Now it is well known that there are various types of services that are available for people on the Autism spectrum. Some therapies for young children include applied behavioral analysis or ABA therapy, speech therapy as well as occupational therapy which could provide help in areas of motor function like gross motor function and fine motor function. There are other therapy modalities as well such as horse therapy and others that provide environmental stimuli for children with Autism.
As we see these children grow and become teenagers and adults, we recognize that many of these services can still be beneficial and necessary. But what we may also see is a restriction in access to some of these therapies and services as the children get older. Access to some of these programs like ABA, speech, and occupational therapy is implemented through the local school districts. So for many states across the country, where you live can make a difference in the services that you will receive. And for adults on the Autism spectrum, it can be even more challenging to find good therapy options. Placement of individuals with Autism in homes or in institutions can be common along with the use of medications to help moderate behavioral issues.
Most of the medications that have been used traditionally to treat Autism focus on the management of some of the problem behaviors found in Autism. There is one FDA approved medication for the treatment of Autism and it is called Risperdal. It is used specifically to address some of the aberrant, antisocial and aggressive behaviors that many individuals with Autism tend to exhibit. I have seen the use of SSRI medications like Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft used as well to help stabilize mood in children, teens, and adults with Autism. But the main FDA approved medication is Risperdal. So you can see how limited we are from a medications standpoint. Then the non-medical therapies remain viable options to address some of the issues we see with social interaction, behavior
, and language in Autism.
