Children and adolescents diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) don’t have the same experience. Some may exhibit few signs of their condition, while others require more intensive levels of autism care. Providing comprehensive treatment for ASD becomes complex because there can be so much variance in how the disorder manifests in people. Most treatment revolves around various therapy services meant to help clients manage their condition.
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)
Applied behavioral therapy uses our understanding of everyday behavior and applies that knowledge to real-world situations. Therapists often use APA therapy as a way of helping clients with an ASD improve in the following areas:
- Better language and communication skills
- Improving a client’s ability to focus, learn social skills, work on their memory, and grow academically
- Help with behavioral problems
ABA encourages clients to learn and apply new skills like healthier eating habits or improving their math skills. The flexibility of ABA treatment makes it a popular choice for those living with an ASD. ABA therapy as a level of autism care helps by:
- Adapting to meet the needs of each person’s ASD
- Can be used in a variety of locations, from a doctor’s office to an inpatient residential setting
- Allows clients with an ASD to apply useful skills to everyday life
- Can be done one-on-one or in a group setting
Speech Therapy
Another level of autism care involves speech therapy. It addresses the challenges that many clients with an ASD face in using language. Speech therapy also helps clients improve their communication verbally, non-verbally, and socially.
People with ASD have varying levels of speech and communication skills. Any speech therapy program should start with a thorough evaluation by a certified speech-language pathologist (SLP). It should form the basis for any goals set for the outcome of speech therapy.
Speech therapy is often part of the levels of autism care in a patient’s care plan. It provides the following benefits to people with ASD:
- Helps strengthen the muscles in the jaw, mouth, and neck
- Encourages clients to match correct facial expressions to their current emotion
- Teaches clients how to make more precise sounds when speaking
- Offers guidance on offering responses to questions
- Shows clients how to modulate the tone of their voice
- Helps clients understand body language
Medication Management
Therapists may recommend certain medications to treat conditions associated with a client’s ASD. At Camp Worth, we use this treatment to complement other behavioral therapies provided as part of a client’s levels of autism care. Most medications prescribed to ASD clients ease symptoms like communication issues, repetitive behavior, and social interaction challenges.
The FDA, to date, has approved no medications to treat the core characteristics of ASD. However, they have approved two drugs, risperidone and aripiprazole. We use these medications for treating irritability, which is sometimes expressed by clients with an ASD. No medication should be prescribed for the treatment of ASD symptoms without strict oversight by a doctor or other medical professional.
Establishing Levels of Care For Autism
Camp Worth is a residential program offering care and guidance for children and adolescents who still need help with their levels of autism care. Parents also learn best practices for supporting their child with ASD as they learn to navigate the world with their condition.
To learn more about the levels of autism care, contact the experts at Camp Worth today. At our unique autism treatment program, we give you and your loved ones the care that they need. Find out more about our services by calling 855.915.2545 and speaking to someone on our treatment team.
