Autism spectrum disorder is a chronic disorder that mainly interferes with the brain development of a person. Due to delayed brain development, it can cause problems with communication, behaviour, and social interaction. Depending upon the type and severity of the autism disorder, you may experience a wide range of symptoms such as repetitive movements, poor eye contact, odd movement patterns, and self-harming activities. You need to schedule a consultation with a specialized doctor and get the best autism treatment in Siliguri to control the condition.
The best treatment that can help children to overcome autism-related challenges is therapy. There are various available therapeutic approaches that can improve the overall life quality of patients while alleviating the symptoms. Herein, the doctor will first diagnose your child’s condition and then tailor a personalized therapy plan to offer the best possible autism care. Autism patients have different levels of limitations and strengths and the doctor must identify those to acquire the specific care needs.
Top therapies to control the complications of Autism
1. Occupational therapy
One of the most effective therapies for autism is occupational therapy which can help patients to perform daily activities seamlessly. Herein, you can contact an experienced occupational therapist to curate specific goals for the autistic child based on their classroom performance, social interaction, and behavioural patterns.
Therapy and evaluation are the two main roles of these therapists where they combine various strategies to enhance the child’s condition. Some of the strategies that can be combined in the therapy sessions are-
- Adaptive strategies to help the child experience smooth transitions to new activities or changes.
- Physical activities to boost body awareness and coordination such as solving puzzles.
- Developmental activities include combing hair, organizing a room, and brushing teeth.
- Various play activities to increase communication and interaction skills.
2. Play therapy
It is normal for an autistic child to play differently as compared to other children. In some cases, playing can also be a great mode for the child to express their feelings and emotions while showing actions and toys. Herein, play therapy can be an effective treatment recommended by the best autism doctors in Siliguri to enhance emotional and social skills.
This therapy can help the child to think differently while experiencing improvements in their communication and language skills. There are various types of play therapy that the doctor can adopt based on your child’s condition. Some such types are-
- Integrated play groups
- Floor time
- Joint attention symbolic play engagement and regulation
By indulging your child in these activities, you can see the development of new skills in just a few weeks.
3. Applied behaviour analysis
Another beneficial autism therapy that the doctor might recommend to the child is applied behaviour analysis (ABA). In this therapy, the doctor teaches your child new skills while using rewards to trigger positive behaviours. Your caregivers and parents will also be involved in these therapy sessions so that they can offer moment-by-moment feedback.
Herein, the child’s individual traits are considered to curate the therapy plan. School work, communication, personal care, and social skills are some of the factors that will be evaluated. Just like play therapy, there are also various types of ABA where the doctor may select one based on your condition. Some common types include-
- Pivotal response treatment
- Discrete trial training
- Early intensive behavioural intervention
- Verbal behavioural intervention
4. Speech therapy
Autism children often experience severe issues regarding non-verbal and speech communication. This is why they find it extremely difficult to start or indulge in social interaction. Such autistic patients suffering from speech difficulties need speech therapy to help the child interact and communicate with others effortlessly.
During these therapeutic sessions, the children will be taught various non-verbal skills such as understanding gestures, making eye contact, and involving in a conversation. Herein, the kids can also learn using sign language, pictures, and gestures to express themselves. It is essential to start speech therapy as early as possible to get the best results. The goals of this therapy include-
- Learning self-control
- Communicate through non-verbal and verbal modes
- Articulate words
- Exchange ideas
- Improve conversational skills
- Enjoy interacting with others
5. Nutritional therapy
Some autistic children suffer from bone density and digestive issues. Additionally, they also often divert from certain food textures and flavors which can make it extremely difficult to meet the specific nutritional requirements. If your child is also a picky eater then the best autism treatment in Siliguri that you can opt for is nutritional therapy.
During the nutritional therapy sessions, the specialist will understand your child’s specific food preferences and needs so that the food plan can be developed accordingly. You will also be advised to adopt certain measures to improve the child’s eating habits, such as
- Serving new and innovative dishes
- Preparing your child’s favourite dishes with similar texture and taste
- Enable your child to develop a sense of control so that they can try new food options
6. Cognitive behavioural therapy
Anxiety and aggression are some of the common challenges experienced by autistic children. If these issues are left unaddressed then it can lead to sudden outbursts, aggressive behavioural patterns, and difficulty socializing. To eliminate these negative behaviours, the doctor can advise your child to undergo sessions of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
CBT is an advantageous therapeutic approach where the child can understand the influence of thoughts on their behaviour. Just like other treatment methods, CBT is also customized based on your child’s health needs and experienced symptoms. This therapy is also highly useful for the child as they will be able to cope with difficult situations and regulate emotions. If your child suffers from sleeping issues due to autism then it can also be solved with CBT.
7. Equestrian therapy
Another advanced therapy that is gaining popularity in recent times is equestrian or horse therapy. This effective therapy involves interaction with horses to improve cognitive, physical, and emotional abilities. You must know that this therapy is beneficial to reduce autistic symptoms where the children can experience significant improvements in socialization, physical skills, and communication.
This is a collaborative treatment approach between the horse handler and the therapist where a controlled opportunity will be given to your child to communicate with the horses. Some key benefits that the child can acquire through this modern therapy are-
- Sense of purpose
- Physical and cognitive development
- Social skills
- Emotional regulation
- Improved overall well-being
- Distress tolerance
- Adaptability
- Self-awareness
The mental health issues associated with autism such as depression and anxiety can also be controlled with this therapy.
Starting the autism treatment in Siliguri early and following the procedures at home can help you properly manage the autism symptoms. You must always recognize your child’s strengths and set a particular schedule for all the activities to alleviate the challenges associated with autism and offer an improved life quality to the child.
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