Autism and Communication (cont.)
How are the speech and language problems of autism treated?
If autism or some
other developmental disability is suspected, the child's physician will usually
refer the child to a variety of specialists, including a speech-language
pathologist, who performs a comprehensive evaluation of his or her ability to
communicate and designs and administers treatment.
No one treatment method has been found to successfully improve communication
in all individuals who have autism. The best treatment begins early, during the
preschool years, is individually tailored, targets both behavior and
communication, and involves parents or primary caregivers. The goal of therapy
should be to improve useful communication. For some, verbal communication is a
realistic goal. For others, the goal may be gestured communication. Still others
may have the goal of communicating by means of a symbol system such as picture
boards. Treatment should include periodic in-depth evaluations provided by an
individual with special training in the evaluation and treatment of speech and
language disorders, such as a speech-language pathologist. Occupational and
physical therapists may also work with the individual to reduce unwanted
behaviors that may interfere with the development of communication skills.
Some individuals respond well to highly structured behavior modification
programs; others respond better to in-home therapy that uses real situations as
the basis for training. Other approaches such as music therapy and sensory
integration therapy, which strives to improve the child's ability to respond to
information from the senses, appear to have helped some autistic children,
although research on the efficacy of these approaches is largely lacking.
Medications may improve an individual's attention span or reduce unwanted
behaviors such as hand-flapping, but long-term use of these kinds of medications
is often difficult or undesirable because of their side effects. No medications
have been found to specifically help communication in autistic individuals.
Mineral and vitamin supplements, special diets, and psychotherapy have also been
used, but research has not documented their effectiveness.
Next: What research is being conducted to improve the communication of individuals
with autism? »
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