Autism Cure: 4 Effective Therapies and Ways To Support Children With Autism

Autism overview

Autism is a broad range of conditions that are characterized by challenges with:

• Repetitive and restricted behaviors
• Social skills
• Nonverbal and verbal communication
• Maladaptive behaviors

There are many subtypes of autism that are influenced by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Since it is a spectrum disorder, each child has their own distinct set of strengths and challenges. 

The way children with autism learn, problem-solve, and think can range from severely challenged to highly skilled. Some children may require significant support in their daily lives, while others may only need partial support, or can even live independently.

In addition, several factors influence the development of autism. Autism may be accompanied by medical challenges like gastrointestinal disorders, seizures or sleep disorders, mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, or other sensory sensitivities.

Signs of autism are usually visible by the age of 2 or 3. Some associated development delays appear as  early as 6 months and should be diagnosed as soon as possible.

Effects of autism on social skills

One of the most common signs of autism is issues with social skills — a child with autism often finds it difficult to interact with others. Additionally, if a child is on the spectrum, he or she might show one or more of the following social symptoms:

• Not responding when their name is called
• Not showing interest in talking, playing, or sharing with others
• Preferring to be alone
• Avoiding or rejecting physical contact
• Avoiding eye contact
• Not liking to be comforted when upset
• Not understanding emotions
• Not stretching out arms to be picked up or guided

Effects of autism on communication

A child with autism also finds it difficult to communicate their needs to others. While some children have trouble speaking, others may not talk at all, and some may even lose language skills despite having developed them earlier. Here are some of the communication challenges that they may face:

• Delayed language skills and speech
• Singsong, robotic, or flat voice
• Repetition of the same phrase again and again (echolalia)
• Challenges with pronouns
• Not using common gestures or responding to them
• Inability to focus on the topic when talking
• Not recognizing jokes or sarcasm
• Trouble expressing emotions and needs
• Not getting signals from expressions, tone of voice, or body language

Therapies for autism

1. Communication and behavioral therapies

Many therapies such as ABA therapy address a range of behavioral, social, and communication challenges associated with autism. Some activities focus on teaching new skills and reducing challenging behaviors while others teach children to act in social situations and communicate better with others.

2. Educational therapies

Children with autism often respond well to educational programs that are highly structured. Successful programs include a wide variety of activities related to communication, behavior, and social skills and a team of specialists. Studies show that preschool children receiving individualized, intensive behavioral interventions display the best progress later in life.

3. Family therapies

Family members are included in this therapy where they learn how to interact and play with their children in ways that manage social behaviors, promote communication skills, and teach daily living skills.

4. Other therapies

Other therapies such as occupational therapy can teach daily activities, speech therapy can teach communication skills, physical therapy can teach body movements, etc.

Ways to support children with autism

In addition to seeking professional support, children with autism can be supported in many ways at home. 

1. Help children feel safe and loved

This is the most important support that can be provided to a child with autism — the more comfortable the child is, the more interactive the child becomes.

2. Consider the environment

Keeping the environment engaging and familiar can work wonders for a child with autism. In addition, having a daily routine planned can minimize unnecessary distractions.

3. Have timetables

Being prepared for new situations will bring the child comfort, allowing them to have a smoother transition into new routines and situations.

4. Slow down

Communicating information to your child in the simplest way possible will give your child more chances to comprehend and be responsive.

Final thoughts

Though autism has its challenges, there are several therapies and treatments available, such as ABA therapy, that can help your child cultivate the skills necessary to navigate their daily lives with ease and confidence.

‍Songbird Therapy is a technology-enabled provider setting a higher standard for children’s autism care. With a deeply passionate team and innovative technology, we’re building a world where every child can access world-class care at home, uniquely tailored to them.