FAQ from the Autism Source Information and Referral Center: Investigating Treatments

November 29, 2012
By Autism Society

You should investigate various treatment approaches and gather information concerning various options before proceeding with treatment.

You will encounter numerous accounts from others about successes and failures with many different approaches. You will also discover that professionals differ in their theories of what they feel is the most successful treatment for individuals on the autism spectrum. It can be frustrating! But you will learn to sift through the information and make rational, educated decisions on what is appropriate for your individual situation. Trust your instincts as you explore various options.

Here are a few of the things to consider as you evaluate treatment options:

-- Has the treatment been validated scientifically?
-- Has the treatment resulted in harm/negative side effects to any individual?
-- How will failure of the treatment affect the individual and their family?
-- Are there assessment procedures specified?
-- How will the treatment be integrated into current programming or treatment? Do not become so infatuated with a given treatment that functional curriculum, vocational life and social skills are ignored.