| While information is plentiful, understanding the | | | | anxiety, advance preparation for any kind of |
| proper autism treatment is a work in progress. | | | | deviation from the normal routine is part of the |
| There are still many unanswered questions about | | | | treatment plan. Visual cues are used to |
| how and why autism happens. There are | | | | compensate for language deficits experienced by |
| currently no medical tests available for diagnosing | | | | autistic children. These are sometimes also |
| autism, commonly referred to as "autistic | | | | referred to in autism treatment environments as |
| spectrum disorder". | | | | visual schedules. |
| A diagnosis is based upon behavior and | | | | Understanding proper autism treatment must |
| developmental history. Autism does have specific | | | | include a basic understanding of the disorders that |
| patterns of behavior that doctors look for. | | | | commonly go along with the autism diagnosis. |
| However, not all autistic children display the | | | | ADHD, depression, OCD, behavioral problems and |
| "typical" autistic behavior. Some children may have | | | | anxiety are all conditions that are commonly |
| some of the behaviors, but not all of them, which | | | | associated with autism. These conditions can be |
| can sometimes delay the official diagnosis of | | | | treated with medications that will ease symptoms. |
| autism. The one thing that all experts can agree | | | | Diet and vitamin supplementation are also widely |
| on is the importance of early treatment and | | | | thought to have a role in easing some symptoms |
| intervention programs. Early intervention can offer | | | | associated with autism for some people. A |
| significant improvement in symptomatic behavior | | | | reduction of gluten in the diet, and an increase in |
| and can improve the overall prognosis. | | | | B vitamins, are the most common adaptations |
| Understanding proper autism treatment requires | | | | when utilizing these options. Scientific data is not |
| an understanding of the importance that must be | | | | clear on how or why this treatment works for |
| placed on the proper environment. A high quality | | | | some people. For some people this small |
| treatment plan for a young child includes 25 hours | | | | adjustment eases symptoms and can provide a |
| per week of intensive interaction with other | | | | degree of relief. |
| children and therapists in a tightly controlled setting | | | | Understanding the proper autism treatment can |
| offering highly structured daily routines, and visual | | | | make a significant difference in the overall |
| cues. Visual cues can show the child through the | | | | severity of the condition, and the ability of people |
| use of pictures or drawings, the sequences in | | | | with autism to learn the strategies necessary to |
| their daily activities, and what the child can expect. | | | | enable them to reach their highest possible |
| Because deviation from routines can cause | | | | potential. |