How to Manage Autism Meltdowns

There is no boring day to parents with autism kids. The worst days, however, are those that involve a meltdown. Now, that’s what you call a nightmare! One moment your child is perfectly settled on his routine and the next minute, he turns into a Godzilla with no one to block his path. The scary part is that, you have no idea what upsets him or what triggered the reaction.

Not to be confused for temper tantrums, meltdowns can easily turn from bad to worse when parents do not know what to do or how to deal with it. This could be tough to a first-time parent. Thus, equipping oneself with the necessary preparation for that eventual meltdown will help prevent unnecessary circumstances inimical to the welfare of the child and the people surrounding him.

Dissecting Likely Causes

Not to be mistaken for a temper tantrum, children with autism when facing a meltdown can be much tougher to handle. One of most likely causes is sensory, information, and emotional overload. Take note of the word: OVERLOAD. Kids with ASD can only take so much and all things in excess can push their panic button. This overly sensitive characteristics usually trigger their brain to be overwhelmed resulting in panic.  Another common cause is sudden changes. Living in the spectrum often makes children live a life filled with routines. They love basking in a life that is filled with predictability. Sudden changes in their environment or in their expectations can easily jolt and tear them apart. Some parents also mentioned that fatigue is another likely cause in some children’s meltdown. As the brain cannot process fatigue or its consequences, this can be intensely frustrating leading to turmoil deep in their core.

Preventing and Managing Meltdowns

As meltdowns can come and go freely to any child with autism, it is imperative for parents to proactively learn how to handle and manage such before it even manifests in actuality. You can discuss management techniques with your paediatrician, caregiver, SpEd teacher, or counselor to give you handy information on how to best approach when this occurs. Be sensitive to their needs. Many said that parents to kids with autism need special powers to know when and what causes a meltdown. Paying special attention to your child won’t hurt. Keeping a timetable and be always on the close guard on what makes them comfortable/uncomfortable to prevent frustration leading to panic.

It is also important to set boundaries with your child. In the same way as toddlers, children living on the spectrum often have meltdowns because they can’t have their own way. If you believe the answer is a “no”, be firm and stand by it. You can choose to ignore it, redirect him to another activity, or infuse discipline by way of simple “punishments” like timeouts or withholding of special treats. Most kids living on the spectrum have high intelligence level. They do understand more than you expect them to be.

Some children, however, are prone to hurting themselves or those around them. Learn the proper way to restrain them and make sure to eliminate possible hazards in your home. You might be surprised how strong or violent these little kids can be up until you have a blackened eye or a bruised leg. For their safety and yours, learn how to address possible hazards ahead of time.

Of Reaching the Top With A Grateful Heart

Fun-freakin’-tastic! Everything is supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!  Amidst my broken foot, I was totally overjoyed by the good news that my new book brings.  Yes, I made it to the #1 Bestseller in 3 categories on Amazon.ca and #1 International Bestseller on Amazon.com—I would never reach this far without the help and support from family, friends, and people whose lives have been touched by autism.

It’s been a long journey, one that made me grow to be a much better and more grateful person along the way. From writing my book to the hectic days filled with promotions and launches, I was astounded at the capability of people to offer help and support in any way they can to uplift my spirit, to push me to the right direction, to encourage me in my quest of reaching the Bestsellers List, and to propel me to the top.

From emails, phone calls to private messages, there was nary a day passed by that family, friends, autism communities and acquaintances offered the sustenance I need to be hopeful and to maintain a positive mindset. When I reached the #1 Bestsellers List on Amazon.ca and Amazon.com, I could not help but shed tears of joy while my son, Johnny, engulfed me in a big giant hug.  He must have understood what I felt right at that moment as he was also misty-eyed and had this huge smile plastered on his handsome face.

There was one glitch during my Amazon book launch though, and that is they failed to place me on the most important category of all—Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome.  But all’s well that ends well.  I wrote to them and the company responded accordingly.  Basically, people searching for books on autism and Asperger’s can now see me on their list, and that’s one thorn plucked from my chest.

To the very people who continually give their support, wisdom, expertise, and thoughtfulness, it is important for you to know that I have come this far because of you.  To those who bought my book (even at full price!), my respect and gratitude for the love and care this action brings. My journey to reaching the top was, indeed, toilsome with potholes along the way but being surrounded by such a loving and supportive circle truly made the difference.

I humbly request that you share my book to your friends and family who needed hope and encouragement on what they maybe going through right now.  This book is meant to spread awareness and acceptance of Autism as well as in keeping up the faith in facing life’s greatest tribulations, head-on.  Let this become your anchor, your guide, and your sustenance when things seem to go haywire.

Going forward, please share to all families you know who are dealing with autism my FREE website www.livingautismnow.com.  This particular website is growing globally with the intention of helping families struggling with autism. Every cent from my book has been going to develop and run it.

From the bottom of my heart, my sincerest and warmest gratitude. You are awesome!

Each New Day Brings A Day of Opportunity, Hope and a Fresh Start.

Some days living with Autism can be challenging and draining but I can say each new day brings a day of opportunity, hope and a fresh start.

Ben is so special, and so very unique, he LOVES everyone! He hugs almost everyone he sees and meets and is smiling most of the time.  Ben struggles with everyday tasks but exceeds with others.  Show him something once and generally he has it…he can work most electronics better than me J

A little bit about Ben and his past…After many years of trying and going to doctor after doctor to have a child we decided to leave it in God’s hands and pray that he would answer our prayers, and he did! Not in the way we were thinking but, he answered them by adoption.  He was born early and weighing in at a small bundle of joy of 4lbs, he had some health issues in his early part of life but was and remains perfect in our sight.   He was diagnosed with GERD (acid reflex disease) and still to this day is being treated for it,he is now 3 ½ years old and was diagnosed at 3 months.  As Ben grew and was getting older we noticed that he was not developing like the other children we knew that was near his age.  And we continued to bring this up at each and every doctor apt.  We as parents are our children’s BIGGEST advocates; we are their words, and actions!

His speech is coming along beautiful now but it wasn’t always that great, I prayed for the day I would here “wuv u mommy”, happy to say I hear this daily, most times  its with coaching but regardless I hear it, we are constantly working and  coaching, with speech we are on to two words sentences now..YAY!

WE as a family have learned to do what works; we do what works for us.  If you walk into our house you will see many toy balls, all different colors and sizes, lots of things that play music or some sort of sound, cause these are things that he LOVES, and are used for rewards, our house is a home lots of finger prints on the walls/windows.

Even though some days or moments in our days can be challenging we are learning what works.  For example we know slowing Ben down using some technique’s picking our battles not to worry so much about e single detail is a help.  For example I use to be so stressed if Ben didn’t look in a camera lens when he was smaller but you know what that is not that big of deal, since I stopped stressing over this I have been able to capture some amazing pictures!

For the past year my husband has been battling cancer but still going strong, with this we have learned to slow life down and cherish each and every minute I have recently learned that as Ben grows, we grow with him learning to live with autism that life is really truly unique and can be wonderful.

I have learned to breathe and not sweat the small stuff so much.  And to make everything a celebration.   You should see the party we have when he goes potty!

I know living with autism can be challenging one of our biggest challenges right now is how Ben can be so impulsive, but living with autism can be so rewarding too.

Its important to stay strong and stay focused, they are worth it.  And after all they are our babies.

 

CACI: A Circle of Love and Support

One of the hardest struggles of autism is finding a community that supports its intricacies. Life with autism can be a tough one, often leaving many families on their toes. We all know that amidst the rising numbers of autism cases across the globe, there are still communities out there who chose to turn a cold cheek on families who needed their support and understanding the most.

I am, however, lucky to have found a compassionate and supportive community of like-minded people whose core values revolved around uplifting families, parents, and siblings battling not just autism but a plethora of neurological disorders. The Community Autism Centre Inc. or CACI is a community-based non-profit centre offering support for families, parents, and siblings such as resource information, music programs, educational programs, social skills group, training and advocacy, workshops and mini-workshops, and (yes!) consultation for adult support.

I was hosted by CACI one night and had tremendously enjoyed the time spent with them talking about my family’s journey and my own journey with autism. I presented my book (Living Autism Day.by.Day) to them, too, and the overwhelming support from these people truly tugged at my heartstrings. Like me, they also undergo the same rollercoaster ride with autism and hearing them share their experiences was enlightening and inspiring. It made me feel like having an extended family to reach out to, to hold on to when the going gets tough, and to laugh with on certain encounters that bring tears of joy to the eyes.

Feel free to check out their Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/groups/cacisaintjohn/ – for more information, and on November 29th at 7pm at the Buccaneers Pub on 24 Main St. West, CACI will be holding its Steak N Stein dinner and live auction extravaganza. Tickets are at $25 with the proceeds going directly to the CACI community of support. Mark your calendar, folks!

How Temple Grandin Inspired Me to Move Forward

There comes a point in our lives where we felt so much is happening at the same time. Publishing my own book, for instance, is one rollercoaster ride.  Apart from the excitement and chaotic schedule to keep up with, there is nothing more thrilling than receiving that one phone call that says it all—a call from Temple Grandin.  Yes! Dr. Grandin!

Dr. Grandin is a renowned name in the realm of Autism Spectrum Disorder.  She is a professor, inventor, best-selling author, and rock star rolled-into-one in the seemingly divergent fields of animal science and Autism education.  She was also featured in the award-winning 2010 biographical film, and was listed in the Time 100 Most InfluentialDr. Grandin is a renowned name in the realm of Autism Spectrum Disorder. She is a professor, inventor, best-selling author, and rock star rolled-into-one in the seemingly divergent fields of animal science and Autism education. People in the World in its Heroes Category.  A world-renown expert and resource person for ASDs, and a famous author of various books including The Autistic Brain, a personal call from her in my own home left me panting for breath (literally!) due to too much excitement and glee.  Add her personal endorsement on my book, which states– “Living autism day.by.day will help parents to persevere and meet the challenges of raising a child with severe autism” — and I was literally swept off my feet!  It was a defining moment for me, one that I’ll surely cherish for a lifetime.

As a parent advocate and go-to Autism mom, I know how my wise advice, knowledge, expertise and hands-on experience on raising a child with autism can reach a wide number of families out there in times when they are struggling on what needs to be done and how to do it to keep their minds and emotions on the level just as the struggle seem to engulf them in a deep abyss. With two of my children having special needs (John, my youngest son, has Autism), I know what it feels to be alone in a room full of people and you felt like screaming so they will understand what you’re going through.  I know what it feels like to find yourself immersed in strings upon strings of questions with no ready answer at hand.  I know how it feels to be lost and hoping to be found. My book deals mostly on:

  • what is offered in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorders for services and professionals…
  • what everything means that you will hear about in the world of autism…
  • what types of feelings, emotions and issues you will deal with on a personal level as a parent or caregiver…

I was often told that I have the gift of story-telling and a deep sense of compassion and understanding, and that is precisely where my book got its inspiration.  It is meant to provide answers.  It is designed to give a reader hope and deep sense of understanding, on a personal level, from someone who is just like you, undergoing the same woes, joys, grief, delight, and mixed euphoria on the often-isolated and often-misunderstood life with autism.

Like everyone else, I too lived through the same fears, agony, and joys that this wonder-rific world of Autism brings.  I am neither a doctor nor a therapist, but as a parent to a child with Autism, I know that often, the most insights your family needs can come from another parent’s heart.  Yes, my book is written from the bottom of my heart and crafted out of my sincere intention to reach out to parents, mothers and fathers alike, caregivers, family, and close friends who find themselves engulfed in a new set of emotional roller coaster ride with Autism.

With the encouragement from Dr. Temple Grandin, the support of my dear family and friends, and the help of my publisher, Freedom Abound Press, “Living Autism Day By Day” has become quite an indispensable reference on all things one wants to know about autism.  Concisely formatted on a daily basis, it is meant to fit to your hectic life and increase your level of awareness, emotional sensitivity, practical mindset, and yes, good humor.

Do feel free to check out snippets from my book via my website– http://livingautismnow.com/book/.  You may also buy it here: http://livingautismnow.com/buy-now/.  For discounted BULK orders, simply call Freedom Abound Press at 506.471.7440 or send us a note at info@LivingAutismNow.com.

Writing this book and knowing that I am able to help a lot of parents, caregivers, families and friends out there deal with Autism truly put me in high spirits.  It is one thing to experience it all, and another to be able to let somebody in on how I was able to get through it all, and still come out ecstatic, jovial and whole.

Autism and Disciplinary Intervention: Keeping Your Child Grounded

The current rise of Autism Spectrum Disorders cases came as a shock to many. This wide-ranging spectrum of disorders ranging from mild to severe do not only have a known “cure” but also lack concrete details on their likely causes. As statistics rise over the years and more challenges are set, parents, caregivers and educators will need more and more information and training on managing these challenging (and often, baffling) behaviors that are part and parcel of ASDs.

Common symptoms of ASD include dismal social skills, extreme rigidity, verbal impairment, obsessive routines, and uncontrollable preoccupation on objects. Most children with ASD display intense behavior and sudden changes can easily develop into horrendous temper tantrums or rage episodes commonly known as meltdowns. For children as young as 2 to 7, this condition may still be manageable but can be quite scary as they grow older. To prevent such from happening, the following disciplinary interventions can be done:

1. Direct and Controlled Verbal Message. Make use of direct but calm verbal message. Tone of voice must be neutral and the use of short, simple commands must be directly communicated to the child without giving an opportunity for choice. A no is a no! There should be no room for maybe. Do remember that kids living on the spectrum do not understand social cues. By being direct and “literal”, you can prevent them feeling overwhelmed by choices that their brains have a hard time processing.

2. Avoid Power Struggles. Confrontation can be overwhelming to a child with autism. As they tend to be “fixated” on things, engaging them in confrontation and power struggles can easily escalate into negative results. In most cases, this could lead to aggression that can be detrimental to the child’s safety or those around them.

3. Consistency is the key. Be firm and consistent when providing expectations. The more predictable the consequences to their behavior are presented, the easier it is for their brains to process and understand. Children with autism are fixed on “routine.” When transitions and change happens, the result can be dreadful.

4. Reward System. In the same way as treating toddlers, reward system is beneficial to children living on the spectrum. You can give reward to desirable behaviors as an “incentive.” On the other hand, limiting their interactions as well as stopping all desired requests can give them an idea the “good” and “bad” side of their behavior.

5. Proactive Approach. Beat the heat by being proactive. Try to avoid known triggers and provide a more structured environment. When changes are inevitable, it is important to teach your kids proper transitioning from one environment or situation to the next. This is one way of easing their discomfort and preventing the release of their panic button.

Autism: Putting Sleeping Woes to Rest

Sleep can be quite a challenge to children with autism. At most 80% of children on the spectrum encounter sleep issues which can be disruptive to their progress. Sleep, as we all know, is a vital component in maintaining good health. It is not only essential for physical growth it also helps restore bodily functions, puts a shield to the body’s immune system, and enhances memory and learning.

For kids with autism, sleeping problems can heavily impact daytime behaviors. This insufficient sleep, when gone unattended, can turn their behavior from bad to worst. Autism sleep problems do not only affect the child per se, this also adds stress to the parents, siblings, and caregivers leading to more challenges.

Likely Causes
To combat sleep deprivation, it is imperative to first look at the likely causes of such difficulties. One of the most common reasons for sleep deprivation of kids with autism is environmental influence. It could be the physical aspect of his bedroom, of the people that surrounds him, or inadvertent behavioral shaping from a parent. The bedroom might be where he engages in play activities, or a parent must have been used to rocking her child to sleep leading to dependency, or too much noise in the neighborhood. Be reminded that children on the spectrum are ultra sensitive to light, touch and sounds.

Tips to A Goodnight’s Sleep
Children with autism often follow a consistent routine, and sleeping is no different. As a parent, it is important that you keep a sleep diary where you keep track of his sleeping time and take note of nighttime awakenings. This can require some efforts for at least a month so you can establish a pattern and be aware to various environmental factors contributing to the sleeping issues of your loved one.

Creating a visual schedule like a chart can be a useful tool to keep him informed and establish a routine. Try to infuse fun to the chart. Kids with autism can be highly visual in nature, and capturing their visual senses can often lead to a more relaxed routine set-up.

Try to establish a relaxed and calming atmosphere prior to bedtime. You may engage yourself, along with your child, with classical music to soothe their usually cranky nerves. Music is a universal language and, according to studies, many children with autism respond positively to classical music than any other genre. This type of music does not only calm their senses, it also enhances brain functions leading to their progress. Some children also respond better to hypnotic chants and sounds of nature. The key in all these, however, is consistency.

Some circadian rhythm disturbances to children with ASD can also be due to a medical condition. Allergies, acid reflux, sleep apnea, seizures, and night terrors are some of the most common medical conditions that ASD children have. These conditions require serious medical intervention to ensure safety and health of the child. To some, working with a sleep specialist can prove to be helpful.

Music Therapist: Kimberly Arsenault BMT, MTA, BA Psyc.

Meet Kimberly Arsenault, an accredited music therapist living in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Receiving a Bachelor of Music Therapy from Acadia University in 2012, in addition to a Bachelor of Arts with first class honors in Psychology from UNB Fredericton in 2008, she is a music therapist accredited (MTA) with the Canadian Association for Music Therapy.

What is music therapy? Music therapy, as defined by the Canadian Music Therapy Association, “…is the skillful use of music and musical elements by an accredited music therapist to promote, maintain, and restore mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health…used in the therapeutic relationship to facilitate contact, interaction, self-awareness, learning, self-expression, communication, and personal development.”

Music therapy can be used with clients from across the lifespan, from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to those in palliative care. One population that music therapy has been found to be very beneficial for, are those individuals who have received a diagnosis of autism or who are on the autistic spectrum. Some of the most common care concerns for those with autism are in the social, communicative, and behavioral areas. Music therapy can help in addressing these issues, in addition to others. The music therapist would work in collaboration with parents and if applicable, other members of the care team, in order to help them reach established goals through the use of music and musical elements.
Perhaps the individual with autism may experience difficulty with speech – the music therapist can use the structure and predictability of a song in order to show the child their role in a song. Through this, it gives them confidence in their contribution to the music. This can then become transferable to outside of the music therapy environment and into everyday life.

Music is an important part of play – it is natural to see individuals moving, dancing and singing along with music. Music therapists can also use music in order to help autistic individuals express themselves and communicate with others. We can focus on taking turns, listening skills, understanding direction, participating in a group, and waiting. Music therapists can also use music therapeutically in order to teach everyday skills, such as brushing teeth, tying shoes, etc.

Music therapy is adaptable and is tailored to what the individual requires, is capable of at the time, and what their preferences are. The music therapy sessions work towards established goals for the individual.

Music therapists use a variety of different intervention techniques, such as the playing of instruments, improvisation, singing, the use of musical games, and listening to music. Music therapists can use common songs that are pre-composed (E.g., “Old MacDonald Had a Farm”), songs that have been composed specifically for music therapy. Music therapists are also trained to improvise songs based on the current situational need. Although the music therapist creates a session plan, they are prepared to be adaptable and flexible depending on the immediate scenario.

Below you will find links to music therapy research for those with autism. For more information on music therapy in general, you may visit the Canadian Association for Music Therapy (CAMT) website at: http://www.musictherapy.ca/en/ or the Atlantic Association for Music Therapy (AAMT) website at: http://atlanticmusictherapy.ca/index.php.

Here are some articles/videos describing further why music therapy is effective for those with autism:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ronna-kaplan-ma/music-therapy-autism_b_2007561.html

http://www.mewsicmoves.com/blog/5-reasons-why-music-therapy-is-effective-for-children-with-autism

If you are in the Fredericton and surrounding area and are interested in connecting with Kimberly, she can be reached at: kimberlyarsenaultmt@gmail.com.

GFCF Diet: Foods to Eat and Avoid

Following a gluten-free, casein-free diet is one of the most popular methods among parents to children with autism. Though research remains inconclusive, a number of parents have show great support in vouching the effectiveness of the said diets. Not only does this diet treat children-with-autism’s gastrointestinal and allergy issues, it has also been known to result in lower meltdowns, hyperactivity, allergies and skin rashes, and seizures.

The GFCF Diet requires two basic protein eliminations – dairy and wheat—from a child with autism’s diet. This can be somewhat complicated as proteins are essential nutrients needed for children’s development. To some children with autism, however, these two groups of protein can make matters worse. To get you started on your GFCF Diet, here are some food lists to aid in your menu preparation.

What to Buy

  • Milk substitutes like rice milk, soy milk, hemp milk, and almond milk. Be attentive to the label though. It should not only state “dairy-free” but “casein-free.” Some dairy-free milk substitutes contain the casein protein as a thickener.
  • Soy-based dairy-free cheese products; make sure it’s casein-free
  • gluten-free bread usually made from tapioca or rice flour
  • minimally processed or, if possible, fresh meat out of the butcher’s den; if prepackaged, make sure to check label for the list of ingredients.
  • fresh poultry
  • fresh seafoods
  • fresh fruit and vegetables; if frozen, make sure it is not soaked in sauces or flavorings.
  • eggs do not contain gluten or casein but be mindful of the oil used in cooking

You can try shopping at a nearby farmers market or Whole Foods store near you for GFCF food brands. Vancouver has Cambie, Robson, and Kitsilano. Ontario has Oakville, Unionville, and Squage 1 Missisauga. There is also one in West Vancouver and another in Toronto – Yorkville.

What Not to Buy

  • foods containing gluten, such as, wheat, barley, rye, millet and oats
  • foods containing casein, such as, cheese, yogurt, cow/goat/lamb milk, breast milk, ice cream, and other dairy-based foods such as pasta, baked products, and sports drinks
  • prepackaged foods may sometimes be labeled as gluten-free or dairy-free or both, but do check the label closely as casein can be used as an ingredient

Indeed, autism spectrum disorders are complex neurological and developmental condition which still has no cure and no known causes. Though ABA therapies and other forms of treatments have been available, parents cannot help but find ways and means to make life a little easier for their kids on the spectrum. The GFCF Diet continually make waves nowadays but, before you engage your child on this diet, it is imperative that you seek out the advice of an accredited physician or nutrition/diet expert with hands-on experience on autism treatment to guarantee safety and health of your child.

10 Methods of Autism Intervention

13 Types of Autism InterventionThere is no doubt that early intervention can best deliver progress and results to children living in the shadows of Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental disorders. Autism Spectrum Disorders, or ASD, have a variety of treatments and therapies duly called “intervention” by experts.

It is important to understand that one intervention method can work for a child with autism but may not work with another. This is because each spectrum in ASDs is unique from each other. Any of these can overlap one another but, all the same, the effect can vary from child to child.

To understand about how Autism Spectrum Disorders are usually treated, here are some broad categories usually used for interventions. These are random ones picked from various resources. Treatment for ASD can be comprehensive and intensive, and research is still ongoing on various treatments, likely causes, and other factors which could aid in completing the puzzle. So, if you know another method, feel free to comment at the bottom of the page.

1. Standard Healthcare Services

Designed primarily to maintain good health and well-being of children with autism, these include wide-ranging “conventional” (widely-accepted) treatments, therapies and/or interventions carried out by health care professionals such as doctors, occupational and physical therapists, psychologists, speech-language therapists, and many more. A variety of approaches and methods are usually combined on these services. For example, an ABA expert working with a speech pathologist and occupational therapists to provide complete intervention to a child or adult with autism.

2. Complementary/Alternative Medicine

Let’s point out the difference. Complementary medicine usually works together with standard healthcare services while alternative medicine works in place of conventional techniques. Paediatricians with background on autism can work alongside speech therapists or a chiropractor when engaging in complementary medicine intervention. Alternative medicine, on the other hand, is the type of intervention that replaces standard healthcare services. Naturopaths, for instance, can work singlehandedly in “correcting” chemical imbalance on an individual-with-autism’s body.

3. Developmental and Behavioral Interventions

These intervention techniques revolve on teaching and coaching. Behavioral therapies are customarily designed to promote appropriate or independent behavior and inhibit unsuitable behavior. Desired behavior is usually broken down into specific tasks taught in a structured manner.
On the other hand, developmental interventions are aimed at a child’s core deficits. Therapists and parents as well as special education teachers work together in engaging a child’s own interest to enhance communication, affection, social interaction, logical reasoning, and so on.

4. Psychotherapy

Psychotherapeutic intervention is a range of treatments with one or more processes that completely allow an individual with autism to fully comprehend his abilities and challenges. Counseling is one form of psychotherapy which can take many forms. It can be just plain “talking” with a therapist his innermost thoughts while others engage in counseling through creative art form like music or dance. Some counseling are done to improve speech/communication, and social interaction.

5. Medications

Widely known as medicines or pharmaceutical drugs, this type of intervention is usually prescribed to cure or treat a medical diagnosis. They are sometimes classified according to their chemical properties, therapeutic effects, mode of administration, and so on. Some medicines are also used nutritional supplements.

6. Biomedical’ Interventions

Biomedical means the application of biological/physiological sciences to clinical medicine. Though this could mean a lot of things to different people, most individuals living with autism know that this refers to a set of interventions designed to stop or reduce biomedical issues that usually trigger or worsen symptoms and issues faced by those living in the spectrum. Though often considered as part of complementary or alternative medicine, this group of intervention is usually more specific. Some examples of biomedical intervention includes the GFCF diet (strict enforcement), use of nutritional supplements and hormones, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, chelation, and so on.

7. Motor/Sensory Interventions

Treatments and therapies falling on this category usually aim to improve movement of body parts (motor skills) and heighten sensitivity to one or more senses(sensory perception) to an individual with autism.

8. Alternative and Augmentative Communication

Communication is one of the most highly affected skills in individuals with autism. Alternative communication is usually a set of therapies used to enhance speech and/or language without using the conventional technique. Augmentative Communication, on the other hand, is designed to enhance and complement standard technique in communication therapies.

9. Assistive and Adaptive Technology

In today’s age of technology, the use of assistive and adaptive technology is nothing new. This type of intervention usually makes use of low-tech, mid-tech or high-tech devices, products, and equipment aimed at maintaining, augmenting or improving functional capabilities of those living with ASD. Low-tech gadgets examples are clipboards, photo albums, dry erase boards, etc. Mid-tech examples are Language Master, calculators, voice output devices, and so on. Typically costly, high-tech gadgets such as computers, videocams, and complex voice output devices are more commonly used today.

10. Service-Based Interventions

This intervention category is broken down into three subcategories namely, educational services, employment services, and social care services. Educational services for individuals on autism are focused on the education and mental development of individuals with autism. Employment services are designed to make people find and keep job suited to their abilities. Social care services, on the other hand, are designed to assess the needs and provide support therewith to individuals in a community. This usually includes, residential care, social groups, and so on.

There are also other interventions that do not fall on any of the categories mentioned. Examples are animal therapies, relationship-based intervention, and the use of politics and PR. Indeed, autism is a complex condition that requires various intervention methods. In all these, however, the earlier the intervention usually means the better the progress.