Autism Therapy: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

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Management of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Pediatrics, by Myers, SM, Johnson CP, and Council_on_Children_with_Disabilities, published in 2007, summarized Feb 28, 2008

This is a guidance document from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) that suggests treatment and care of children with autism.

The authors note that treatment can help with the symptoms of autism and improve the functioning of children with autism. While autism cannot be cured, it can be managed. The job of doctors is to help in the care and management of children with autism. Behavioral therapies such as applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy) are the main therapies for children with autism. Also, children who receive good medical care are more likely to be healthy and do better.


Comparison of Indicators for a Primary Care Medical Home Between Children with Autism or Asthma and Other Special Health Care Needs
Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med, by Brachlow, AE, Ness KK, McPheeters ML, and Gurney JG, published in 2007, summarized Jun 1, 2007

Children with autism do not get the best treatment from their doctors and this may have a bad effect on their outcome.

This survey was designed to see if children with autism receive what the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) defines as medical home care. Medical home care is doctor care that is: "accessible, continuous, comprehensive, family-centered, compassionate, culturally effective, and coordinated with specialized services." This United States survey found that children with autism are half as likely to have a medical home as children with other special health care needs. The results agree with a different survey that found that only half of parents of children with autism feel that their child has a medical home. The authors believe that doctors treating children with autism need to better understand community resources, send children for expert support, and help families maintain a therapy plan.


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Early Diagnosis and Intervention Still Key in Therapeutic Interventions for Autism

Oct 27, 2011

We do our best to keep up with therapeutic interventions for kids with autism, however, as this article discusses, early diagnosis and intervention are still important tools. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that doctors administer a standardized test at the 18-month and 24-month well baby checkups. Research done by The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC) students demonstrated that in Pennsylvania, only 1 in 10 children were diagnosed with autism by the pediatrician in 2009 and 2010. For this reason, TCMC is recommending outreach programs for family doctors and other health care professionals. Mary Christine Remick, at Northeast Regional Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at Friendship House explains that if doctors screened for autism, up to 70% of cases could be discovered early and therapy could begin.

Read original article: Early Diagnosis Key to Treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorders


Pediatricians Recommend Autism Screening for All Children

Oct 30, 2007

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently recommended that all children be screened for autism and, if appropriate, early intervention be sought. While there is no cure for autism, early diagnosis may lessen the severity. Early intervention includes occupational therapy (OT), speech therapy, and physical therapy. Some parents are finding that casein-free and gluten-free diets are helping their children with autism.

Read original article.


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Please comment on this autism topic.

What are alternative autism therapies?

Oct 4, 2006 by Anonymous

Many parents are interested in alternative therapies for autism because they are seen as less invasive or more natural than traditional therapies. Alternative therapies can include both biologic and non-biologic treatments. Biologic treatments include herbs, foods, drugs, or supplements, including vitamin C. These treatments are usually meant to make the immune system, gut, and/or brain function better. Non-biologic alternative therapies include auditory integration training, behavioral optometry, craniosacral manipulation, and facilitated communication. Therapies are typically considered alternative if they are outside of evidence-based mainstream medical practice. Some parents choose alternative therapies not as an alternative to traditional medicine, but rather to complement traditional medicine.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has acknowledged that many parents of children with autism explore alternative therapies, and suggests that pediatricians learn more about the safety and effectiveness of the therapies selected (AAP Committe on Children with Disabilities, 2001). Read the report .


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