Autism Treatment and Therapy

Autism Treatments and Interventions: Pros and Cons

Autism Treatments and Interventions: Pros and Cons
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Updated on January 29, 2025
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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts social interaction, communication, behavior, and learning. Treatment strategies aim to build specific skills, overcome challenges, and promote independence.

Read on to learn more about treatments for autism, including behavioral interventions, educational interventions, and complimentary approaches.

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism often involves repetitive behaviors, restricted interests, and heightened sensory sensitivity. As the name implies, ASD symptoms exist on a spectrum and can range from mild to severe.

The effects of ASD vary widely from person to person, potentially leading to a great range of challenges as well as strengths. Some individuals may have significant difficulties in communicating, while others may navigate conversations with ease but struggle in social settings.

Autism overlaps with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), another common neurodevelopmental condition. Researchers are investigating the complex connection between these disorders and how it affects treatment and care.

Behavioral Interventions for Autism Treatment

Behavioral therapies have long been the cornerstone of autism care.

The right treatment plan varies from person to person. It’s not about finding a one-size-fits-all solution, but tailoring interventions to individual needs.

ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis)

Applied behavioral analysis (ABA) is one of the most widely recognized approaches to autism treatment. This method uses positive reinforcement to teach desired behaviors and discourage harmful or disruptive ones. There are several ways therapists may do this. Examples include modeling behaviors and positive reinforcement systems, all with the aim of showing and teaching people with autism correct behaviors.

Both the U.S. Surgeon General and the American Psychological Association recognize ABA as an evidence-based approach to treating autism symptoms. Many studies show its effectiveness in improving communication skills and daily living outcomes for many people with autism.

However, ABA is not without controversy. Critics, including many in the autistic community, argue that the approach can feel rigid or overly focused on encouraging individuals to conform to neurotypical norms. These critiques highlight the importance of adopting compassionate, person-centered strategies when implementing any therapy.

Positive aspects of ABA include:

  • Strong research-based evidence showing improvement in communication, social, and life skills
  • Customizable programs tailored to the individual’s goals and needs
  • Flexible treatment plans that can be provided in many locations, such as the home, school, and community
  • Focus on positive reinforcement, which helps shape desired behaviors
  • Long history of use, with many trained professionals and resources available
Some negative aspects of ABA are:

  • Perceived rigidity in some programs, which may not adapt well to the individual’s preferences
  • Concerns from the autistic community about an overemphasis on neurotypical behaviors
  • Time-intensive, often requiring several hours per week, which can be challenging for families

PRT (Pivotal Response Treatment) and DTT (Discrete Trial Training)

Pivotal response treatment (PRT) and discrete trial training (DTT) are types of ABA that provide more targeted methods for teaching specific skills. These approaches often prioritize flexibility and adaptability to better align with each child’s unique needs. PRT targets motivation, self-management, and responsivity, among other things. The focus on these areas leads to gains in other nontargeted areas as well, leading to improved language, behavior, and social outcomes, according to research.

 DTT can also help to develop social and behavioral skills in people with autism. A therapist will provide a prompt and ask for a desired behavior, which will be rewarded with positive reinforcement. This process repeats until the desired behavior occurs autonomously, without prompt.

Educational Interventions

In the United States, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ensures that all children with disabilities, including those with autism, receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). This federal legislation guides local special education programs in meeting the unique learning styles and challenges of children with autism.

IDEA mandates that every student with autism receive an Individualized Education Program (IEP). An IEP outlines specific goals and accommodations to support their academic and social-emotional development in the classroom.


Many autism professionals use TEACCH, an evidence-based education framework, which incorporates the following concepts to help students learn:

  • Physical organization
  • Individualized visual schedules
  • Work (activity) systems
  • Visual structure of materials in tasks and activities

Parent-Mediated Therapies

Parents are often at the heart of autism treatment, making parent-mediated therapies a powerful tool. Training programs teach parents how to provide specific therapies to their own child. This helps parents manage behaviors, encourage communication, and create supportive home environments. ABA therapies discussed above can also fall into this category if the parent is doing the therapy with their child.

Family therapy can also provide emotional support and practical strategies for navigating challenges together. For some families, home-based therapies offer the flexibility to integrate skill-building into daily routines.

Relationship-Based Approaches

Relationship-based approaches focus on emotional connection and individual growth, working by following the interests of the autistic person. For example, if a child is enjoying legos, it involves getting down on the floor and engaging with the child and their legos. The Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based model — also called DIR or Floortime — emphasizes play and building relationships as the foundation for learning.

Unlike behavioral methods, which often target specific actions, developmental approaches aim to foster creativity, communication, and emotional regulation. These methods encourage parents and therapists to meet children literally where they are, by getting down to their level, and therefore creating space for meaningful engagement.

Developmental Therapies for Autism

Developmental therapies aim to improve developmental skills, such as speech, language, and physical skills in order to support independent living for people with ASD. These therapies are essential components of many autism treatment plans and may include the following:

  • Speech and Language Therapy Speech therapy strengthens communication skills to improve an autistic person’s daily functioning, whether through verbal language or alternative systems like picture-based communication tools.

  • Occupational Therapy This focuses on practical life skills, such as dressing, eating, using the bathroom, and a variety of fine motor skills. The therapist provides activities and strategies to improve these skills across settings, including home, school, and the community. Improvements in this set of skills can significantly aid in independence.

  • Sensory Integration Therapy This addresses sensory processing challenges, helping individuals feel more comfortable and less overwhelmed in their environment. An occupational therapist typically uses this type of therapy while working on life skills.

These therapies can work together to support an autistic child’s overall development, communication, and independence.

Medication and Dietary Interventions

While no medication or diet can cure autism, some may help manage symptoms. Always talk to a healthcare provider before exploring any medications, dietary changes, or vitamins and supplements.

Medication

A doctor may prescribe medication to manage autism symptoms and related conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or hyperactivity. Commonly prescribed medications include:

Diet

Sensory challenges often mean people with autism eat less than recommended amounts of nutrient-dense foods like fruits and vegetables. Their food preferences contribute to nutrient deficiencies, including too little calcium, protein, vitamin D, vitamin B12, vitamin C, and zinc. Nutrient deficiencies can worsen behavioral challenges.

People with autism who have milk protein and gluten sensitivities should follow casein-free and gluten-free diets, but doctors don’t recommend these diets for everyone with autism. As in most cases, generally speaking diets that include more healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, and less problematic foods, such as heavily processed foods, are also better for people with autism.

Talk to a healthcare provider to learn about the best dietary options.

Vitamins and Supplements

Emerging research shows potential for specific vitamins and nutritional supplements to address autism symptoms. One small study showed that omega-3 treatment improved autism characteristics, but scientists need to conduct more research to confirm these findings.

It’s important to approach dietary supplements with caution and talk with a doctor before making any significant changes.

Emerging and Complementary Therapies

Complementary therapies for autism focus on enhancing emotional well-being and providing enjoyable ways to engage.

Music therapy has many benefits for people with ASD. Research shows it can help to improve both verbal and nonverbal communication, enhance social skills (turn-taking, sharing), and improve cognitive skills related to attention, memory, and problem solving. Music therapy may also increase self-esteem, self-expression, and creativity, alongside aiding in emotional regulation.


Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) enhances social interactions, reduces stress, and fosters positive emotions in autistic people. For example, studies show that interacting with therapy animals, such as dogs, can increase communication behaviors like talking, gestures, and eye contact, as well as elicit more positive emotional responses compared with other activities like playing with toys.

AAT is not a primary treatment for autism, but can be a supplemental therapy alongside evidence-based interventions, such as occupational or speech therapy. The effectiveness of animal-assisted interventions can vary depending on the type of animal, therapy structure, and the individual.

Technology-based interventions, including apps and virtual reality, offer innovative ways to teach skills and track progress. Though these interventions are promising, researchers recommend them only as supplemental therapies at this point.

Do Autism Treatments Work?

Research confirms the effectiveness of several evidence-based autism interventions, such as ABA and developmental therapies, in improving communication and adaptive skills. However, inconsistent study quality, including biases and lack of standardization, limits definitive conclusions. For example, many studies lack randomization or control groups, making it harder to compare treatment outcomes.

Not every treatment will work for every individual. The key is finding what aligns with a person’s unique needs and goals. Progress can be hard to measure, so regular reviews and adjustments to treatment plans are essential.

Working with healthcare professionals and listening to the voices of autistic individuals can help guide these decisions. Personalized care makes all the difference.


Concerns and Considerations in Autism Treatment

Ethical concerns often arise around autism treatments, especially those focused on changing behaviors to fit neurotypical expectations. Many in the autistic community advocate for greater acceptance and understanding rather than therapists — and society — solely focusing on treatments for individuals.

It’s also important to avoid unproven or potentially harmful interventions. Always consult a trusted healthcare provider before trying new therapies and prioritize evidence-based options.


The Takeaway

  • Autism treatments offer a variety of tools to support skill-building and independence, but they’re not one-size-fits-all. Choosing the right approach depends on the individual’s unique needs, strengths, and goals.
  • Evidence-based therapies, like speech and occupational therapy, often form the backbone of effective treatment plans. Emerging methods, such as technology-based tools, add exciting possibilities but should complement proven interventions.
  • Navigating autism treatments can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.

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Angela D. Harper, MD

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Angela D. Harper, MD, is in private practice at Columbia Psychiatric Associates in South Carolina, where she provides evaluations, medication management, and psychotherapy for adults.  

A distinguished fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, Dr. Harper has worked as a psychiatrist throughout her career, serving a large number of patients in various settings, including a psychiatric hospital on the inpatient psychiatric and addiction units, a community mental health center, and a 350-bed nursing home and rehab facility. She has provided legal case consultation for a number of attorneys.

Harper graduated magna cum laude from Furman University with a bachelor's degree and cum laude from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, where she also completed her residency in adult psychiatry. During residency, she won numerous awards, including the Laughlin Fellowship from the American College of Psychiatrists, the Ginsberg Fellowship from the American Association of Directors of Psychiatric Residency Training, and resident of the year and resident medical student teacher of the year. She was also the member-in-training trustee to the American Psychiatric Association board of trustees during her last two years of residency training.

Harper volunteered for a five-year term on her medical school's admission committee, has given numerous presentations, and has taught medical students and residents. She currently supervises a nurse practitioner. She is passionate about volunteering for the state medical board's medical disciplinary commission, on which she has served since 2015.

She and her husband are avid travelers and have been to over 55 countries and territories.

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Angela McPhillips is a registered nurse and doctor of nursing practice with over 15 years of healthcare experience. She earned her nursing degrees from the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). Her postgraduate and doctoral specialty is advanced population health nursing, specifically meeting the needs of medically complex children and students with disabilities in school and community settings.

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