ASD, often known as autism spectrum disorder, is a neurological and developmental condition that affects how people connect with others, communicate, learn, and conduct. Even though autism can be identified at any age, its symptoms typically initially manifest in the first two years of life, which is why it is known as a "developmental disorder."
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a guide created by the American Psychiatric Association that health care providers use to diagnose mental disorders, people with ASD often have:
Because there is such a wide range in the nature and intensity of symptoms, autism is referred to as a "spectrum" disorder.
Therapies may be provided in a variety of settings, including those related to education, health, the neighbourhood, or at home. To make sure that goals of therapy and progress are meeting expectations, it is crucial that professionals communicate with one another, the child with ASD, and their family.
There are many types of therapies and remedial strategies that can help children with autism like behavioural, developmental, Social-relation, educational, etc. All therapeutic goals are tailored to the individual needs. They might consist of academic work, social skills, self-care, and communication. Some are mentioned below.
The goal of behaviour therapy is to alter behaviour through comprehending what occurs before and after the concern behaviour. The most effective methods for addressing ASD symptoms are behavioural ones. They are applied in special needs schools and health centres and have gained widespread acceptance among educators and medical experts. Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is a well-known behavioural therapy for children with ASD . To enhance several skills, ABA promotes desired behaviours while discouraging unwanted ones. This behaviour therapy uses reinforcement to teach new skills and praise good conduct. The progress is monitored, documented and evaluated. According to studies, children who get early, consistent ABA can achieve significant, long-lasting progress.
Developmental approaches concentrate on enhancing a specific set of interconnected developmental abilities, such as language skills or motor skills , or a broader range of developmental abilities. Behavioural and developmental approaches are frequently integrated.
A child with autism must do more than just learn to speak. The child must also learn how to communicate through language. That involves having conversational skills. It also entails recognising verbal and nonverbal signs from other individuals, such as body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions.
Speech and language therapy is the most popular developmental therapy for children with ASD. The child's comprehension and use of speech and language are both improved by therapy. It aids children with communicating and engaging with others, as well as speaking. It can involve nonverbal skills, like making eye contact, taking turns in a conversation, and using and understanding gestures.
Therapists with a focus on treating speech and language impairments include speech-language pathologists. Speech therapists frequently take the lead in assisting with the diagnosis of autism and providing referrals to other specialists according to early screening and identification. The speech-language pathologist collaborates closely with the family, school, and other professionals. If someone with autism is nonverbal or has major difficulty with speech, the speech therapist may introduce alternatives to speech, including:
Specific goals of speech therapy that include helping the individual with autism are:
The goal of occupational therapy is to help the individual live as independently as possible. Activities of daily living and the use of common objects are examples of skills, such as learning how to button a shirt or hold a fork properly. However, it may involve anything having to do with school, work, or leisure. The focus is determined by the child's needs and goals. Occupational therapy can also include:
Like speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists collaborate with a group of experts that includes parents, educators, and other health care providers. They assist in establishing clear objectives for the autistic child. Evaluation and therapy are the two basic ways that occupational therapists can assist.
The therapist observes kids to see if they can perform actions that are appropriate for their age, such as dressing themselves or playing a game. The therapist may occasionally record the child throughout the day to observe how they interact with others and their environment. This aids the therapist in figuring out what kind of care the child requires. The therapist might look closely at:
An occupational therapist can create a programme for the child after gathering all the above-mentioned information. There isn't just one therapy plan that works best. But research has shown that early, systematic, tailored care is most effective.
Occupational therapy can incorporate a number of different concepts, such as:
The goal of therapies for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is to lessen symptoms that affect everyday life and quality of life. Because ASD has a distinct impact on everyone, each child with ASD has various strengths, problems, and health needs. As a result, therapeutic interventions frequently involve several specialists and are tailored to the person.
