While autism cannot be cured, autism treatment can help improve communication, focus, and reduce repetitive behaviors, which can significantly enhance quality of life for both the individual and their family.

Effective treatment usually involves a team that may include a doctor, physical therapist, psychotherapist, occupational therapist, and speech therapist. These professionals recommend therapies tailored to each person, often continuing throughout life.

In addition, healthy eating habits and activities such as music therapy and equine therapy can also play an important role in reducing symptoms.

Treatment options

Some important strategies for autism treatment, whether in mild or severe cases, include:

1. Medications

The main medications prescribed in autism treatment are:

These medications are usually prescribed based on specific symptoms, such as aggression, impulsivity, inattention, difficulty handling frustration, anxiety, depression, or sleep problems. Even when medications are prescribed, it is important to also adopt other therapeutic strategies to help manage symptoms, which may eventually allow doses to be reduced or treatment to be discontinued.

2. Diet

A child’s diet should be healthy and varied, including fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and proteins. This supports healthy growth and development while helping prevent constipation, nutrient deficiencies, or obesity.

Since children with autism spectrum disorder often reject certain foods, strategies such as presenting meals in creative ways, creating menus, or offering different food choices can help improve acceptance and comfort during meals.

3. Speech therapy

Speech therapy is important for improving verbal communication in children with autism. Sessions include exercises that expand vocabulary, improve voice intonation, and encourage interaction. Games and playful activities are often used to maintain attention and engagement.

Read more about autism symptoms and how they can present.

4. Music therapy

Music can help children recognize emotions and connect more with their surroundings. The goal is not to learn to sing or play instruments, but to listen and express themselves through sounds, rhythms, or dance movements in a relaxed environment.

5. Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, guided by a psychologist, can be done individually or in groups, usually with weekly sessions. Behavioral therapy in particular helps develop communication and social skills, while also providing strategies to manage emotional challenges.

6. Occupational therapy

Occupational therapy is another common approach in autism treatment, often combined with psychotherapy. Its goal is to improve quality of life and promote independence, using activities and tools that encourage adaptation, social participation, and self-confidence.

7. Psychomotor therapy

With the guidance of a physical therapist, psychomotor therapy uses games and activities designed to develop motor coordination and improve control of movements.

8. ABA therapy

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy focuses on building social, communication, emotional, and learning skills. It can help improve autonomy and quality of life for individuals with autism who struggle with socialization, learning, or daily activities such as eating and self-care.

9. Equine therapy

Horseback riding therapy helps improve posture, motor coordination, breathing control, and self-confidence. Sessions usually last between 30 minutes and 1 hour.

Which doctor to consult

A pediatrician is usually the first doctor to diagnose autism, but other specialists such as a child psychiatrist or pediatric neurologist are often needed to evaluate and recommend the best autism treatment plan.

How to care for a child with autism at home

Some important ways to support a child with autism at home include:

Focusing on areas of strength, as many children with autism show talent in subjects like math, music, drawing, or technology
Maintaining routines, since changes can be hard to tolerate
Reducing unnecessary furniture or objects at home to lower the risk of accidents
Encouraging good sleep habits, such as keeping a consistent bedtime, using dim lighting, and offering light meals before bed

It is also helpful to avoid environments with too much stimulation, such as fast-food restaurants or supermarkets, where bright lights and loud noises can cause discomfort.

Autism Treatment: 9 Approaches Your Doctor May Discuss