Because of the nature of autism and the many combinations symptoms that may be present, there is no known single approach that has been shown to take away all symptoms of autism. Various types of therapies are available, including behavior training, speech/language therapy, sensory integration training, vision therapy, music therapy, auditory training, medications and dietary interventions.

Studies and personal accounts have shown that individuals with autism respond well to a highly structured, specialized education and behavior training program that is tailored to the individual needs of the person. A comprehensive approach should explore the Childs’ needs in communication, social skills development, sensory and behaviors. All programs should be explored thoroughly to assess cost, effectiveness, outcomes, and safety of your child. The most effective programs are the ones that can be worked into your families’ routine and delivered in a consistent and coordinated manner.

It is important to develop “life skills” for children with autism. Tasks that enhance independence, give more opportunity for personal choice and allow more freedom in the community are especially valuable. Learning to cross streets safely, ask for assistance, knowing contact names and phones numbers, along with other critical skills should be taught at the earliest age possible. 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. Rarely can a family, 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.
No single treatment approach can take away all the traits of autism for everyone, but many behaviors can be positively changed with appropriate intervention. Sometimes the resulting changes are so significant the person appears to no longer have autism. However, the majority of children and adults will continue to show some characteristics of the disorder to some degree throughout their lives.

Principles for Evaluating Treatment of Autism

	Approach any new treatment with hopeful skepticism.
	Remember that the goal of any treatment should be to help the person with autism become a fully functioning member of society.
	Beware of any program or technique that is touted as effective or desirable for every person with autism.
	Beware of any program that thwarts individualization and potentially results in harmful program decisions.
	Be aware that any treatment represents one of several options for a person with autism.
	Be aware that treatment should always depend on individual assessment information that points to it as an appropriate choice for a particular child.
	Be aware that no new treatment should be implemented until its proponents can specify assessment procedures necessary to determine whether it will be appropriate for an individual with autism.
	Be aware that debate over use of various techniques are often reduced to superficial arguments over who is right, moral and ethical and who is a true advocate for the children. This can lead to results that are directly opposite to those intended.
	Be aware that new treatments often have not been validated scientifically.

Questions to Ask Regarding Specific Treatments

	Will the treatment result in harm to the child?
	How will failure of the treatment affect my child and family?
	Has the treatment been validated scientifically?
	Do specified assessment procedures exist?
	How will the treatment be integrated into the child's current program?
	Be aware that treatment should always depend on individual assessment information that points to it as an appropriate choice for a particular child.

Avoid becoming so infatuated with a given treatment that functional curriculum, vocational life and social skills are ignored.

Principles for Evaluating Autism Treatments
Author: Adapted from guidelines created by Dr. B. J. Freeman
Publication: “Options to Meet the Challenges of Autism,” Autism Society of America