Getting Support for Autism

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypes of TherapyMedicationCAM and OTCHow to Make Your Treatment Most EffectiveNext in Autism GuideLiving With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Types of Therapy

Medication

CAM and OTC

How to Make Your Treatment Most Effective

Next in Autism Guide

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)is a neurodevelopmental diagnosis in theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM-5-TR). Traditionally, it has been seen as an illness that needs to be cured, but voices in the autistic community have called for ashift in this languagewith an emphasis on providing appropriate support rather than seeing autism as something that needs to be “cured” or “fixed.“Autistic people do not look one way, and even though there are specific traits associated with autism, these traits will manifest differently for each individual.If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.—STEPHEN SHORE, ED.D, AUTISM TODAY FOUNDATIONMany autistic people havecomorbid diagnosesthat require medical or psychiatric treatment, including seizure disorders, mental health diagnoses, and other medical conditions.Additionally, autistic people are at higher risk than the rest of the population for abuse, trauma, and high stress due to existing in a world with neurotypical expectations.Treatment and support exist to help with these issues.Autism, like other forms of neurodivergence, is not a disease that requires a cure. Autistic people may require various levels of support and may have other diagnoses that require treatment.Many autistic people havecomorbid diagnosesthat require medical or psychiatric treatment, including seizure disorders, mental health diagnoses, and other medical conditions.Additionally, autistic people are at higher risk than the rest of the population for abuse, trauma, and high stress due to existing in a world with neurotypical expectations.Treatment and support exist to help with these issues.Introducing: Neurodivergence at WorkTypes of TherapyAutistic people may benefit from psychotherapy services for trauma or comorbid mental health conditions. Individual needs vary, and many traditional therapies have a history of trying to “cure” autism or force autistic clients tomask their symptoms, so it is important to find providers who listen to the community and practice neurodiversity-affirming care.Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)Applied behavioral analysis (ABA)has previously been considered a “gold standard” in “treating” autism, but many autistic people have reported that their experience with this treatment is traumatic or abusive.Often, ABA includes treatment goals that prioritize masking autistic traits rather than supporting the autistic client, which can be stressful and lead to autistic burnout.Speech TherapyMany autistic people struggle with verbal communication. They might either communicate selectively or be completelynonspeaking. Speech therapy with a certified speech-language pathologist can help in developing effective communication skills, which can help the autistic person get their needs met. The speech-language pathologist may help them develop communication that works for them, even if it’s not necessarily verbal communication.Assistive TechnologyAssistive technology uses devices such as electronic tablets to help autistic people communicate without using verbal language. One of the most popular programs is the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), which uses symbols and pictures to teach communication skills.Physical TherapyPhysical therapy focuses on the motor skills of an autistic person. Physical therapy helps to improve skills such as coordination and balance and even walking and sitting comfortably.Occupational TherapyOccupational therapyfocuses on teaching autistic people to live as independently as they can, and it can help those who struggle withsensory overstimulation.Occupational therapy aims to arm an autistic person with the skills to live a relatively normal life with minimal disruptions to their daily functioning.MedicationWhile there are not medications specifically for autism, many autistic people have comorbid difficulties that may benefit from medication. If an autistic person has anxiety, struggles with emotion regulation, or engages in self-harm behavior, they may choose to pursue medication intervention for their symptoms.It is important to consider the autistic person’s needs and preferences when considering any intervention. Some medications can help self-regulation and prevent unsafe behavior. The goal of a medication regimen should be to bring out the best version of the medicated person rather than to medicate them into submission.RisperidoneRisperidoneis FDA-approved to alleviate violent temper tantrums and aggressive and self-harm behaviors. In a 2005 study on the effects of Risperidone on autistic children, researchers found that Risperidone was effective in reducing disruptive behaviors in half of the children in the study.AripripazoleAripiprazoleis primarily used to treatirritabilityand can help autistic people who struggle with this. In a 2010 study on the effectiveness of Aripiprazole in treating irritability in autistic children and teenagers, researchers found the medication to be effective, particularly with symptoms associated with sensory meltdowns.Antidepressant MedicationsAntidepressants, such as Prozac and Zoloft, can help treat mood issues such as depression or anxiety. An autistic person who struggles with these symptoms may talk to their prescriber about antidepressant medication for these symptoms.Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) & Over-the-Counter (OTC)Some research has been done into alternative treatment options outside of psychotherapy and medications to support autistic individuals. However, presently, there is no research to show that any of these treatments are effective, and, in some instances, they may even be considered harmful. These options should be considered with caution.Chelation TherapyThis therapy aims to remove heavy metals from the body, which some theorized would reduce autistic behaviors. This approach promotes the false idea that autistic people need to be “cured.” In addition, a 2015 review of studies on the effectiveness of chelation therapy found a risk of renal impairment, hypocalcemia, and even death.Dietary TreatmentSome researchers believe that making dietary changes could help with physical comorbidities for autism, such as gastrointestinal distress. It has also been suggested that dietary changes can alleviate sensory issues and decrease meltdowns.Some parents reported noticing positive changes when they changed their children’s diets. However, a 2017 review of 19 studies on the effectiveness of dietary treatments for autistic children found very little evidence to support this claim.That being said, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is important for the general well-being of any person.How to Make Your Treatment Most EffectiveAlthough autism does not need to be “fixed,” many autistic people experience functional and psychological difficulties and deserve appropriate support. It is important to find the right treatment options and support that help the individual live their best life.What’s It Like to be Diagnosed With Autism as an Adult? New Research Takes a Closer Look

Autistic people do not look one way, and even though there are specific traits associated with autism, these traits will manifest differently for each individual.

If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.—STEPHEN SHORE, ED.D, AUTISM TODAY FOUNDATION

If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.

—STEPHEN SHORE, ED.D, AUTISM TODAY FOUNDATION

Many autistic people havecomorbid diagnosesthat require medical or psychiatric treatment, including seizure disorders, mental health diagnoses, and other medical conditions.Additionally, autistic people are at higher risk than the rest of the population for abuse, trauma, and high stress due to existing in a world with neurotypical expectations.Treatment and support exist to help with these issues.

Autism, like other forms of neurodivergence, is not a disease that requires a cure. Autistic people may require various levels of support and may have other diagnoses that require treatment.

Introducing: Neurodivergence at Work

Autistic people may benefit from psychotherapy services for trauma or comorbid mental health conditions. Individual needs vary, and many traditional therapies have a history of trying to “cure” autism or force autistic clients tomask their symptoms, so it is important to find providers who listen to the community and practice neurodiversity-affirming care.

Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)

Applied behavioral analysis (ABA)has previously been considered a “gold standard” in “treating” autism, but many autistic people have reported that their experience with this treatment is traumatic or abusive.Often, ABA includes treatment goals that prioritize masking autistic traits rather than supporting the autistic client, which can be stressful and lead to autistic burnout.

Speech Therapy

Many autistic people struggle with verbal communication. They might either communicate selectively or be completelynonspeaking. Speech therapy with a certified speech-language pathologist can help in developing effective communication skills, which can help the autistic person get their needs met. The speech-language pathologist may help them develop communication that works for them, even if it’s not necessarily verbal communication.

Assistive Technology

Assistive technology uses devices such as electronic tablets to help autistic people communicate without using verbal language. One of the most popular programs is the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), which uses symbols and pictures to teach communication skills.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy focuses on the motor skills of an autistic person. Physical therapy helps to improve skills such as coordination and balance and even walking and sitting comfortably.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapyfocuses on teaching autistic people to live as independently as they can, and it can help those who struggle withsensory overstimulation.

Occupational therapy aims to arm an autistic person with the skills to live a relatively normal life with minimal disruptions to their daily functioning.

While there are not medications specifically for autism, many autistic people have comorbid difficulties that may benefit from medication. If an autistic person has anxiety, struggles with emotion regulation, or engages in self-harm behavior, they may choose to pursue medication intervention for their symptoms.

It is important to consider the autistic person’s needs and preferences when considering any intervention. Some medications can help self-regulation and prevent unsafe behavior. The goal of a medication regimen should be to bring out the best version of the medicated person rather than to medicate them into submission.

Risperidone

Risperidoneis FDA-approved to alleviate violent temper tantrums and aggressive and self-harm behaviors. In a 2005 study on the effects of Risperidone on autistic children, researchers found that Risperidone was effective in reducing disruptive behaviors in half of the children in the study.

Aripripazole

Aripiprazoleis primarily used to treatirritabilityand can help autistic people who struggle with this. In a 2010 study on the effectiveness of Aripiprazole in treating irritability in autistic children and teenagers, researchers found the medication to be effective, particularly with symptoms associated with sensory meltdowns.

Antidepressant Medications

Antidepressants, such as Prozac and Zoloft, can help treat mood issues such as depression or anxiety. An autistic person who struggles with these symptoms may talk to their prescriber about antidepressant medication for these symptoms.

Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) & Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Some research has been done into alternative treatment options outside of psychotherapy and medications to support autistic individuals. However, presently, there is no research to show that any of these treatments are effective, and, in some instances, they may even be considered harmful. These options should be considered with caution.

Chelation Therapy

This therapy aims to remove heavy metals from the body, which some theorized would reduce autistic behaviors. This approach promotes the false idea that autistic people need to be “cured.” In addition, a 2015 review of studies on the effectiveness of chelation therapy found a risk of renal impairment, hypocalcemia, and even death.

Dietary Treatment

Some researchers believe that making dietary changes could help with physical comorbidities for autism, such as gastrointestinal distress. It has also been suggested that dietary changes can alleviate sensory issues and decrease meltdowns.

Some parents reported noticing positive changes when they changed their children’s diets. However, a 2017 review of 19 studies on the effectiveness of dietary treatments for autistic children found very little evidence to support this claim.

That being said, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is important for the general well-being of any person.

Although autism does not need to be “fixed,” many autistic people experience functional and psychological difficulties and deserve appropriate support. It is important to find the right treatment options and support that help the individual live their best life.

What’s It Like to be Diagnosed With Autism as an Adult? New Research Takes a Closer Look

9 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Autistic Not Weird.Results and analysis of the Autistic Not Weird 2022 Autism Survey.Flannery KA, Wisner-Carlson R.Autism and education.Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2020;29(2):319-343. doi:10.1016/j.chc.2019.12.005Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.Autism’s clinical components: Frequent comorbidities with ASD.Haruvi-Lamdan N, Horesh D, Golan O.PTSD and autism spectrum disorder: Co-morbidity, gaps in research, and potential shared mechanisms.Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy. 2018;10(3):290-299. doi:10.1037/tra0000298Kirkham P.‘The line between intervention and abuse’ – autism and applied behaviour analysis.History of the Human Sciences.2017;30(2):107-126. doi:10.1177/0952695117702571Troost PW, Lahuis BE, Steenhuis M-P, et al.Long-term effects of risperidone in children with autism spectrum disorders: A placebo discontinuation study.Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. 2005;44(11):1137-1144. doi:10.1097/01.chi.0000177055.11229.76Aman MG, Kasper W, Manos G, et al.Line-item analysis of the aberrant behavior checklist: Results from two studies of aripiprazole in the treatment of irritability associated with autistic disorder.Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology. 2010;20(5):415-422. doi:10.1089/cap.2009.0120James S, Williams K, Silove N, Stevenson SW.Chelation for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In: The Cochrane Collaboration, ed.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd; 2013. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd010766Sathe N, Andrews JC, McPheeters ML, Warren ZE.Nutritional and dietary interventions for autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review.Pediatrics. 2017;139(6). doi:10.1542/peds.2017-0346

9 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Autistic Not Weird.Results and analysis of the Autistic Not Weird 2022 Autism Survey.Flannery KA, Wisner-Carlson R.Autism and education.Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2020;29(2):319-343. doi:10.1016/j.chc.2019.12.005Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.Autism’s clinical components: Frequent comorbidities with ASD.Haruvi-Lamdan N, Horesh D, Golan O.PTSD and autism spectrum disorder: Co-morbidity, gaps in research, and potential shared mechanisms.Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy. 2018;10(3):290-299. doi:10.1037/tra0000298Kirkham P.‘The line between intervention and abuse’ – autism and applied behaviour analysis.History of the Human Sciences.2017;30(2):107-126. doi:10.1177/0952695117702571Troost PW, Lahuis BE, Steenhuis M-P, et al.Long-term effects of risperidone in children with autism spectrum disorders: A placebo discontinuation study.Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. 2005;44(11):1137-1144. doi:10.1097/01.chi.0000177055.11229.76Aman MG, Kasper W, Manos G, et al.Line-item analysis of the aberrant behavior checklist: Results from two studies of aripiprazole in the treatment of irritability associated with autistic disorder.Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology. 2010;20(5):415-422. doi:10.1089/cap.2009.0120James S, Williams K, Silove N, Stevenson SW.Chelation for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In: The Cochrane Collaboration, ed.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd; 2013. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd010766Sathe N, Andrews JC, McPheeters ML, Warren ZE.Nutritional and dietary interventions for autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review.Pediatrics. 2017;139(6). doi:10.1542/peds.2017-0346

Autistic Not Weird.Results and analysis of the Autistic Not Weird 2022 Autism Survey.Flannery KA, Wisner-Carlson R.Autism and education.Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2020;29(2):319-343. doi:10.1016/j.chc.2019.12.005Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.Autism’s clinical components: Frequent comorbidities with ASD.Haruvi-Lamdan N, Horesh D, Golan O.PTSD and autism spectrum disorder: Co-morbidity, gaps in research, and potential shared mechanisms.Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy. 2018;10(3):290-299. doi:10.1037/tra0000298Kirkham P.‘The line between intervention and abuse’ – autism and applied behaviour analysis.History of the Human Sciences.2017;30(2):107-126. doi:10.1177/0952695117702571Troost PW, Lahuis BE, Steenhuis M-P, et al.Long-term effects of risperidone in children with autism spectrum disorders: A placebo discontinuation study.Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. 2005;44(11):1137-1144. doi:10.1097/01.chi.0000177055.11229.76Aman MG, Kasper W, Manos G, et al.Line-item analysis of the aberrant behavior checklist: Results from two studies of aripiprazole in the treatment of irritability associated with autistic disorder.Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology. 2010;20(5):415-422. doi:10.1089/cap.2009.0120James S, Williams K, Silove N, Stevenson SW.Chelation for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In: The Cochrane Collaboration, ed.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd; 2013. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd010766Sathe N, Andrews JC, McPheeters ML, Warren ZE.Nutritional and dietary interventions for autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review.Pediatrics. 2017;139(6). doi:10.1542/peds.2017-0346

Autistic Not Weird.Results and analysis of the Autistic Not Weird 2022 Autism Survey.

Flannery KA, Wisner-Carlson R.Autism and education.Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2020;29(2):319-343. doi:10.1016/j.chc.2019.12.005

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.Autism’s clinical components: Frequent comorbidities with ASD.

Haruvi-Lamdan N, Horesh D, Golan O.PTSD and autism spectrum disorder: Co-morbidity, gaps in research, and potential shared mechanisms.Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy. 2018;10(3):290-299. doi:10.1037/tra0000298

Kirkham P.‘The line between intervention and abuse’ – autism and applied behaviour analysis.History of the Human Sciences.2017;30(2):107-126. doi:10.1177/0952695117702571

Troost PW, Lahuis BE, Steenhuis M-P, et al.Long-term effects of risperidone in children with autism spectrum disorders: A placebo discontinuation study.Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. 2005;44(11):1137-1144. doi:10.1097/01.chi.0000177055.11229.76

Aman MG, Kasper W, Manos G, et al.Line-item analysis of the aberrant behavior checklist: Results from two studies of aripiprazole in the treatment of irritability associated with autistic disorder.Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology. 2010;20(5):415-422. doi:10.1089/cap.2009.0120

James S, Williams K, Silove N, Stevenson SW.Chelation for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In: The Cochrane Collaboration, ed.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd; 2013. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd010766

Sathe N, Andrews JC, McPheeters ML, Warren ZE.Nutritional and dietary interventions for autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review.Pediatrics. 2017;139(6). doi:10.1542/peds.2017-0346

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Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)#

Speech Therapy#

Assistive Technology#

Physical Therapy#

Occupational Therapy#

Risperidone#

Aripripazole#

Antidepressant Medications#

Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) & Over-the-Counter (OTC)#

Chelation Therapy#

Dietary Treatment#