| I want to discuss some typical ways that Autism | | | | even more challenging to find good therapy |
| is treated. Now it is well known that there are | | | | options. Placement of individuals with Autism in |
| various types of services that are available for | | | | homes or in institutions can be common along |
| people on the Autism spectrum. Some therapies | | | | with the use of medications to help moderate |
| for young children include applied behavioral | | | | behavioral issues. |
| analysis or ABA therapy, speech therapy as well | | | | Most of the medications that have been used |
| as occupational therapy which could provide help in | | | | traditionally to treat Autism focus on the |
| areas of motor function like gross motor function | | | | management of some of the problem behaviors |
| and fine motor function. There are other therapy | | | | found in Autism. There is one FDA approved |
| modalities as well such as horse therapy and | | | | medication for the treatment of Autism and it is |
| others that provide environmental stimuli for | | | | called Risperdal. It is used specifically to address |
| children with Autism. | | | | some of the aberrant, antisocial and aggressive |
| As we see these children grow and become | | | | behaviors that many individuals with Autism tend |
| teenagers and adults, we recognize that many of | | | | to exhibit. I have seen the use of SSRI |
| these services can still be beneficial and | | | | medications like Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft used as |
| necessary. But what we may also see is a | | | | well to help stabilize mood in children, teens and |
| restriction in access to some of these therapies | | | | adults with Autism. But the main FDA approved |
| and services as the children get older. Access to | | | | medication is Risperdal. So you can see how |
| some of these programs like ABA, speech and | | | | limited we are from a medications standpoint. |
| occupational therapy is implemented through the | | | | Then the non medical therapies remain as viable |
| local school districts. So for many states across | | | | options to address some of the issues we see |
| the country, where you live can make a | | | | with social interaction, behavior, and language in |
| difference in the services that you will receive. | | | | Autism. |
| And for adults on the Autism spectrum it can be | | | | |