ASD Treatment Guide
There is no one treatment that is the silver bullet. ASD individuals respond to many different treatments and it is largely up to the primary caregiver to determine which are the best match for the individual concerned. Below are the guidelines provided by Autism Society of America to aid in determining how and what to pursue.
- Will the treatment result in harm to the individual;
- How will the failure of the treatment affect my child and family;
- Has the treatment been scientifically validated;
- Are there assessment procedures specified;
- How will treatment be integrated with/into functional life, social and curriculum skills;
- Consider the asking the following questions;
- How successful has the program been for other children?
- How many children have gone on to placement in a regular school and how have they performed?
- Do staff members have training and experience in working with children and adolescents with autism?
- How are activities planned and organized?
- Are there predictable daily schedules and routines?
- How much individual attention will my child receive?
- How is progress measured? Will my child's behavior be closely observed and recorded?
- Will my child be given tasks and rewards that are personally motivating?
- Is the environment designed to minimize distractions?
- Will the program prepare me to continue the therapy at home?
- What is the cost, time commitment and location of the program?
Early intervention strategies used for children over 3 years of age have demonstrated measurable gains in IQ (SL Harris & JS Handleman, Rutgers 2000). Early intervention demonstrates successful long-term outcomes as well as reduced costs associated with life long care by 2/3.
Without Intervention
- 45% will require extensive government support, including institutionalization or other 24/7 "line of sight" care
- 45% will require some government support in the form of Medicaid, work programs and assisted living
- Only 10% will not require government support as adults
With Intervention (1:1 20 hrs/week proven program @ $20/hr; potential IQ increase of 20 points meaning less support required and readiness to learn achieved,)
- 10% will still require extensive government assistance as adults
- 55% will require only minimal government assistance at a lesser cost than adults without intervention
- 35% will not require government assistance as adults
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