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Treatments for Autism - - Treatments and Therapies for Autism Spectrum Disorders

By Lisa Jo Rudy, About.com

Updated: March 8, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Steven Gans, MD

Autism Treatment Basics: The Least You Need to Know About Autism Treatments

It's easy to dive into research and come up gasping for air. There are literally hundreds of autism treatments available, and precious little research about which are legitimate, useful, or appropriate for your child or family. But there are some tried-and-true options that can get you started on a positive path. Here's the least you need to know to begin your journey.

Autism and Early Intervention - Autism Treatment for Young Children

If you have a child under the age of five or six (depending upon your state) who has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, he or she is eligible for early intervention services (EI). These are free in-home and/or preschool-based programs that include a variety of behavioral, social, and skill-building treatments. If your child is older than five or six, similar treatments will be offered through your school district and other agencies.

Digging Deeper Into Autism Treatment Options: Researching Treatments for Autism

Once you've set up a basic treatment program for a child with autism, you'll probably want to dig deeper. That's because schools and early intervention programs are very clear that, while they must provide services, they're not required to offer the BEST services. As a parent, it's up to you to figure out what the "best" services are - and how to provide them to your child.

Treating Teens and Adults with Autism

While common knowledge suggests that autism is a young child's disorder - and that only young children can be successfully treatment for autism - the truth is quite different. People don't grow out of autism, and in recent years many adults and teens have been diagnosed with high-functioning autism and Asperger Syndrome. Adults and teens CAN be treated for autism, and many do quite well.

Treating the Caregiver: Managing Life While Caring for a Person with Autism

If you're caring for a child, teen or adult with autism, you have needs too. Fortunately, there's help available.

Explore Autism

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