Alternative autism treatments

There is still much work to be done toward the improvement of treatments for autism. New theories are introduced frequently and it’s tempting for parents to try anything with even a remote chance of helping their children. Certainly, since there is still so little known about autism, there’s nothing wrong with trying some alternative treatments as long as they pose no threat of harm to the child.

Parents should carefully consider introducing new treatment methods and should speak to their child’s physician before doing so. Many treatments for autism are complementary to one another and can be used in conjunction. However, it’s a good idea to make certain that everyone who takes care of the child, or is involved in his or her treatment, is aware of all treatment methods being utilized.

Even though you know as a parent that autism isn’t curable, many keep hoping for a miracle or a happy ending. Many take advantage of this fact.

Over the years many alternative treatments for ASDs have been introduced. It has become big business if you view the money that sometimes is involved. They are considered alternative because no scientific proof exists (this is very expensive and time consuming research) that they are effective. This does not necessarily mean, however, that they do not work.
Alternative autism treatments
Parents should review any available information about alternative treatments and speak with other parents who have tried the method with their own autistic child. There are many autism support groups and discussion boards available on the Internet that provide parents from all over the world the opportunity to ask questions and gather information from others who have tried some of these methods.

1. Facilitated Communication
2. Holding Therapy
3. Auditory Integration Therapy
4. Dolman/Delacato Method
5. Snoezelen

The chance of best results is increased when:
- the treatment is based on extensive research of the child’s needs, handicap and strengths, and adapts itself to these; this is called an individual approach
- the treatment actively asks involvement of the parents when goals are set and when goals are evaluated
- the treatment doesn’t try to minimize the autism but is primarily focused on learning new skills
- the treatment is imbedded in a climate of full predictability and clarity for the child

  1. Facilitated communication
    Facilitated communication (FC) is a method intended to help people with severe neurological impairment to use communication aids with their hands.
  2. Holding Therapy
    Holding Therapy stems from the idea that a primary problem in children with ASD is the lack of a bond between parent and child.
  3. Auditory integration therapy
    Auditory Integration Therapy takes place over 20 30-minute sessions. Before these sessions begin, the child’s hearing is evaluated to determine which frequencies cause “auditory peaks,” which denote sounds that the child is overly sensitive to.
  4. Dolman/Delacato method
    The Dolman/Delacato Method is also known as patterning. Advocates of this method view autism as being the result of a brain injury.
  5. Snoezelen
    Snoezelen, or controlled multisensory stimulation, is used for people with (severe) mental disabilities, and involves exposing them to a soothing and stimulating environment, the “snoezelen room.”

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