Research summaries for autism therapy: trigger

definition of trigger: Something in the environment that happens before a behavior, and seems to almost always result in that behavior.

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Behavioral therapy that uses photographs to engage children with autism may be helpful for improving communication skills.

This article tells the story of one boy with autism who had serious behavioral problems including avoidance. The therapist used a therapy approach called, “Ahsen’s picture approach to autism.” This therapy approach uses specific nature photographs to trigger the child’s interest and encourage interactions with the therapist. For 7-year-old Michael, the therapy helped him interact better with the therapist, and eventually his problem behaviors went away. The author describes Michael’s behaviors and conversations during the therapy. This article is the first of two articles that describe Michael’s experience.

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This article suggests that fish oil may be an effective therapy for autism.

Experts estimate that the incidence of autism has increased approximately ten-fold in the last 30 years. Twin studies seem to suggest that genetics plays an important role in autism. The authors of this review article note that autism is not completely inherited and is likely the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Many studies have suggested that genetics may determine which children are at risk for autism and the environment may be the actual trigger for autism. The authors go on to suggest that low levels of omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) in the diet may contribute to the presence and severity of autism. Read more...

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