There is a lot of misinformation about the lesser known childhood development issues, autism being one of them. The probable reason for it is the condition having no cure. In this scenario, parents often end up experimenting various unknown therapies or approaches on their child with a hope of cure. This can also prove to be fatal at times.
Parents must always go ahead with evidence based practices. These are approaches that have been researched on a larger population and has shown positive outcomes in autistic children. OnlyMyHealth editorial team spoke to Dr. Isha Soni, Senior Occupational Therapist, Centre Head, Lexicon Rainbow Therapy and Child Development Centre, Pune, to know about useful therapies for autistic kids.
Therapies for Autistic kids
Apart from the mainstream therapies like Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and Special Education, the following approaches are also evidence based for autism:
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1. Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
PCES is used to teach functional communication skills and promote language development in autistic children with no or limited speech in a social context. The research supports that it doesn’t make them dependent on pictures but rather promotes language development and encourages the very essence of communication enabling to convey their message or needs. This also helps to reduce the frequency of tantrums caused due to the frustration of not being able to express their needs and wants. It improves the quality of life for both, the parent and the child.
2. Social Skills Training
Social skills training is a session mediated by a professional like speech therapist, special educator, counsellor, or an occupational therapist to develop social skills in autistic children. The group size may vary from 2 to 10 children and is targeted to develop non-verbal and verbal gestures like greetings etc. It also teaches appropriate behaviour and body language to hold a conversation with other child or an adult.
Also read: What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder? Here Are Its Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis And Treatment
3. Modelling and role play therapy
Modelling and Role play help to develop social, play, behaviour, expressive and receptive language and cognitive skills in a controlled environment that can further be generalized to real life situations.
Dr. Soni said, "Every child has a different growth trajectory and responds to therapies differently. Doing Early Intervention and going ahead with evidence based therapies is the key to improved outcomes in autistic children. It really makes a difference and helps to bridge the gap as compared to peers."