me clothes, insisting on the same patterned way of reading a book or other activities, and going to school using the same route. For example, they may rock rapidly in their chairs, spin an object repeatedly, or twirl themselves or their arms. Think of the components of autism- social phobia, compulsive behavior, and trouble communicating- as the colors on a childs paint palette. Different mixes of red, blue, and yellow produce a rainbow of hues. (Harris, 1994). TreatmentsThere is no standard, universally accepted treatment of autism; in fact, every single method has its detractors. General approaches may be summarized as follows: Biochemical (food allergies, medication, food and vitamin supplements), Neurosensory (sensorial integration, over stimulation and patterning, auditory training, facilitated communication, daily life therapy), Psycho-dynamic (holding therapy, psychotherapy and psychoanalysis, option institute(which also falls in behavioral)) and Behavioral (Discrete trials, behavior modification with and without aversives). Today the picture is brighter. Better understanding of the disorder has led to the development of better coping mechanisms and strategies for the various manifestations of the disability. Various types of therapies are available including applied behavior analysis, auditory integration training, dietary interventions, discrete trial teaching, medications, music therapy, and physical therapy. Understanding of autism has grown tremendously since Dr. Leo Kanner first described it in 1943. Some of the earlier searches for "cures" now seem unrealistic in terms of today's understanding of brain-based disorders. To cure means, "to restore to health, soundness, or normality." In the medical sense, there is no cure for the differences in the brain, which result in autism. However, better understanding of the disorder has led to the development of better coping mechanisms and strategies for the various manifestations o...
