Current Research:

Recent advances in the areas of early

detection, medical treatments for autism
and early intensive behavioral
interventions have been made.
• New research proposes that it may one
day be possible to identify infants at
risk for autism before the onset of
observable symptoms.
How do occupational therapists
• A recent clinical trial of patients with help individuals with ASD:
fragile X syndrome suggests that a drug • Provide interventions to help an
called arbaclofen could become the individual respond to information
first medicine to treat autism’s core coming through the senses. Intervention
symptoms of social-communication may include developmental activities,
disability and repetitive behaviors. About ASD: sensory integration or sensory
• Researchers delivered convincing ASD is defined in the DSM-5 as a disorder that processing, and play activities.
evidence this year that an intensive involves both communication and behavioral • Facilitate play activities that instruct as
early intervention program for toddlers impairments. The severity to which the symptoms well as aid a child in interacting and
with autism not only improves social present themselves vary which is why the disorder communicating with others.
and communication skills, but also is considered to be on a spectrum. These symptoms • Identify, develop, or adapt work and
improves brain activity related to social must appear in early development and children are other daily activities that are meaningful
responsiveness. commonly diagnosed around age 3. to enhance the individual’s quality of
life.
• Collaborate with the individual and
family to identify safe methods of
What are the common features of ASD: community mobility.
Commutative impairments: exhibit abnormal sounds, meaningless speech, Occupational therapy practitioners provide
echolalia or neologisms interventions to clients in the settings
Behavioral impairments: rocking, twirling, hand flapping, banging of objects where they typically engage in daily
or preoccupation for unusual objects activities.

Dawson, G. (2012, July 24). Important Recent Advances in Autism Research. Retrieved October 20, 2017, from https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2013/05/30/important-recent-advances-autism-research
Association, A. P. (2013). DSM 5. American Journal of Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596.744053
Mukherjee, S. B. (2017). Autism Spectrum Disorders — Diagnosis and Management. Indian Journal of Pediatrics, 84(4), 307–314. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-016-2272-2
Occupational Therapy's Role with Autism. (n.d.). Retrieved October 20, 2017, from https://www.aota.org/autism