Treatments for Autism: What Works, What Doesn't

Melissa- Our son was diagnosed on the spectrum just over two years ago, but we started intervention early (when he was just over 1 and before the diagnosis) and also have had tremendous success with alternative therapies and supplements. He is nearly 4 now and we believe recovery is possible! What we have discovered is that this is a digestive and toxicity disorder that affects behavior. It is NOT a mental or psychological disorder. Heal the body and the mind will follow!

My son has autism too and they have him on meds but I do not like the weight gain and feel it doesn't help anyway. He is 20 now but I was wondering what you used and if you can point me in the right direction for books or websites? I would appreciate it Melissa.

Thank you ,
Maureen

Well, my son is also a asperger child. When it comes to school work (I homeschool) he doesnt get to do anything he wants to do until he does what I want him to do first. We treat it as a privilege that he has to earn Monday thru Friday. It's tough when I first started it, lots of tantrums, and for each tantrum he had to wait longer for his privilege. I stuck to my guns and now its just part of our routine. When we got rolling I added chores to the routine as well. My son is twelve.

Yes, reluctance to do homework is commom for kids' w/ Aspergers.First, be sure that he has an IEP that has accommodations for copies of written notes, and assignmnet extensions. Written copies of homework assignments (hard copy or online) will help you & him keep track. We keep a desk size calendar to write down assignments. My son always prefers his own books, but I just keep encouraging (and monitoring) him. I praise him for successful work- so important to keep them 'in the world." It's ongoing w/ reminders to get hmwk done- I think the school day is stressful & they prefer to have zero reminders of it (in the form of homework). Keep the faith!!! There's a lot to look forward to- in college he'll have a lot more latitude in choosing classes. My son (a senior) has been accepted into a good college- it will happen for your son too!

Excellent question! I only know what works with my son, and he is only 13. I have to relate EVERYTHING back to science...herpetology and geology in particular. Have to write a book report? Hey, it's good practice for all the field notes you'll be taking when you become a scientist. Have to figure out ratios and proportions? Well, when a venomous snake bites you it will be important to figure out the right amount of antivenom based on your weight. Have to study ancient civilizations? Find out what species of reptiles and amphibians were common, how they were viewed culturally and what ones have went extinct since the time period you are studying. I just manipulate like crazy to work in my son's interest. Does it work every time? Heck no. Does it work often enough to keep at it. Yep.

Another thing is make sure to incorporate daily aerobic activity. My son's attention and mood improved incredibly when we started swimming laps with him each morning. Cold? Yes. Worth every drop of freezing water. Undoubtedly.

I have asperger's myself, and what I could have used was charm school. Tell the kids they have a disorder, and that the school will teach them how they are expected to behave. They can handle it, and they can learn. Learning behavior for us is like learning a foreign language for a neurotypical.

@K - I'll bet you know that first hand!

Sounds like you wrote the book on stupid.
You seem to have much experience on the subject!

You sound like a real stand-up guy, slapping kids with disabilities.

I work with kids with autism. If you slapped one of them you would undoubtably be headed to the hospital (with me cheering!)

Some of these kids had their share of abuse, and not just a slap, and it didn't "cure" them. You think you're the first guy to think of hitting a kid??

How about a nice slap for yourself, hard, until you learn to respect other human beings.

Bob...You seriously are an abusive idiot. I have an autistic son, & I can guarantee you that this behavior is NOT faked. I live with tantrums & meltdowns every damned day of my life. He doesn't want to be like this, & he doesn't like it when I tell him NO on things he wants to do. He has no control, & it frustrates him. You should really spend some time walking in the parents' shoes before you say something that stupid & heartless again. You know not of what you speak.

Bob, You have no idea what Autism is. So go back and hide under the rock you've been under...stupid!

Is that how your parents solved their problems with your behavior? It's obvious that it didn't help your outlook on life. I guess they didn't have time between the slaps to help you with your homework either....invest in a dictionary!
I have a 3 yr old grandson who is autistic. His mother spends every minute with him to help him become the best that he can be, He has improved greatly over the past 6 months thanks to therapy and a teacher that has vast experience with autistic children. Unfortunately, as he gets older, he will find out that there are people like you in the world....ignorant and violent. He will by far be the better person.

Well Bob, I have to disagree with you because slapping wont
do any good and I myself suffered from autism as a child.
It is true that we can control ourselves but we dont need to be
hit . Spanking and slapping someone hard is not going to solve
your immediate problems,it makes an autistic person more
aggressive over time. I hope you can see things from my end of
the delimma.

Its a shame that you have nothing better to do then comment on a subject you know nothing of. First of all, you cannot spell so that tells me your brain is disabled. Can I smack you now? Get a life or better yet get a job away from any type of child.