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In some cases, health care providers use a broader term, pervasive developmental disorder, to
describe autism. This category includes the autism spectrum disorders above, plus Childhood
Disintegrative Disorder and Rett syndrome.
There are many possible red flags for autism - behaviors that may be signs or symptoms of
autism. Some features may mean a delay in one or more areas of development, while others may
be more typical of autism spectrum disorders.
There is no cure for autism, nor is there one single treatment for autism spectrum disorders. But
there are ways to help minimize the symptoms of autism and to maximize learning.
Behavioral therapy and other therapeutic options
o Behavior management therapy helps to reinforce wanted behaviors, and reduce
unwanted behaviors. It is often based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
o Speech-language therapists can help people with autism improve their ability to
communicate and interact with others.
o Occupational therapists can help people find ways to adjust tasks to match their
needs and abilities.
o Physical therapists design activities and exercise to build motor control and
improve posture and balance.
Educational and/or school-based options
o Public schools are required to provide free, appropriate public education from age
3 through high school or age 21, whichever comes first.
o Typically, a team of people, including the parents, teachers, caregivers, school
psychologists, and other child development specialists work together to design an
Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to help guide the childs school experiences.
Medication options
o Currently there are no medications that can cure autism spectrum disorders or all
of the symptoms. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved any
medications specifically for the treatment of autism, but in many cases medication
can treat some of the symptoms associated with autism.
o Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclics, psychoactive/anti-
psychotics, stimulants, and anti-anxiety drugs are among the medications that a
health care provider might use to treat symptoms of autism spectrum disorders.
o Secretina hormone that helps digestionis not recommended as a treatment for
autism.
Although there have been reports of studies that relate vaccines to autism, these findings have
not held up under further investigation.
Currently the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides the most accurate
and up-to-date information about research on autism and vaccines. Its Concerns About Vaccines
and Autism web site provides information from the federal government and from independent
organizations about vaccines and autism.
Source: http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/asd.cfm