By Barbara Pierce
We’re hearing a lot about autism lately. We’ve heard how the rates of those diagnosed have increased significantly over the past few decades, reaching a record high of 1 in 31 children, according to the CDC. That’s a 375% increase since the CDC began systematic monitoring in 2000, when the rate was 1 in 150 children.
Also, while boys are still diagnosed three times more often than girls, new data shows a “catch-up” effect where, by age 20, girls are now being diagnosed at nearly equal rates to boys, suggesting many girls’ diagnoses are initially missed.
The number of those diagnosed as adults has also increased greatly, largely due to better screening and increased identification in minority communities.
Autism spectrum disorder is typified by difficulties with social skills or communication, with restricted interests or repetitive behaviors. There is a wide variety in the type and severity of symptoms, which is why it is referred to as a spectrum disorder.
You’ve probably heard much of that already. But you may not know what treatments are available. What you can do when you have a child who is given this diagnosis or as an adult, if you hear this diagnosis.
We asked physician Nicole DeRosa, chief clinical officer, Kelberman, to help us understand current treatments for autism.
Kelberman is a leading nonprofit organization in the region that provides comprehensive support and services for individuals, both children and adults, with autism and their families.
“It’s important to recognize that when we talk about autism, there is no known cure,” DeRosa said. “Our goal is to decrease the symptoms that affect the individual’s functioning on a daily basis.”
1 — Applied behavior analysis therapy
“ABA therapy is evidence based,” said DeRosa. (Evidence based means is it supported by rigorous scientific research and proven results rather than theory or intuition.) The goal of ABA therapy is to identify and improve behaviors that are meaningful to and have social significance for each individual and their family.
“We provide direct, one-on-one instruction several hours a week to effectively change behaviors. Services are offered at our clinic, at home or at school.”
2 — Cognitive behavioral therapy (also known as psychotherapy):
“Many with autism respond well to the traditional approaches, like cognitive behavioral therapy,” said DeRosa. “They learn social skills, socialization and emotional regulation. Many have co-existing conditions like depression and anxiety. The strategies of cognitive behavioral therapy work well for building relationships, improving social skills and achieving other skills. This therapy is also evidence based.”
3 — Adjunct therapies: OT, PT, speech
“Many of our clients benefit from OT, PT or speech therapy,” added DeRosa.
Though these therapies often overlap, share similar goals and work together, each has its own focus and tools.
OT — or occupational therapy — helps with sensory processing, emotional regulation and frustration tolerance, fine motor skills and self-care skills. PT — or physical therapy,— helps with motor delays, balance, walking and posture. Speech therapy helps with language delays, communication skills and swallowing issues.
4 — Creative therapies
“We offer different therapeutic approaches, including art therapy, music therapy and play therapy,” said DeRosa. “Self-expression is a non traditional way to learn.”
5 — Emerging treatments
While there’s no cure for autism, significant trends in treatment are emerging. New treatments are being used or researched by major medical centers, specialized pediatric clinics and pharmaceutical companies through clinical trials. These include virtual reality: immersive environments that allow individuals to practice social interactions and navigate public spaces (like stores or playgrounds) in a safe, controlled setting; AI-powered learning: smart algorithms that analyze behavioral data to predict triggers and suggest real-time strategies for caregivers and therapists; and wearable devices that monitor emotional states and provide biofeedback to help with self-regulation.