The interminable search for the elusive cure

The very first question that would come to mind when obvious signs of autism are manifested by behavior of a child is that-"Is There a Cure for Autism?" Unfortunately, most experts would say "NONE," in unison.

Despite the efforts to cure the puzzling disorder called Autism, it seems that these giant leaps are futile attempts. Most studies show that more and more cases of autism-a neurological disorder affecting around 1:500 children-are being recorded as years went by. Ever since its discovery in 1943, more and more experts have also delved into the seemingly endless possibilities of curing the disease. Unfortunately, they discovered that there is absolute cure for the growing malady. But, a growing consensus believes that intensive early intervention can effective and essential.

NONE…BUT

According to the Autism Society of America, there is no definite cure for autism yet but most of them are doing their best in finding better ways to understand the disorder to be able to help people with autism cope with it. Believing that despite the impossibility of finding the ultimate cure for autism, they could develop intervention to lessen the degree of the disability.

Despite the fact that there is no definite cure, various treatments and therapies emerge to help patients cope up with the illness. But since the nature of autism is quite complex, most of these interventions do not necessarily emulate the results it has made for others. It is quite important that in looking for a possible cure, the possible outcome of any approach is compatible with the individual to lessen the burden of his developmental disability.

Most of the treatment available today includes special education and strict behavioral control of the child but looking into the possibility of experimental therapies can be a possible cure. One of the popularly known is the ABA therapy or the "discreet trial training." This is an early intervention program for children with possible autism as early as 2 or 3 years of age. The therapy consists a wide variety of techniques that use rewards to develop new skills and vice versa. This is also known as a highly structured, adult-led program that involves intensive one-on-one instruction.

Other treatments and approaches for autism include drug treatment that can help calm autistic children that suffer from depression and seizures; the Music Therapy that includes singing, dancing, and playing several kinds of instruments; the Anti-yeast Therapy that helps control chronic ear infections; Auditory Training which is considered as a form of sensory integration in which stimulation that can sensitize or desensitize one or more senses; the Allergy Induced Autism and Casein/Gluten; the Sensory Integration Therapy; the Vitamin/Mineral Therapy that can produce indicators of improvements in the areas of speech, eye contact, attention span and social behavior; the Osteopathy/Craniosacral Therapy; the Holding Therapy which encourages parents to make contact with autistic children; the Delacto Method that offers brain stimulation activities for brain injured children; Higashi or Daily Life Therapy that aims to provide an education and emphasizes vigorous physical education and the arts; the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) which is an alternative training package that allows nonverbal children and adults with autism to initiate communication; the Squeeze Machine; the Speech-Language Therapy which encourages the autistic child to speak and to use language to communicate, the Son-Rise Program , Occupational Therapy, and Flexyx Therapy or photo stimulation.