What is the treatment for ASD and what type of support is available?
While ASD is not curable, several treatments and supports can improve behaviors and quality of life. RCBM offers psychotherapy, medication management, and medical nutrition therapy. Additional treatment options and approaches include occupational therapy, feeding therapy, speech therapy, and social/recreational autism-friendly events such as support groups, camps, and adaptive services. Another prominent evidence-based treatment for ASD is Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). RCBM does not offer this treatment but can help identify agencies that do and may be covered under insurance.
An essential first step after an ASD diagnosis is education. Our therapists will help explain and orient our patients and/or their parents to understand ASD better and help individuals gain insight and validation into their own experience on the spectrum. Additionally, our therapists are trained to assist patients with autism in developing social skills, emotional regulation, sensory sensitivity, and executive functioning skills. Based on developmental age, the treatment also includes skill building for activities of daily living, social interactions (i.e., dating), and preparing for employment. For younger patients, this involves parent education and skills training.
Parents play a crucial role in advocating for their school-aged children. They may be eligible for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), offering additional school-based treatments, including occupational, speech, and physical therapies and social skills groups. For college-aged patients, many programs support neurodivergent students, including specific ASD dormitories and other support services offered by local disability centers.
Several community-based resources and recreational support include social skills groups, group therapy, and camp programs for those on the spectrum. Many individuals with autism may benefit from holistic treatments such as equine, music, or aquatic therapy. Michigan has several providers specializing in job training, independent living, etc. Our therapists can help provide resources to navigate these opportunities. Individuals may also be eligible for home-and-community-based services through Michigan’s Waiver Program and Community Mental Health. You can read more about this here: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs...
Medical nutrition therapy is also an essential adjunct in the management of ASD. Individuals with ASD often lack vitamins D and C, calcium, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and iron. They also tend to have lower macronutrient intakes (energy, carbohydrates, protein, and fiber) due to selective/limited eating preferences, including sensory challenges.
Supplements for ASD therapy include vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin B12, fatty acids (omega-3 fatty acids and cod liver oil), melatonin, folic acid, l-carnitine, iron, magnesium, zinc, and copper. Our registered dietitians can develop a personalized nutrition plan to help manage ASD through nutrition rehabilitation.
