|
Treatment
- Treatment
of decreased efficiency of brain
Medication therapy directed at abnormal behavior
is frequently unsuccessful. Treatment with a number
of neuro active drugs has been reported with varying
success. The use of antipsychotic drugs may prove
beneficial for some patients. Long-term use of
such drugs rarely necessary or advisable. Biological
studies in cases of autism have revealed decrease
in the efficiency of cellular metabolism, especially
of brain. It have also been documented by reduced
cerebral perfusion of brain. So far no way was
there to improve cellular metabolism of brain,
hence brain functioning. A affort by KRASS have
come out with a herbal
nutritional supplement which is very useful
in improving the cellular metabolism of brain
hence giving an improvement in functioning of
brain and clinical improvement in these children.
- Treatment of complications
Children suffering from epileptic disorders respond
well to anticonvulsant therapy
Behavior modification is a major part of the overall
treatment for autism. These procedures include
enhancement (i.e., rewards emphasizing appropriate
choice) and reduction (extinction time-out, punishment.
- Speech therapy for improving
speech.
Methods are being developed to help increase spontaneous
language usage that maximizes the autistic child's
communication. The use of facilitated communication
has been disavowed by most professional organizations.
Initial findings regarding the use of auditory
integration training are hopeful; however full-scale
investigations have not been undertaken.
- Training - This includes
school training and vocational trainings
Special educational resources directed at improving
social, language, and other interactive skills
are most important and require prolonged and skilled
efforts.
Treatment is most successful when
geared toward the individual's particular needs.
The most successful educational model
at present is the program for the Treatment and
Education of Autistic and Related Communication
Handicapped Children (TEACCH). The following treatment
principles are emphasized; use of objective measures
such as the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS);
enhancement of skills and acceptance by the environment
of autism-related deficits; use of interventions
based on cognitive and behavioral theories; use
of visual structures for optimal education; and
multidisciplinary training for all professionals
working with autistic children.
PROGNOSIS
This is guarded. Some children,
especially those with speech, may grow up to live
marginal, self-sufficient, albeit isolated, lives
in the community, but for some chronic placement
in institutions is the ultimate outcome. A better
prognosis is associated with higher intelligence,
functional speech, and less bizarre symptoms and
behavior. The symptoms often change, as children
grow older. Seizures and self-injurious behavior
become more common with advancing age.
|
