Autism: Part II. Genetics, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Layperson Summary:

Since autism is becoming more common, nurses need to know about the different therapies that are used.

This short paper reviews some of the basic therapies for autism so that nurses are more aware of the disease. It describes for nurses how both drug therapies and non-drug therapies are used. Some studies have shown that diets such as the gluten-free diet or casein-free diet can help children with autism. While there is no cure for autism, drug therapy is used to help with aggression, self-injury, and hyperactivity that may come with autism. Autism brings lifelong challenges and it is important to manage the behavior issues that can come with autism.

Scientific Abstract