Unfortunately until now there hasn’t been any cure discovered for ADS. The therapies address particular symptoms and focus on improving the existent disabilities.
There is no standard therapy either, as they are custom made for each child’s particular needs. Everyone agree that the sooner the therapy begins, the better the result will be.
Education and therapy
Specialized education programs and behaviour therapy started at an early age are sometimes the key to success in achieving social integration and language development. The most used approach is ABA, Applied Behavioural Analysis. There is also special counselling available for the families of children diagnosed with ASD, because they also need support to adapt to the life with an autistic child.
Medications:
Some of the symptoms of autism can be controlled with medications, and doctors will sometimes use antidepressants and stimulants. In cases of severe behavioural problems antipsychotics are also used, and anticonvulsants are often prescribed for seizures. Generally the purpose of treatment with medications is to control impulsivity and hyperactivity. The use of medications can have different results, as persons with ASD might respond atypically to treatment.
Alternative therapies:
Parents should be very careful when choosing an alternative therapy for their child with ASD. None of them have solid scientific background or proven efficiency. Some of them can be very harmful or even lethal, while some are reasonable enough to give them a try. An example is the special diets, which have proven beneficial in some cases, as long as the child is not deprived of the essential nutritional elements.