A problem-solving approach that is combined with applied behavior analysis (ABA) may be helpful for children with autism who have tantrums and aggression.
This article reviews research-based treatments for tantrums, and describes the strengths and problems of each intervention approach. The most common treatment approach for problem behavior is ABA therapy that is skill building in nature. It appears that the use of functional assessment makes it more likely that the ABA therapy will work. Many of the treatment studies also taught the child how to communicate. The author notes that brain (antipsychotic) drugs are being used more and more often for younger and younger children.









Please comment on this autism topic.
Responding to Thorazine (chlorpromazine)
Aug 13, 2010 by PWSMomIn 2006 the FDA approved risperidone for the specific treatment of aggression and irritability in people (inc children) with autism, yet you have posted an expert opinion also from 2006 that anti-psychotics are not useful in treating autism. Please review your information. Risperidone is an anti-psychotic and has been found to be effective in treating patients with autism who are easily agitated and frequently aggressive. While I can not speak specifically to Thorazine, the professional opinion used to back up the information is outdated and no longer correct.
Comment added from Healing Thresholds: Note that rarely is scientific consensus achieved in one year. Moreover, scientific consensus rarely occurs as the result of a regulatory decision (FDA approval). At Healing Thresholds we summarize medical research as it occurs and we provide the date of the medical research/medical opinion. We inlude both mainstream and alternative views as long as those studies/opinons have been subjected to the scientific peer review process. We encourage all readers to consider the date of the research/opinion (and the source of the research/opinion) when evaluating how the results relate to their own child's therapy program.
Responding to art therapy
May 18, 2010 by AnonymousArt Therapy is a mental health profession that requires a master degree, specializing in art therapy, from an accredited university or college. Art therapy uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. It is based on the belief that the creative process involved in artistic self-expression, guided by a professional art therapist, helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness and achieve insight. (Please see the official website of the American Art Therapy Association at arttherapy.org.)
Art therapy may be especially beneficial for persons with autism because of its inherent ability to surpass language barriers. Children and adults can easily use "hands-on" expression to make therapeutic gains when traditional "talk therapy" is not feasible. In addition to be effective, art therapy is often enjoyable for clients and they look forward to it. Skill as an artist is NOT important. The therapeutic process is the focus in treatment, rather than the artistic product.
Art therapists in your area can be located by going to www.arttherapy.org. One may also search local Yellow Pages under Counselors, Licensed Professional Counselor, Therapists, Psychologists, and other mental health professions.
Does Vision Therapy Work?
Mar 18, 2010 by AnonymousUnfortunately the article written in the NY Times was frequently quite biased. We have the research to show that optometric vision therapy works (http://www.covd.org/Home/ResearchWhitePapers/tabid/188/Default.aspx) for many vision and learning related vision problems. We do not know very much about the vision system and autism. We are just starting to figure out if optometric vision therapy is a form of treatment that can help the child on the Autism Spectrum....you can say the same for many therapies now being developed in this area.
Dominick M. Maino, OD, MEd, FAAO, FCOVD-A; Professor of Pediatrics/Binocular Vision Illinois Eye Institute/Illinois College of Optometry
Questions? Contact me at dmaino@ico.edu
Responding to homeopathy
Feb 23, 2010 by AnonymousI am James K. Feldman, Attorney at Law, located 1115 Tall Grass Circle, Stow, Ohio 44224, telephone (330) 920-1507, personal email: JimFriend@aol.com I was born May 30,1938 with Asperger's and Tourette's syndormes, and was treated for these disorders with sparse success with phenothiazine and benzodiasapine drugs, megavitamin therapy and psychological counselling until December, 1996. At that point in time I was prescribed homeopathic treatment by the Family Holistic Health Center, 556 West Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44223, telephone (330) 923-3060. Their modality of therapy is best described at the website: www.drugfreeasperger.com Before starting treatment I was unable to practice law. I had needed to drop out of the Akron Universityh Law School 9 times in 14 years before graduating in 1975, and had barely passed the bar exam by the skin of my teeth. Since I have been treated with homeopathy, I have been able to practice successfully in this profession and I have participated in many activities in behalf of folks with autism spectrum disorder and do extensive writing on the subject. My higly detailed case history and all material I have written is available free upon request. Among the homeopathic remedies which I was administered in succession were Anacardium, Stramonium, Lyssin, Sulphur and Calcium carbonate. These can be checked out on the internet by entering the name of each one of them after the word "homeopathy".