Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children

Introduction

The goal of the current autism spectrum disorder (ASD) treatment is to lessen symptoms that go in the way of the child's daily activities. Since ASD affects each person differently, each person with the illness has a different set of problems and requires a different form of therapy. This is why individualized treatment regimens typically incorporate a variety of specialists, such as a child counselor.

There may be many different types of therapies accessible, including ones that deal with health, education, the community, or the household.


Types of Treatments

There are several possibilities for treatment. 

Behaviour 

The goal of behavioral techniques is to modify behavior by comprehending the circumstances that led to the behavior that is being seen. The majority of symptoms associated with ASD are behavioral in nature. The methods, which are employed in several schools and treatment facilities, are now accepted by educators and child counselors.  One well-known behavioral therapy for individuals with ASD is applied behavior analysis (ABA). Development is tracked and measured.

Discrete Trial Training and Pivotal Response Training are two ABA teaching techniques.

Developmental 

Enhancing a broader spectrum of related developmental abilities, like language or motor skills, or a more limited range of related developmental abilities, like both, is the main goal of developmental methods.

A person's comprehension and language use both improve with speech and language therapy. Patients with ASD can occasionally speak to each other. Others may use technological gadgets, signs, gestures, or photographs to communicate.

The goal of occupational therapy is to support the patient in leading as independent a life as possible. Eating, dressing, taking a shower, and mingling with people are a few examples of skills. Patients who get sensory integration therapy may be able to react to potentially restricting or overwhelming sensory input more skillfully. Enhancing motor abilities, such as smaller finger motions or bigger trunk and torso movements, can be aided by physical therapy.

Educational

Education-related treatments are given in a classroom. One type of educational technique is the Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication-Handicapped Children (TEACCH) method. The foundation of TEACCH is the idea that learning via repetition and visual assistance is very beneficial for those with autism. It provides educators with alternatives for rearranging the classroom to improve instruction and other outcomes. For example, daily timetables can be written down or drawn and then prominently posted. It is feasible to erect barriers around education hubs. Oral instructions might be reinforced by visual clues or real-world examples.

Social Relationships

Strengthening interpersonal bonds and improving social skills are the main objectives of socio-relational therapy. Peer or parental mentoring is only one of several social-relational techniques that may be employed.

The Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) paradigm raises participants' ability, motivation, and interest in making social connections through activities.

Participating in social skills groups provides individuals with ASD with the opportunity to practice social skills in a secure environment.

Pharmaceutical Intervention

Early signs and symptoms of ASD cannot be treated with medicine. Co-occurring symptoms can be treated with a variety of drugs, which can improve functioning in individuals with ASD. Medication can be used to treat physical ailments including seizures, sleep difficulties, stomach or other gastrointestinal issues, as well as co-occurring psychological disorders like sadness or anxiety. It can also be used to control overactive energy, trouble focusing, or damaging behaviors like biting one's own hands or head banging. Before contemplating the use of medication, it is imperative to speak with a doctor who specializes in treating people with ASD. Psychological 

Psychological techniques may be helpful for kids with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to manage their anxiety, sadness, and other mental health issues. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one psychiatric approach that places an emphasis on comprehending the connections between concepts, emotions, and actions (CBT). In cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), the patient and child counselor collaborate to establish goals before the patient modifies their perspective to react to a situation more effectively.

Conclusion

The experience, expertise, evidence-based practices, assessment methods, privacy, parental involvement, progress monitoring, cultural sensitivity, referrals, cost and insurance coverage, on-the-spot assistance, and long-term treatment planning of a child counsellor are all important factors to take into account if your child has a disorder of any kind. 

Find a child therapist who is positive, understanding, and empathic with your child's growth. If you are searching for the "best psychologists in India," TalktoAngel offers online counseling services with the most highly certified and professional Child Psychiatrists.