Tantalizing Clues
Some studies have implied that all types of autism involve a malfunction in the way the person deals with metal regulation. This means a malfunction of a certain metal binding protein called metallothionein (MT) . Thus, a recent therapy for autistic children involves zinc, amino acid and glutathione supplementation.
The most recent studies suggest that the digestive systems of autistic children do not completely break down food. Autistic people also seem to have low levels of secretin.
Secretin
The hormone secretin has gotten recent attention as a breakthrough treatment for autism. Some more children with autism showed limited improvement after treatment with secretin. Evidence suggests a lack of benefit of a single dose of synthetic human secretin in the care of autism and pervasive developmental disorder. Notwithstanding these results, interest in secretin in the treatment of autism continues. The utilization of secretin seems to be the most promising treatment as of yet discovered for the treatment of autism.
Autism Education
Meeting the challenges of autism can be better described as education rather than treatment. While there is no cure for autism, there are treatment and education approaches that may lessen some of the challenges associated with the disability. Although education is the chief form of treatment for autism, educators are often poorly equipped to deal with these children.
Autism Treatment Diets
One dietary autism treatment is a gluten-free, casein-free diet. An outcome of a reduction in autism traits was reported after a valuable beneficial treatment effect for the combined gluten- and casein- free diet. Following treatment for candida and an elimination diet, some have successfully treated several patients and have largely overcome their autism. Gradually, the gluten free / casein free diet is becoming a mainstream recommendation for the treatment of autism. There are a good number of unorthodox or alternative therapies and treatment approaches that have been suggested for autism, in conjunction with nutritional supplements, dietary restrictions, and chelation therapy.
Books
"Facing Autism" by Lynn Hamilton ( http://www.facingautism.com ) is an outstanding new book that covers all of the fundamental, effective treatments for autism in a friendly, concise tone. This broad-ranging, authoritative book is essential reading for anyone with an interest in autism and its treatment. "Autism Treatment Guide" by Elizabeth Gerlach, is the first comprehensive guide to autism treatment. SKF Books ( http://www.skfbooks.com ) exists to generate and publish book and videos sorely needed in the world of Autism treatment and advocacy.
Autism Treatment Research
Recently, the NIH Autism Coordinating Committee (NIH/ACC) has undertaken a fresh research initiative in the area of treatment interventions directed at autism symptoms. The NICHD (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services , is one of several Institutes doing research into different aspects of autism, in conjunction with its causes, prevalence, and treatments. Newly evaluated children with autism should be given intensive, quality, effective treatment that is based in research. A significant obstacle in useful autism research has been the lack of a valid means of measuring the effectiveness of various treatments. Clinical research studies continue to watch for more promising treatments for autism. The Autism Treatment Network (http://www.autismtreatmentnetwork.org ) (ATN) is intended to develop clinical and research centers of excellence which will share current data on patient care, education, and research on autism. Intensive behavioral/psychoeducational treatments for autism and research needs and future directions are being evaluated by the ATN. In the end, ATN hopes to provide treatment procedures for autism based on credible research and rigorous clinical trials. Additionally, ATN conducts its own investigation on the causes, methods of prevention, diagnosing, and treatments for autism and related disorders.
Autism Therapy
The most prevalent autism treatment options involve both occupational and physical therapy. A vitamin and mineral therapy was developed, which is at this moment considered an effective treatment for some individuals with autism. The most common autism treatment options involve both occupational and physical therapy. Many insurers will not pay for autism treatment, leaving families holding the bag on up to $40,000 per year in therapy costs.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Parents Helping Parents ( http://www.php.com ) is a support group for parents interested in researching bio-medical treatments for autism spectrum disorders, including pervasive development disorder (PDD) and Aspergers. For children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, a genetic test has helped to identify which treatment options might lead to the best results. One study suggested that methylphenidate is a treatment selection for children with autism spectrum disorder and hyperactivity.
Conclusion - Autism Treatment Evidence
There is no evidence to support adopting a single autism treatment program as the gold standard. The challenge for autism treatment research is that there is no clear test that can be quantified before and after an intervention. A large array of unconventional treatments exist for autism, most with only anecdotal evidence of their utility. ABA ( applied behavioral analysis )/EIBI (early intensive behavioral intervention) has the highest body of scientific evidence supporting its methodology as an effective treatment for autism. With scientific evidence, a number of these interventions could develop into part of the future treatment protocol for subtypes of autism.
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