Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is described as a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally appear in the first 2 years of life.

People with ASD often have:

• Difficulty with communication and interaction with other people
• Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors
• Symptoms that affect their ability to function in school, work, and other areas of life

Autism is known as a “spectrum” disorder because there is wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience.

If you’re concerned about your child’s development or you suspect that your child may have autism spectrum disorder, discuss this with your health care team. The symptoms associated with the disorder also can be linked with other developmental disorders that can be evaluated by a health care professional.

Your health care team may recommend developmental tests if your child doesn’t:

• Babble or coo by 12 months.
• Gesture, such as point or wave, by 14 months.
• Loses language skills or social skills at any age.
• Mimic sounds or facial expressions by 9 months.
• Play make-believe or pretend by 18 months.
• Respond with a smile or happy expression by 6 months.
• Say single words by 16 months.
• Speak two-word phrases by 24 months.

There is currently no one standard treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

But there are many ways to help minimize the symptoms and maximize abilities. People who have ASD have the best chance of using all of their abilities and skills if they receive appropriate therapies and interventions.

The most effective therapies and interventions are often different for each person. However, most people with ASD respond best to highly structured and specialized programs.¹ In some cases, treatment can greatly reduce symptoms and help people with autism with daily activities.

Research shows that early diagnosis and interventions, such as during preschool or before, are more likely to have major positive effects on symptoms and later skills. Read more about early interventions for autism.

Because there can be overlap in symptoms between ASD and other disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),² it’s important that treatment focus on a person’s specific needs, rather than the diagnostic label.

Select the links for more information on each type of treatment for ASD.

• Behavioral management therapy
• Cognitive behavior therapy
• Early intervention
• Educational and school-based therapies
• Joint attention therapy
• Medication treatment
• Nutritional therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Parent-mediated therapy
• Physical therapy
• Social skills training
• Speech-language therapy

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a well-developed, research-based, scientific discipline. ABA is based on the fact that a client’s behavior is determined by past and current environmental events, or contingencies, in conjunction with other genetic and/or environmental variables.  ABA focuses on treating the problems of the disorder by determining functions and maintaining variables in order to support the learning or appropriate and functional behaviors instead of maladaptive, or inappropriate,, ones.  ABA is not only an evidence-based practice for people diagnosed with Autism, it is also proven to be effective for other diagnoses such as ADHD and Depression.  It may surprise you to know that ABA may also be beneficial for neuro-typical, or “typically-developing”, individuals as well.  Behavior is all around us—which means ABA can be applied to almost anything or anyone who demonstrates observable and measurable behavior. 

ABA can be provided in various forms: Direct, or “1-on-1” therapy sessions is when where a client receives services from a R/BT.   Group therapy sessions (e.g. social skills) where a client receives services in a group with services provided by an R/BT or BCBA/BcaBA.  Caregiver Training is provided to caregivers only, without the client present, with services provided by a BCBA/BcaBA.  These sessions are perfect to review the client’s progress, discuss concerns and learn how to implement strategies and procedures at home.  ABA is an appropriate approach for children with ASD and children with other developmental disabilities. ABA programs may include targets to address concerns such as:  

• Maladaptive Behavior
• Conversation and pre-conversational skills
• Adaptive, daily living skills
• Attending skills
• Fine & gross motor skills
• Play skills
• Social skills
• Communication skills
• Imitative skills
• Functional Academic skills

• Toileting w ASD
• PICA