21 Oct 15 Terminologies Related to Autism Treatments and Interventions

1. Biomedical Approach or Biomedical Interventions for Children with Autism: This refers to a range of medical treatments and therapies aimed at addressing underlying physiological issues associated with autism. These interventions can include dietary changes, natural supplements, and other medical treatments designed to improve the overall health of the autistic child.
2. Integrative Medicine: Integrative medicine combines pharmaceutical or conventional medical practices with evidence-based complementary and alternative therapies. In the context of autism spectrum disorder, integrative medicine may include diet modifications and supplementation alongside traditional medical care.
3. Gluten-Free, Casein-Free Diet (GFCF Diet): This diet is popular within the autism community. It involves eliminating foods that contain gluten (found in wheat and related grain products) and casein (found in cow’s milk).
4. Sensory Integration Therapy (SI Therapy): This therapy focuses on helping children with autism improve their ability to process sensory input. It involves engaging in activities that expose the child to various sensory stimuli, aiming to enhance their responsiveness and increase their ability to self-regulate.
5. Occupational Therapy (OT): OT focuses on developing essential skills in children. It helps children improve fine motor skills, self-care routines, gross motor skills, and social interaction, supporting integration into groups and society.
6. Speech and Language Therapy: Commonly referred to as speech therapy, this helps autistic children in various ways. For some, it focuses on articulation and pronunciation, while for others, it addresses pragmatic language challenges or introduces augmentative alternative communication tools or even sign language.
7. Applied Verbal Behaviour (AVB): AVB is a therapeutic approach that uses principles of applied behavioural analysis (ABA) to teach communication and language skills. It emphasises teaching functional communication skills that are meaningful and relevant to daily life.
8. Social Skills Training Therapy: This type of therapy aims to help children with autism develop appropriate social skills. It involves structured teaching of social cues, conversational skills, and social norms, with a focus on building relationships.
9. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): AAC refers to tools that support or replace spoken language. It includes sign language, picture communication systems, or speech-generating devices and apps.
10. Floortime (DIR/Floortime): This intervention approach focuses on engaging with the autistic child based on their interests and developmental level. It emphasises building an emotional connection with the child and promoting developmental progress through interactive play and shared activities.
11. Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI): EIBI is a form of ABA therapy designed for children under the age of five. It involves intensive one-on-one therapy to support early development.
12. Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS): PECS uses pictures or symbols to facilitate communication. Children are taught to exchange a picture card as a form of communication, and this method forms the foundation for many AAC devices. Once a child learns to communicate using pictures, introducing more advanced communication tools becomes easier.
13. TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication Handicapped Children): This educational intervention approach uses visual supports and schedules to help children navigate daily activities more effectively.
14. Play-Based Intervention: A popular early intervention strategy, this method uses play to teach social, communication, and academic skills to young autistic children.
15. Music and Art Therapy: Creative activities like music-making, sensory art, drawing, and crafting are used to engage autistic children in lessons. Both art and music therapy promote self-expression and communication, with music also serving as an effective tool for emotional regulation.