Supporting Needs

Supporting individual and family needs

A number of different interventions, medications, and therapeutic approaches exist that may help support the needs and improve the daily life of an autistic person (and their family). Many of these are called “treatments,” but it is important to know that autism is not something that can be cured.

When evaluating different options, look for the things that work better for each person and your family as a whole. Make sure that everybody will be able to follow the steps required by the intervention. Below, we list best practices within the medical and educational settings, research-based interventions, and how to determine which option or options may be best for your family. This is not a complete list of what is available, nor is it a list of recommendations; rather, the information below is designed to help provide you with general ideas about what is available to support the needs of autistic individuals. Before making decisions about any way forward, the providers and family involved in an individual’s care should work together to determine the most appropriate options for that person and their family.

Why choose evidence-based practices?

“Evidence-based” means that there is strong evidence has been established by researchers that the treatment is effective. This evidence has been demonstrated by repeated studies. The National Autism Center’s National Standards Project (NSP; 2007) categorizes various practices based on the level of scientific evidence. Reference this tool when considering treatment options.

Learn more

Our evidence-based training

Glossary of terms and common acronyms

Questions for your doctor about their experience and practice

As an autistic person, parent, or caregiver, do not underestimate your role in decision-making. Your active involvement and curiosity will improve the process and help establish a partnership with medical professionals.

Some of the questions you can ask:

What is your training and experience? This will help you learn whether you or your child are in good hands. Do not hesitate to seek a second opinion to reconfirm the diagnosis.
Could you repeat that? Do not hesitate or feel embarrassed to ask your doctor, therapist, or nurse if you do not understand how the treatment or prescribed medication would work. If something still seems unclear, make sure to ask again – medical professionals are there to help you!
Can we meet again to talk? If you feel that the doctor/therapist is rushed, ask for another appointment to have enough time to go over your questions.
Can you answer some questions? Gather information about the condition you or your child has. Good places to ask for information include your doctor, reputable books and websites, and support groups. Again, make sure that the information you receive is clear and makes sense.
What are the side effects and possible interactions? When prescribed new medication or treatment, do not hesitate to ask about positive and negative effects, potential side effects, and steps for taking the medicine and undergoing treatment. Check whether any drugs you or your child are already taking (including vitamins and over-the-counter drugs) are safe to be consumed.
Will insurance cover this? How much will it cost? Before any treatment or therapy begins, check with your insurance to find out how much will be covered and that your doctor/facility is “in-network”.
How often will we need appointments? If your child or you need to be involved in treatment beyond medication (such as behavioral therapy), make sure you ask how long it is expected to last and what your expected involvement will be: Will you need to visit the clinic weekly, biweekly, or monthly? How long will each visit be?
Can you write that down for me? Write down information about the treatment that your doctor gives you to make sure you can follow what is prescribed or ask them to do it for you.
Will you come with me? If you feel that you might become too emotional or not remember what the doctor said, bring someone else like a trusted family member or friend with you to the appointment.
Keep your medical records from previous hospitalizations or doctor visits. This will help your current doctor/therapist to have a better understanding of your child’s or your health.
Do I understand this prescription? Read any medical documentation and informed consents carefully before signing and make sure to ask your doctor or nurse if something is unclear.
Is this personally acceptable? If any treatment or procedure is against your cultural or religious beliefs, explain this to your doctor. The more the doctor understands your position, the better he or she can prescribe treatment without infringing on your beliefs.
Will this approach be tailored to my child? When considering intervention and treatment options for an autistic child (or adult), remember that he or she is an individual who requires an individual approach. Be cautious of anything that claims to be a “one size-fits-all” package, offers a “cure” for /the elimination of autistic traits, or does not regularly assess the individual’s progress.

Resources

Freeman, B.J. (1997). Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 27, 641-651
Joint Commission. (2009). Speak Up Initiatives. Available from Speak Up For New Parents

Questions to ask about interventions and effective support

How effective is this approach? What is the evidence that it works?There are many interventions that can help support autistic people. However, not all them are effective, and some may even be dangerous. Make sure that the intervention suggested for your child has proven to be effective. Review evidence-based interventions to familiarize yourself with treatments/interventions that have proved to be effective.
Is this approach individualized for my child? To be effective, it is important to make sure that it is individualized for every child. Avoid interventions that offer a single approach.
How will I know if my child is making progress? Progress needs to be monitored to ensure that the support mechanism or intervention is working or if changes are needed. Make sure that regular assessments are done.
Would it require me changing my beliefs? Effective approaches do not require you to believe in them. Avoid any that ask you to change your beliefs.