What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex and lifelong neurodevelopmental condition. Generally speaking, ASD involves a range of challenges in speech and nonverbal communication, social interactions, and restricted or repetitive behaviors.
ASD manifests very differently in each individual. The wide-ranging, non-binary, and non-linear nature of “autism” symptoms is best represented by the use of the term “spectrum” in autism spectrum disorder.
Because the symptoms of ASD manifest so differently in each person, each treatment plan must be equally unique. No single type of treatment works for everyone with ASD. Each individual and family must assess the different treatment options available to them and create a unique and comprehensive treatment plan based on the individual’s unique needs and goals.
ASD cannot be cured. However, with appropriate intervention focused on strategies designed to help an individual achieve his or her greatest potential, many individuals with ASD can manage their symptoms appropriately in order to live happy and fulfilling lives.
Long-Term Behavioral Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Speaking in general, the most successful treatment or intervention approach for most children and adults with an ASD diagnosis is behavioral therapy.
That being said, understanding the different types of behavioral therapy can be challenging. And even more challenging is finding the right methodology for you or your child. It will likely require time, creativity, and flexibility to find the therapy method or combination of methods that work for your unique situation.
Behavioral therapy can and does help adults with ASD continue to manage their symptoms, whether they were diagnosed as a child or more recently as an adult. However, experts agree that early diagnosis and intervention with children is critical. And as your child grows and develops, therapy techniques may need to change to match your child’s changing symptoms.
Types of behavioral therapies that might be appropriate for you or your child include:
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA): a highly structured therapy designed to teach appropriate skills relating to self-care, communication, play, academics, and social living. Focusing on each individual’s abilities and needs, ABA breaks specific skills down into component parts to help the individual learn them through repetition, encouragement, and positive reinforcement.
Verbal Behavior Therapy (VBT): a type of applied behavior therapy appropriate for non-vocal children. The goal is to help those with ASD use words functionally to communicate with purpose. Through repetition, VBT can help children understand that purposeful communication can achieve positive results.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): also a highly structured therapeutic approach designed to help individuals identify and recognize behavioral triggers in order to develop the ability to learn and practice alternate behaviors instead. CBT is usually considered more appropriate for individuals with milder autism symptoms.
Developmental and Individual Differences Relationship (DIR) Therapy: sometimes called, less formally, “floortime”. DIR therapy focuses on skill-building, particularly interpersonal engagement and interaction, through activities each individual child enjoys.
Relationship Development Intervention (RDI): a family-centered approach focused on defined emotional and social goals. The goal of RDI is to help individuals with ASD establish more meaningful relationships by building skills relating to empathy, back-and-forth communication, and motivation to engage and build relationships.
The most successful treatment approach for ASD is often one that combines multiple types of therapy over the long-term. These behavioral therapy techniques are often combined with additional approaches appropriate for each person’s unique needs. Other common options for ASD may include social skills groups, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.
Moreover, it is important to stay focused on long-term development and goals. The lack of immediate results can be frustrating, especially for many parents. However, therapy is a long-term and ever-changing process and it can—and usually does—work with patience and dedication.
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