Autism is Treatable
Not very long ago, “Autism Treatment” MIGHT have included Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), as well as speech therapy, occupational therapy and possibly physical therapy. Sadly, many professionals did not consider autism treatable at all.

Today, thanks to parents and some enlightened doctors and therapists, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) including: Autism, PDD-NOS, Asperger’s Disorder, and perhaps ADD and ADHD, are considered treatable. Some believe autism is curable, or that the symptoms of autism can be reversed in some children, with proper treatment. What’s more, the list of “treatments” for autism has expanded far beyond behavioral therapy. Parents must now evaluate many treatment options, from behavioral therapies to sensory integration therapy to special diets, biomedical supplements, chelation and detoxification of the home. At the same time, families face day-to-day challenges to keep their kids safe, comfortable and happy.

Behavioral Therapies
Behavioral therapies include ABA, verbal analysis (VBA), TEAACH, Floor time, Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) and others, are central to autism treatment. Each therapy requires its own teaching tools. These may include toys selected to engage children, to encourage communication and initiation, or teach cause / effect and imitation. Some therapy models advocate the use of reinforces, while others rely on external reinforces like bubbles, candy and sensory toys. Children with autism are often strong visual learners. Many non-verbal children or those with emerging language rely on Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS) to help them communicate and learn.

Speech therapists use many of these same tools to help kids communicate. Occupational Therapists (OTs) use toys and games to help children play and develop their fine and gross motor skills. Good OTs also addresses sensory issues the children may have, whether they are sensory seeking or sensory defensive. OTs implement sensory “diets” that help provide the appropriate input to allow the child to function and learn.

Biomedical Treatment
Parents have reported for years that their kids suffer from problems with the gut, that they have sleep disorders, eczema and thin hair and rashes, or that they don’t get sick or don’t sweat or don’t sunburn. But the idea that autism is a medical condition is relatively new and most doctors still don’t treat it that way. Once again, it’s up to the parents, with the help of DAN! Doctors, naturopaths and sometimes pediatricians to decide what treatments are appropriate for their kids. Many families see results with Gluten-free/Casein-free (GFCF) diet or the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) or with digestive enzymes and probiotics. Others see improvement with vitamin and mineral supplements or chelation therapy.

Many in the biomedical community believe autism has an underlying genetic cause that is triggered by an environmental insult. The immune system is involved and, for some reason, children with autism are not able to get rid of toxins as effectively as others. Based on this it is best to minimize exposure to toxins. This typically involves: removing toxins from the home whenever it is practical; using organic products including, food, bedding, clothing; nontoxic cleaning supplies and water and air filters.

Daily Life
In addition to considering treatments some of the largest challenges come in just meeting a child’s basic needs throughout the day. The clothes they put on in the morning may need to be especially comfortable if they are going to keep them on. Their hair may be particularly fine and prone to tangling. Shampoos and creams may need to be avoided, as they often contain gluten or casein. The difficulties of brushing a kid's teeth necessitate a very efficient toothbrush, along with toothpaste that is safe to swallow. Also simple adapted furniture or weighted blankets and pads may help a child sit appropriately and attend better.

At Autism Community Store we hope to provide you with tools to help care for and treat your child. From therapies to biomedical supplies and supplements to daily care taking needs, we endeavor to provide you with what you need. We hope we will be a useful stop on your journey.