Assessing Whether A Medication Works
When your child starts taking a new medication, you and the professional need to monitor your child carefully.
It can also help if you understand the targeted behaviour or problem before your child starts the medication. Take a week to write down details like when, how often and how long the behaviour happens, and think about how intense it is. Also pay attention to your childs sleeping habits and appetite. This puts you in a good position to notice whether anything is changing once your child starts the medication.
When your child starts taking a medication, try not to change anything else about their routine or therapy program. Then if you notice any changes, itll be easier to tell whether theyve been caused by the medication. You could also ask a family friend it they notice any differences in your childs behaviour.
Which Treatment For Autism Spectrum Disorder Is Most Promising
Autism exists on a wide spectrum, and therefore, no one treatment works best. The treatment that is most promising for your child is the one in which he/she is most eager to take part.Finding a team of skilled practitioners, doctors, and teachers is invaluable. Effective treatments are not reserved for children with high-functioning autism. Any child with autism can receive quality therapies. It is important to maintain realistic goals for your child. Dr. Stephen Shore said, If youve met one person with autism, youve met one person with autism. No two childrens progress will be the same. Neither are their goals or milestones. The best therapies for autism are adaptable to the diverse needs of many children. They can usually grow with your child as he/she develops new skills and meets milestones.
Is Autism Spectrum Disorder Treatable
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a lifelong disease;And for many people with the disease, it is their identity.
However, there are many programs today that help people with autism fight the disease through strategies and behaviors.
Many programs are also being introduced for parents of infected children to help them reduce the effects of the disease.
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Herbs For Autism: A Natural Approach
Parents seeking advice about herbs for children with autism may be entering a battlefield; with conventional, western medicine on one side and complementary and alternative medicine on the other
Many proponents of herbal, Chinese, complementary and alternative treatments view these remedies with an almost religious fervour. Sceptics, including many in the medical profession, roll their eyes with equal enthusiasm at something they see as subpar to western drugs and medicine.
What Types Of Treatments Are Available For Aspergers Syndrome
Treatment for ASD should be designed to meet you or your childs needs. The best treatment in the world wont work if a child or adult doesnt agree that its best for them. A good treatment plan builds on their strengths and encourages growth in areas where they have difficulty. Progress should be continually monitored and treatment adjusted as necessary to continue to help them succeed in school, work and life.
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The Real Reasons Autism Rates Are Up In The Us
A hard look at whether the rise comes from more awareness, better diagnosisor something else;
The;prevalence;of autism in the United States has risen steadily since researchers first began tracking it in 2000. The rise in the rate has sparked fears of an autism epidemic. But experts say the bulk of the increase stems from a growing awareness of autism and changes to the conditions diagnostic criteria.
Heres how researchers track autisms prevalence and explain its apparent rise.
How do clinicians diagnose autism?There is no blood test, brain scan or any other objective test that can diagnose autismalthough researchers are actively trying to develop such tests. Clinicians rely on observations of a persons behavior to diagnose the condition.
In the U.S., the criteria for diagnosing autism are laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders . The criteria are problems with social communication and interactions, and restricted interests or;repetitive behaviors. Both of these core features must be present in early development.
What;is the prevalence of;autism in the U.S.?The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that;1 in 68children in the U.S. have autism. The prevalence is 1 in 42 for boys and 1 in 189 for girls. These rates yield a gender ratio of about five boys for every girl.
This article is reproduced with permission from;Spectrum. The article was;first published;on March 2, 2017.
What Is The Most Effective Therapy For Autism
An early and individualized program of treatment that incorporates a combination of therapies is the most effective way to manage autism. Each type of therapy addresses a specific need of an autistic child. The therapies useful in managing autism spectrum disorders include:
Behavior and communication therapies
Applied Behavior Analysis
Applied behavior analysis is a widely used technique in schools and clinics for managing autism. ABA is used to discourage negative behaviors and help the child learn positive behaviors and improve a variety of skills. The different types of ABA include:
- Discrete Trial Training : Use of lessons broken down in simple parts with reward for positive responses.
- Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention : Individualized approach with a trained professional to reduce negative behaviors such as tantrums, aggression and self-injury. EIBI is useful for children under 5 years of age.
- Early Start Denver Model : An approach that uses play and joint activities to improve social, language and cognitive skills in children of 12 to 48 months.
- Pivotal Response Training : PRT is used to improve the motivation to learn, self-control and communication with others.
- Verbal Behavior Intervention : A program to teach verbal skills.
Picture Exchange Communication System
This system is used to improve communication skills by teaching the child to use picture symbols in devices such as electronic tablets, to communicate.
Occupational therapy
Social skills training
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Developmental Individual Difference Relationship
Developmental, Individual-Difference, Relationship-Based Model Floortime is a child-led therapy. A therapist uses the parameters a child sets in play to encourage skill development. The late Dr. Stanley Greenspan developed DIR/Floortime. His model emphasizes using senses, emotions, and motor skills to foster healthy development . DIR/Floortime is a valuable option because of its adaptive nature. As a childs interests evolve, so can the therapy.;
The therapy requires a lot of the childs play partner. The Autism Resource Foundation says the ideal partner is patient and imaginative. A therapist conducts DIR/Floortime sessions in his/her office and trains you to conduct them at home. Regular check-ins allow you to ask questions and revise strategies as needed. The therapist helps you identify the play your child responds to most. Play categories include sensory, object, symbolic, or a combination. They will also determine if your child is sensitive sensory seeking or under-reactive . Dr. Gil Tippy, PsyD, is the clinical director and founder of the Rebecca School in New York. He encourages parents to explore DIR/Floortime despite the learning curve .
To conduct DIR/Floortime, you need to become familiar with your childs play. Next, you need to make sure your child knows that you want to play on his/her terms. While honoring your childs style of play, you can incorporate therapeutic techniques. Finally, keep things fresh by rotating toys and activities .
What Is Being Done To Cure Autism
Research has been moving away from finding a cure for autism to focusing on early diagnosis.Len Abbeduto is an autism researcher, psychologist, and director of the MIND Institute. In an interview with NBC News, he said that autism is complex with many manifestations. He thinks searching for a single cure is the wrong approach . He explained that about 80 percent of autism cases are genetic. There is no one autism gene though. There is likely a combination of more than 100-1,000 genes and environmental factors at play.;
In recent years, the focus has shifted to treatment and therapies. Most children receive their diagnosis in late toddlerhood, around three-four years old. Specialized diagnosticians can now diagnose infants as young as six months old. Diagnosing children younger means receiving treatment younger. Doctors now aim to start treatments when childrens brains display the greatest plasticity. This is usually by age three.
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Autism Is The Fastest Growing Disorder In The Usthere Is No Cure For This Disorder But There Is Treatment
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect a persons feelings, behavior, and social interaction. Children on the autism spectrum are uncomfortable with unfamiliar environments, and many families avoid hotels, or may not go on vacation at all. Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the world. Autism is a complicated condition that includes problems in social, language, and communication skills. Learn about the causes, symptoms, treatment, and diagnosis of autism.
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Examining Data On Medication For Anxiety
What do we know so far, starting with medication?
Three types of drugs antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and beta-blockers are used to treat anxiety in the general population, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Do these medications work the same in people with autism? When doing their detective work, Dr. Vasa and the researchers with the Autism Treatment Network found only a few drug studies that focused solely on youth with autism and anxiety. The studies were small, lacked a control group, and/or did not hide the medication’s names from the researchers. Generally, the results of studies with those features may be less reliable. The best studies use many participants and keep the medication being tested a secret from both participants and researchers, to prevent that knowledge from influencing them.
A few studies showed that children who took either the antidepressant citalopram or the anti-anxiety drug buspirone showed some improvement. Children who took the antidepressant fluvoxamine did not report benefit in another small study. But whether those results will hold up in studies with a more rigorous design is unknown. In addition, some children had unwanted side effects that ranged from mild to severe.12
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How Do Medications Help With Behavior Management
Medications can be helpful with certain characteristics of autistic children, such as aggressive behavior, anxiety, obsessive behavior, hyperactivity, seizures or sleep problems.
Although there are no medications to treat the core symptoms of autism, medication can be helpful with conditions that are associated with the disorder.
Here, it is important to decide whether medication is the right option for your child. This means talking to your childs healthcare provider about how the medication can be helpful or what their side effects are before making any decisions.
Risperidone is a medication used to reduce aggressive behaviors in autistic children. Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors can help reduce anxiety. SSRIs can also reduce childrens obsessive behaviors.
By reducing or alleviating certain behaviors, medications can help improve an autistic childs quality of life. For instance, around one-third of individuals with autism have seizures at some point in their lives. Some have a lot of them. Many children with autism can be diagnosed with epilepsy. And seizures can usually be treated with anti-epilepsy medication.
Hyperactive behavior is another condition that can be treated with medication. Stimulants like Ritalin and Concerta can be prescribed to reduce hyperactivity in some children with autism. This could help children to be able to concentrate on a task.
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What Are The Best Medications For Autism
There is no one medication that will reduce or cure every symptom of autism. Some children use medications to treat specific symptoms. Symptoms commonly treated with medication include mood disorders and anxiety, aggression, and self-injurious behaviors. Seizures and gastrointestinal distress are also treatable with medication. Medications may also be available off-label. This means that the drug was not developed for autism, but enough research indicates it is appropriate in treating children with autism.
Your childs pediatrician might refer your child to a psychiatrist. Pediatric psychiatrists can prescribe antipsychotic drugs, stimulants, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or anti-anxiety drugs. A neurologist can prescribe anticonvulsants and a gastroenterologist can prescribe gastrointestinal agents.The Food and Drug Administration regulates medications in the United States. It has approved two antipsychotic medications for children with autism. The generic versions are risperidone and aripiprazole. Your childs psychiatrist can help you determine if either one is a good fit for your child. These antipsychotics work by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain. Dopamine receptors affect movement, cognition, and mood. Risperidone may affect other chemical pathways in the brain, such as serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is abnormal in some individuals with ASD . Risperidone is for use in 5-16 year-olds with autism who have high levels of irritability.
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What Happens If Adhd Is Left Untreated
For adults, untreated ADHD also affects job performance and lifetime earnings, marital satisfaction, and likelihood of divorce. Thats because untreated kids sometimes dont learn impulse control, emotional regulation, and social skills. As adults, they can sometimes fall behind the curve and dont always catch up.
What Are The Medication Options For Autism
There are several medication options for autism depending on the condition to be treated. Here are some of them:
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Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors : These are antidepressants to treat some problems resulting from imbalances in the chemical systems. They can be used to reduce the frequency and intensity of repetitive behaviors, and decrease tantrums and anxiety.
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Stimulants: These help increase focus and decrease hyperactivity, and are helpful for those with mild ASD symptoms.
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Anti-anxiety medications: This group of medications help reduce anxiety and panic disorders that are commonly associated with ASD.
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Psychoactive or antipsychotic medications: These are used to decrease hyperactivity and minimize withdrawal and aggression for people with autism. They affect the brain directly. The antipsychotic drug risperidone is approved for reducing irritability for children with autism aged 5 to 16.
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Anticonvulsants: These medications are used to treat seizures and seizure disorders like epilepsy.
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Tricyclics: These medications are another type of antidepressants. They are used to treat depression and obsessive behaviors. Compared to SSRIs, they seem to cause more minor side effects and are sometimes more effective in treating certain people with certain symptoms.
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According To Gargiulo Autism Spectrum Disorder Is A Neurodevelopmental Disorder That Affects Ones Ability On Their Social Interaction Skills
There is no clear data on why autism occurs. Learn more about autism here. What are some common signs of asd? While its unclear why this occurs, there does seem to be a statistically higher prevalence in boys. Autism is americas fastest growing developmental disability.
While some people with autism can live independently, others have severe. Being autistic does not mean you have an illness or disease. Autism is considered a handicap in this reality. Learn about the causes, symptoms, treatment, and diagnosis of autism. Children on the autism spectrum are uncomfortable with unfamiliar environments, and many families avoid hotels, or may not go on vacation at all.
Get tips on improving communication and behavior in. Doctors often mistake one condition for the other or diagnose. Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental condition that affects a persons speech and nonverbal communication, social interaction, and causes restricted/repetitive behaviors. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect a persons feelings, behavior, and social interaction. Autism is considered a handicap in this reality.
Autism spectrum disorder, more commonly referred to as simply autism, is a genetic disorder affecting more and more people every year.
They have trouble understanding what other people think and feel.
It can be both mentally and physically restrictive and is considered the fastest growing mental disability in the world, with now more than 1 in every 110.
Focusing On Early Diagnosis
Now, researchers have turned much of their attention to identifying autism in children as early as possible in hopes of intervening sooner with therapies to try to alter the developmental trajectory of their young brains. While skilled practitioners can diagnose autism in toddlers at 18 to 24 months of age with some research indicating there are detectable signs in babies as young as 6 months most kids arent diagnosed until age 4.
Katarzyna Chawarska, a professor of child psychiatry who leads Yale Universitys Autism Center of Excellence in New Haven, Connecticut, is studying signs of autism in babies. The reason why we are focusing so much on early diagnosis is that it is our hope that by intervening early, we can capitalize on still tremendous brain plasticity that is present in the first, second, third year of life, she said.
The goal, Chawarska said, is to help alleviate the symptoms and make sure that every child with autism reaches their full potential.
If youre trying to get rid of autism, youre trying to get rid of us.
Doctors, for instance, would like to minimize any intellectual disabilities and help patients communicate better and improve socials skills. They also want to quickly identify and address any medical conditions that often accompany autism, such as seizures, gastrointestinal problems, sleep disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and anxiety.
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Behavior And Communication Approaches
According to reports by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Research Council, behavior and communication approaches that help children with ASD are those that provide structure, direction, and organization for the child in addition to family participation .
Applied Behavior Analysis A notable treatment approach for people with ASD is called applied behavior analysis . ABA has become widely accepted among healthcare professionals and used in many schools and treatment clinics. ABA encourages positive behaviors and discourages negative behaviors to improve a variety of skills. The childs progress is tracked and measured.
There are different types of ABA. Here are some examples:
- Discrete Trial Training DTT is a style of teaching that uses a series of trials to teach each step of a desired behavior or response. Lessons are broken down into their simplest parts, and positive reinforcement is used to reward correct answers and behaviors. Incorrect answers are ignored.
- Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention This is a type of ABA for very young children with ASD, usually younger than 5 and often younger than 3. EIBI uses a highly structured teaching approach to build positive behaviors and reduce unwanted behaviors . EIBI takes place in a one-on-one adult-to-child environment under the supervision of a trained professional.
- Early Start Denver Model
There are other therapies that can be part of a complete treatment program for a child with ASD: