There are no medications that can cure ASDs or treat the core symptoms. However, there are medications that can help some people with ASDs function better. For example, medication might help manage high energy levels, inability to focus, depression, or seizures. Also, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of risperidone and aripiprazole (antipsychotic drugs) to treat at certain ages children with ASDs who experience severe tantrums, aggression, and self-injurious behaviors. For more information, visit the Food and Drug Administration's website.
Medications might not affect all children in the same way. It is important to work with a health care professional who has experience in treating children with ASDs. Parents and health care professionals must closely monitor a child's progress and reactions while he or she is taking a medication to be sure that any negative side effects of the treatment do not outweigh the benefits.
It is also important to remember that children with ASDs can get sick or injured just like children without ASDs. Regular medical and dental exams should be part of a childs treatment plan. Often it is hard to tell if a childs behavior is related to the ASD or is caused by a separate health condition. For instance, head banging could be a symptom of the ASD, or it could be a sign that the child is having headaches. In those cases, a thorough physical exam is needed. Monitoring healthy development means not only paying attention to symptoms related to ASDs, but also to the childs physical and mental health, as well.
Research shows that early intervention treatment services can greatly improve a childs development.[1],[2] Early intervention services help children from birth to 3 years old (36 months) learn important skills. Services include therapy to help the child talk, walk, and interact with others. Therefore, it is important to talk to your childs doctor as soon as possible if you think your child has an ASD or other developmental problem.
Even if your child has not been diagnosed with an ASD, he or she may be eligible for early intervention treatment services. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) says that children under the age of 3 years (36 months) who are at risk of having developmental delays may be eligible for services. These services are provided through an early intervention system in your state. Through this system, you can ask for an evaluation.
In addition, treatment for particular symptoms, such as speech therapy for language delays, often does not need to wait for a formal ASD diagnosis. While early intervention is extremely important, intervention at any age can be helpful.
Learn more about early intervention
There are many different types of treatments available. For example, auditory training, discrete trial training, vitamin therapy, anti-yeast therapy, facilitated communication, music therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and sensory integration.
The different types of treatments can generally be broken down into the following categories:
According to reports by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Research Council, behavior and communication approaches that help children with ASDs are those that provide structure, direction, and organization for the child in addition to family participation.
See the article here:
CDC - Treatment, Autism Spectrum Disorders - NCBDDD