Is there a Cure for Autism?
Our understanding of autism has grown
tremendously
since it was first described in
1943. Some of the earlier searches for 'cures' now seem unrealistic in terms of today's
understanding of brain-based disorders.To cure means "to restore to health, soundness,
or normality." In the medical sense, there is no cure for the differences in the
brain which
result in autism.
However, we're finding better ways to understand
the disorder and help people cope with
the various symptoms of the disability. Some of these symptoms may lessen as the
child
ages; others may disappear altogether. With appropriate intervention, many of the
autism
behaviors can be positively changed, even to the point that the child or adult may
appear
will, to the untrained person to no longer have autism.
The majority of children and
adults however, continue to exhibit some symptoms of autism to some degree throughout
their entire lives.
What are the Most Effective Approaches to Autism?
Because of the spectrum nature of autism and the
many behavior combinations which
can occur, no one approach is effective in alleviating symptoms of autism in all
cases.
Various types of therapies are available, including behavior modification, speech
and
language therapy, sensory integration, vision therapy, music therapy, auditory training,
medications and dietary interventions, among others.
Experience has shown that individuals with autism
respond well to a highly structured,
specialized education and behavior modification program, tailored to the individual
needs of the person. A well designed intervention approach will include some level
of
communication therapy, social skill development, sensory impairment therapy and
behavior modification at a minimum, delivered by autism trained professionals in
a
consistent, comprehensive and coordinated manner. The more severe challenges of
some children with autism may be best addressed by a structured education
and
behavior program which contains a 1: 1 teacher to student ratio or small
group
environment.
Students with autism should have training in vocational
skills and community living skills
at the earliest possible age. Learning to cross a street safely, to make a simple
purchase
or to ask assistance when needed are critical skills, and may be difficult,
even
for those
with average intelligence levels. Tasks that enhance the persons
independence, give
more opportunity for personal choice or allow more freedom in
the community are
important.
To be effective, any approach should be flexible
in nature, rely on positive reinforcement,
be re-evaluated on a regular basis and provide a smooth transition from home to
school
to community environments. A good program will also incorporate training and
support
systems for the caregivers as well. Rarely can a family,
classroom teacher or other
caregiver provide effective habilitation for a person with
autism unless offered
consultation or in-service training by a specialist knowledgeable about the disability
A generation ago, 90% of the people with autism
were eventually placed in institutions.
Today, as a result of appropriate and individualized services and programs,
even the
more severely disabled can be taught skills to allow them to develop
to their fullest
potential.
From the Autism Society of America's web
page [http://www.autism-society.org/]
entitled
'What is Autism?" developed and maintained on behalf of the ASA by Catriona
Johnson & Ben Dorman.
Autism Society of America, 7910 Woodmont Ave, Suite 650,
Bethesda, MD 20814-3015
tel: 1-800-3AUTISM (301) 657-0881; fax: (301) 657-0869.
[Disclaimer] [Home] [Search]
[Directions
& Maps] [Newsletter
Archives]
[Contact Page] [Group Information] [Our Brochure]
[Links Index] [Newsletter] [The Welcome Packet]
[Therapies Index
] [Stories Index]