Pharmacists and doctors may be able to help families best if they understand the nonpharmacologic therapies for autism.
This review article describes some of the hundreds of non-drug therapies for autism. The focus of therapy is to relieve the symptoms of autism and help people with autism to lead easier lives. These non-drug treatments are the mainstay of any program that aims to improve the daily life of a person with autism. The authors suggest that treatment be tailored to the patient's age and symptoms. Therapies include: sensory integration therapy, psychological therapy, behavioral therapy, diet therapy, and vitamin therapy.









Please comment on this autism topic.
Responding to insurance
Sep 13, 2011 by AnonymousWe have private insurance for which we pay a premium and deductible. It covers occupational therapy, language therapy, physical therapy and psychological therapy but at a combined 75 visits for calendar year. This is not for each therapy but rather 75 total for all together. Thus, even with illness or vacation times taken, we do not have enough alotted time slots covered to continue therapy for a full year. Once we run out of the 75 covered slots, we must pay out of pocket. We pay a copay of $20 per visit. So, for example, if my child sees a language/speech therapist and the ot once per week it is $40 out of pocket until we hit the magic 75 allowed under the insurance. Then we woud have to pay $150 for one therapy and $160 for the other per week. The psychology/psychiatrist appointments are monthly. All of these therapies would be available more frequently and I am told by the therapists very helpful if we could do more than once a week for 1/2 a session but we cannot afford to do this. The children on the autism spectrum benefit greatly from these therapies and it is something that should be covered under the insurance policies, just as any health or mental health issue should be.