Identification of an individual suffering from autism spectrum disorder (ASD) requires observing the developmental delays in a child’s activities. Regular checkups are done by a developmental pediatrician, child psychiatrist, or pediatric neurologist. Sometimes the diagnosis proves to be difficult as this disorder has too much versatility in symptoms and severity both.

Diagnosis of ASD:

There is no one particular or specific medical test to determine the disorder. Instead, a specialist may:

• Observe your child and inquire about  how your child’s social interactions, communication skills, and behavior have developed and evolved with the passage of time
• Perform several  tests of tour child which covers hearing, speech, language, developmental level, and social and behavioral issues
• Present structured social and communication interactions to your child and score the performance
• Use the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association
• Include other specialists in determining a diagnosis
  
  

Autism Treatment:

Presently, there is no one standard treatment or solution found out exclusively for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Many people with ASD benefit from treatment; irrespective of the fact how old they are when they are diagnosed. People of all ages, at all levels of ability, can often improve after well-designed interventions.

But there are many ways to help minimize the symptoms and maximize abilities via multiple treatment options. People suffering from ASD have the best chance of surviving as a normal individual if they use all of their abilities and skills to receive appropriate therapies and interventions.

The interventions and therapies vary from person to person. One technique might work best for one individual and might not be that effective on another. However, most people with ASD respond best to highly structured and specialized programs. In some cases, autism treatment can reduce symptoms to a great extent and help people with autism with their 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.

Treatment options for autism:

Following are some broad categories which include therapies and interventions to treat autistic children as per their personality. These autism treatment options may reduce symptoms, improve cognitive ability and daily living skills, and maximize the ability of the child to function and participate in the community.

• 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

Treatment with behavior and communication approaches:

One of the most effective and popular treatment approaches is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). ABA focuses on encouraging positive behavior and discouraging negative behavior to improve a child’s progress and skills.

There are different types of ABA. Here are some examples:

• Discrete Trial Training (DTT) is a style of teaching that uses a series of trials to teach each step of a desired behavior or response.
• Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) focuses on building positive behaviors such as social skills and at the same time helps to avoid negative behaviors like aggressions and tantrums etc. this happens under the supervision of trained professionals in a one-to-one setting.
• Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) Through ESDM, parents and therapists use to play and joint activities to help children advance their social, language, and cognitive skills.
• Pivotal Response Training (PRT)
  PRT aims to increase a child’s motivation to learn, monitor their own behavior, and initiate communication with others by targeting a pivotal area. 
• Verbal Behavior Intervention (VBI)
  VBI is a type of ABA that focuses on teaching verbal skills.
• Music and yoga therapies-Yoga therapy help to focus on the general development of the individual to gain flexibility, strength, and improve breathing whereas music therapy encourages interaction with other peers which is not very normal for autistic children.

Treatment with Medicine:

Treating the core symptoms of ASD with medicine is not possible but it can help to manage some major symptoms like high energy levels, inability to focus, anxiety and depression, behavioral reactivity, self-injury, or seizures.

The effect of medicines might not be same on every child so, a close eye must be kept by healthcare professionals and parents both to monitor the child’s progress level and notice any unusual reaction of medication.

Treatment with Dietary Approaches:

There is no particular diet that can help in treatment of ASD but lack of minerals or vitamins and several food allergies can start the symptoms of autism so it holds significance in this regard. Some parents feel that dietary changes make a difference in how their child acts or feels.

Children with autism spectrum disorder typically continue to learn and compensate for problems throughout life, but most will continue to require some level of support. This support in terms of treatment options can change their lives and allow surviving as any other normal individual.