Structured Programs for Autism Therapy

Abstract

Autism is a highly variable neurodevelopmental disorder , that first appears during infancy or childhood, and generally follows a steady course without remission. Autism is estimated to affect 21.7 million people as of 2013. As of 2010, the number of people affected is estimated at about 1–2 per 1,000 worldwide. It occurs four to five times more often in boys than girls. Many causes of autism have been proposed, but understanding of the theory of causation of autism and the other autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is incomplete. The heritability of autism, however, is complex, and it is typically unclear which genes are responsible. In rare cases, autism is strongly associated with agents that cause birth defects. Many other causes have been proposed, such as childhood immunizations, but numerous epidemiological studies have shown no scientific evidence supporting any link between vaccinations and autism. The diagnosis of autism should include the use of a diagnostic instrument with at least moderate sensitivity and good specificity for autism. Recommended instruments include: I. Diagnostic parental interviews II. Medical and neurologic evaluation. III. Speech, language, and communication evaluation. IV. Cognitive and adaptive behavior evaluations. V. Neuropsychological, behavioral, and academic assessments. VI. Diagnostic observation instruments. Effective intervention and treatment is based on an accurate assessment of the presenting problem. Autism therapies attempt to lessen the deficits and abnormal behaviors associated with autism and other autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and to increase the quality of life and functional independence of autistic individuals, especially children  Educational interventions 1. Applied behavior analysis 2. Communication interventions A. SCERTS B. Computer-assisted therapy for reasoning about communicative actions 3. Relationship based, developmental models A. Relationship Development Intervention B. Floortime/DIR C. The P.L.A.Y. Project (or PLAY Project) D. Son-Rise 4. TEACCH 5. Sensory integration 6. Animal-assisted therapy  Environmental enrichment 1. Massage therapy 2. Music  Parent