How To Treat Autism With Behavioral Therapy: An Overview
Understanding Autism Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A range of neurodevelopmental disorders that affect social, behavioural, and communicative abilities. People with ASD ● ●
have difficulties interacting within their environment often display impaired cognitive skills
There is no cure to ASD. However, therapy can help combat symptoms and improve: ● ● ●
social interactions work relations close emotional relationships
Symptoms of Autism
No two children on the Autism spectrum will have the same exact set of symptoms. Some symptoms to look out for include: ➔ ➔ ➔ ➔ ➔ ➔ ➔
Avoiding eye contact and wanting to be alone Repeating behaviour patterns excessively Resisting towards any change in schedule Being unable to understand social cues or another’s point of view Avoiding physical contact such as cuddling Not being able to follow the rules of a game, take turns, or share with others Having trouble using language or typical actions of expression
Types of Behavioral Therapy for Autism Behavioral Therapy has been demonstrated to be the most effective solution for long-term integration of children with Autism. A course at an early age strengthens social skills that allow for a more complete integration with mainstream currents. There are various types of Behavioral Therapy that your child may respond to. These include: ●
Applied Behavior Therapy (ABA): The most common Behavioral Therapy options for children with Autism, it involves helping children achieve positive goals and learn how to identify and avoid negative behaviors. Therapists tailor the treatment plan to each child by first observing their current behavioral patterns. Each desired skill is broken down into manageable components and teach the child those components through reinforcement, repetition, and rewards. Therapists also advise parents and other caregivers to learn ABA Therapy for Autism. Depending on the severity of symptoms, up to 40 hours of ABA per week may be recommended. ABA Therapy for high functioning Autism has also delivered promising results.
Types of Behavioral Therapy for Autism ●
Sensory Integration Therapy: This type of therapy focuses on sensory processing disorders. The essential goal is to help the child adjust to sensory inputs that the child finds overwhelming, while moderating the sensory inputs that the child is hyposensitive too. Parents will also be given recommendations on appropriate sensory toys that can be used.
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Relationship Development Intervention (RDI): This is a relatively new type of therapy for Autism. It involves encouraging positive social behaviors through active participation from parents, helping the child form stronger personal and emotional connections. RDI focuses on building dynamic intelligence, which is what helps the child process information, cope with changes, and understand multiple perspectives. Ultimately, this enables children to control social behavior and express their feelings fluently.
Types of Behavioral Therapy for Autism ●
Communication Interventions: This type of therapy helps children with Autism communicate effectively, be it verbal or non-verbal communication, and thus interact better with people and environments. Therapists can recommend the use of smart tablets, cue cards, various games, group tutoring sessions, and modeling behaviors to encourage effective communication and avoid tantrums or other frustrated behaviors.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: This type of therapy defines triggers for various types of behavior in a manner that children can recognize those triggers and modify their actions accordingly. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy can help children see that loud noises make them angry or frustrated, and thus nudge them towards leaving the room or putting on some noise-canceling headphones.
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Floortime: The formal name for this type of Behavioral Therapy for Autism is Developmental and Individual Differences Relationship (DIR) Therapy. This involves the therapist or caregiver interacting with the child through activities the child enjoys. It encourages the children to select their own activity.
Benefits of Behavioral Therapy for Autism Behavioral Therapy now recommended for everyone on the Autism spectrum. Behavioral Therapy is safe for all children and delivers clear-cut improvements on social skills, independent functionality, and the ability to communicate needs and emotions. It is important to remember that not all children will respond equally well to all types of Behavioral Therapy. Moreover, as the child grows older, the types of therapy they respond to might evolve.
Other treatments for Autism While Behavioral Therapy is an important component of treatment for Autism, it should be used in conjunction with other treatments. ➔ Occupational Therapy: This type of therapy focuses specifically on teaching the child skills related to daily functioning and can include feeding oneself, getting dressed, and holding a pencil. ➔ Stem Cell Therapy: The premise of Stem Cell Therapy is to allow the body to heal itself well enough to mitigate the symptoms of the condition for longer periods. This treatment is safe, speedy, and often completed within a day or two. ➔ Physical therapy: Appropriate forms of exercise can help children work through several frustrations. Cardiovascular activities, yoga, stretching exercises, and jungle gym activities are all options to integrate. ➔ Regular check-ups: Children with Autism require regular medical and dental check-ups. This is also important because some behaviors may actually be indicators of a physical problem. For eg. head banging could be an act of frustration, but it could also indicate a migraine. In addition, children with Autism are more prone to other disorders such as ADHD.
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