Discovering that your child is Autistic can be an overwhelming experience. For some, the diagnosis may come as a complete surprise; others may have had suspicions and tried for months or years to get an accurate diagnosis. In either case, a diagnosis brings a multitude of questions about how to proceed. 

Take the time to educate yourself, check out our next steps page, and find community.

There is no cure for Autism it is a lifelong disorder that will affect an individual’s life for their entire life. There are treatment and education approaches that may reduce some of the challenges associated with Autism Intervention may help to lessen disruptive behaviors, and education can teach self-help skills that allow for greater independence. But just as there is no one symptom or behavior that identifies individuals with ASD, there is no single treatment that will be effective for all people on the spectrum. Individuals can learn to function within the confines of ASD and use the positive aspects of their condition to their benefit, but treatment must tailored to the child’s unique strengths, weaknesses and needs.

Throughout the history of the Autism Society, parents and professionals have been confounded by conflicting messages regarding what are and what are not appropriate treatment approaches for children and adults on the Autism spectrum. We are not able to endorse any one treatment or program as each individual responds to treatment differently (Options Policy.) Families should educate themselves about all available options and choose what they feel is in the best interest of their child and family.

The purpose of this section is to provide a general overview of a variety of available approaches, not specific treatment recommendations. Keep in mind that the word “treatment” is used in a very limited sense. 

A search for appropriate treatment must be paired with the knowledge that all treatment approaches are not equal; what works for one will not work for all, and other options do not have to be excluded. The basis for choosing any therapeutic options should be researched and decisions made by parents and their healthcare providers with the child’s strengths, challenges and best interest in mind. 

Pediatric therapy focuses on enhancing a child’s growth, learning, and participation through individualized support and intervention. 

Applied Behavioral Analysis, ABA, is a type of therapy focusing on the science of learning and behavior. Through ABA, individuals undergo a flexible treatment plan to reinforce positive behavior, increase functional skills, and reduce problematic behavior. The primary goal for ABA therapy is to help individuals gain meaningful skills in areas like communication, social interaction, and daily living, while focusing on promoting independence and enhancing quality of life.

You can learn more about ABA here.

Speech therapists can help a child acquire language and build social skills, as well as explore alternative forms of communication. 

A pediatrician is a specialized medical doctor who manages the physical, emotional, and social health of infants, children, teens, and young adults from birth up to age 21

Rehabilitation therapy helps individuals regain or improve skills needed for daily living after injury, illness, or developmental delays. Three primary types of rehabilitation therapy include occupational, physical and speech therapy. 

Occupational therapy focuses on enhancing a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks such as dressing, eating, or writing by improving fine motor skills, coordination, and independence.

Physical therapy focuses on restoring, maintaining, and improving overall physical function and movement. 

Speech therapy targets communication challenges, including speech clarity, language development, and social communication, as well as feeding and swallowing difficulties.

All three therapies are tailored to meet individual needs and are often used for children with developmental delays or adults recovering from stroke or injury. Together, they work to support overall functional ability and improve quality of life. 

Music and art therapy are expressive therapies commonly used to support individuals with autism in developing communication, emotional, and social skills.

Music therapy helps individuals with autism improve verbal and nonverbal communication, emotional expression, and attention through singing, rhythm, movement, or playing instruments.

Art therapy provides a visual outlet for self-expression, helping individuals process emotions, reduce anxiety, and improve fine motor coordination through creative activities like drawing or painting.

Together, they offer engaging, nonverbal opportunities to build confidence, emotional regulation, and to connect with others. 

Equine therapy, also known as equine-assisted therapy, is a therapeutic approach that involves interactions between individuals and horses to promote emotional, physical, and psychological growth. It is often used to support individuals with autism, anxiety, PTSD, and developmental or behavioral challenges. Activities may include grooming, feeding, and riding horses, all under the guidance of a trained therapist. These experiences help improve motor skills, communication, self-esteem, and emotional regulation while strengthening their newly developed bond with their horse-companion.