Treatments & interventions
While a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can present significant challenges and concerns, people living with ASD and those who work with them should be encouraged to know that many effective treatments and interventions are available to help people with ASD reach their full potential. The key to improving both short- and long-term outcomes for individuals on the spectrum is intervention, and the earlier the intervention begins the better.
Examples of effective ASD interventions and treatments include applied behavior analysis therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and social skills therapy. These practices, combined with the support and care from family members and qualified professionals, can be successful in teaching new skills and modifying behaviors associated with the disorder.
The following resources provide comprehensive information on the most common interventions and treatments for ASD:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- National Institute of Mental Health
- Interactive Autism Network
- Autism Society of America
- Autism Internet Modules
- About.com
Updated: April 18, 2013