Autism: Treatment and Therapy 1
Autism Treatment and Therapy Part 2
Heidi L. Aldridge
Rasmussen College
11-3-15
Autism is a social disorder that has been around for as long as anyone can remember. Today is more prevalent than it was years ago, affecting one out of 88 children; affecting males more than females. Autism affects about 1 of 54 males today. There have been many studies done to find out why and when it happens, but it is something that even with much research is still somewhat a mystery to many people. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) is never the same. It varies from person to person. Different from earlier years of autism research, they have begun to realize early on who is affected. This is due to the fact that the earlier it is detected, the earlier an individual can receive help. Today there are many avenues of aid a person can receive in order for them to be able to function within society. The following will discuss various studies associated with ASD and treatment therapies.
One studyinvestigates the effects of music therapy when incorporated with ABA VB for children with ASD. The research question that is being proposed is how would the perception of musical patterns incorporated in Applied Behavior Analysis Verbal Behavior (ABA VB) operants impact the production of speech of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Lim, 2011). Many researchers know that ASD is a social disorder that affects each individual differently. Because of this, it has been difficult for researchers to come up with one type of therapy that works well for all children with ASD. Each child has a plan tailored for them. Music therapy incorporated with Applied Behavior Analysis: a verbal behavior approach for children with ASD. Communication deficits are one of the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD); therefore, developing communication and language skills is a major goal for any training program for children with ASD (Lim, 2011).
Another study is the Effect of Therapeutic Horseback Riding on Social Functioning in Children with Autism. There have been other studies done with animals and children with ASD, but by far this has proved more effective than the all others according to research. Children ride horses guided by and an ASD specialist. They have found that horse riding stimulates the speech. Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by deficits in social, communication, and motor skill functioning (Bass, 2009).Early detection is key for getting children with ASD treatment.
In this research study, examples of children with ASD are being studied to find out how effective treatment is when received at an early age. Most if the research was pulled from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The numbers used were than compared to certain local areas. The statistical test being used in this study is one out of 88 children believed to have autism or a related disorder. Research shows us that a child diagnosed at the age of two is early enough to begin therapy. Any later and a child could have a more difficult time in their therapy. Researchers say that early treatment makes it easier for children with ASD to develop connections within the brain. The older they get the more difficult it becomes to make the connections.
In this research study Children with ASD participating in animal therapy are being investigated. Along with their usual therapy children with ASD take part in horseback riding as a type of supplemental therapy. Research shows that when children begin this type of therapy, they are able to make progress in speech and gross motor skills. The investigation was done over the course of 15 weeks; participants took part in two weekly occupational therapy sessions, one with an animal present, and one without to see what yielded the greater results. Researchers used 22 children ranging in age from 7 to 13 years, all of whom had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Nominal, interval, and descriptive statistics were used in compiling the data. The test used was the repeated measure test.
Medicines have a limited role in improving symptoms of Autism. But some may help prevent self-injury and other behaviors that are causing difficulty. Medicines may also take a child to a functional level at which he or she can benefit from other treatments.There is no standard medicine for the treatment of autism. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests targeting the main one or two problem behaviors when considering medicines. Medicines that are sometimes used to treat behaviors related to autism include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and antipsychotic medicines.Selective (SSRIs) include citalopram, fluoxetine, and sertraline. These medicines may help with depression, anxiety, and obsessive behaviors associated with autism. But there are side effects, such as weight gain, insomnia, and increased agitation, but the side effects tend to be less serious than those of antipsychotic medicines. Antipsychotic medicines, such as haloperidol,risperidone, and thioridazine work by changing the effects of brainchemicals. They might help decrease problem behaviors that can occur with autism. Risperidone has shown to reduce tantrums, aggression, and self-harming behavior in children with autism. (Myers SM, et al. (2007, reaffirmed 2010).) These medicines can have side effects, including sleepiness, tremors, and weight gain. Their use is usually considered only after behavior management has failed to address the problem behaviors. The effectiveness of these medicines varies by individual. Side effects are possible. Some doctors may advise going off a medicine temporarily, to identify whether it is having a positive or negative effect.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning on anticonvulsant medicines and the risk of suicide and suicidalthoughts. So be sure to monitor someone using these medications for these symptoms or suicidal behavior.
Resources:
1)Myers SM, et al. (2007, reaffirmed 2010). American Academy of Pediatrics clinical report: Management of children with autism spectrum disorders. Pediatrics, 120(5): 1162-1182.
2)U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2006). FDA approves the first drug to treat irritability associated with autism, risperdal. FDA News. Available online:
3)ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerJohn Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical ReviewerFredVolkmar, MD - Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
4)Bass, M., Duchowny, C., & Llabre, M.. (2009). The Effect of Therapeutic Horseback Riding on Social Functioning in Children with Autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders,39(9), 1261-7
5)Deidre Williams. (2012, April 3). Communicating a need:Experts say early detection is key to successful treatment of condition. Buffalo News,A.1
6)Lim, H., & Draper, E.. (2011). The Effects of Music Therapy Incorporated with Applied Behavior Analysis Verbal Behavior Approach for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Journal of Music Therapy,48(4), 532-50.
7)Tanner, D. (2011). Statistics for the Behavioral & Social Sciences. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.