structured individualized educational programs often works well for children with an autism spectrum disorder. A team of specialists and a variety of activities to improve social skills, communication, and behavior are typically included in successful programs. ABA Therapies are of great help.  Children in preschool who receive intensive, individualized behavioral interventions frequently make good progress.



  • Family therapy

It is strongly recommended that Parents and other family members can learn how to play and interact with their children in ways that promote social interaction skills, problem behavior management, and the teaching of daily living skills and communication.



  • Other treatments.

Speech therapy to improve communication skills, occupational therapy to teach activities of daily living, and physical therapy to improve movement and balance may all be beneficial depending on your child's needs. A psychologist can make suggestions for dealing with problem behavior.



  • Medications.

Specific medications can help control symptoms but do not improve the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. For example, if your child is hyperactive, certain medications may be prescribed; antipsychotic drugs are sometimes used to treat severe behavioral problems, and antidepressants may be prescribed for anxiety. Keep all of your child's healthcare providers up to date on any medications or supplements he or she is taking. Some medications and supplements can interact, resulting in potentially dangerous side effects.

 

Managing additional medical and mental health issues

Aside from autism spectrum disorder, children, adolescents, and adults may also experience:

  • Problems with medical health. Children with autism spectrum disorder may also suffer from medical issues such as epilepsy, sleep disorders, restricted food preferences, or stomach problems. Inquire with your child's doctor about the best way to manage these conditions together.



  • Transition to adulthood issues. Teens and young adults with autism spectrum disorder may struggle to understand physical changes. Furthermore, social situations become more complex in adolescence, and tolerance for individual differences may decrease. The adolescent period can be difficult because of behavioral issues. Teenage counselling would be of great help. 

 

  • Other mental health problems. Sometimes other co-morbidities of mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression, are common in teens and adults with autism spectrum disorder. Help is available from your doctor, a mental health professional, and community advocacy and service organizations.

 

Making plans for the future

Children with autism spectrum disorder typically continue to learn and compensate for problems throughout their lives, but the majority will require some level of assistance. Planning for your child's future opportunities, such as employment, college, living situation, independence, and support services, can help make this process go more smoothly. You can consult  Dr. R K Suri Best Child psychologist at Dwarka, Janakpuri, West Delhi at Psychowellness Center,  You can also consult the best clinical psychologists at TalktoAngel  No. 1 Online Mental Health Wellbeing Platform. 

 

Janakpuri Clinic

DWARKA CLINIC