RESEARCH CONFIRMS BENEFIT OF BEHAVIOURAL INTERVENTIONS

In 2011, there were studies that confirmed the benefit of behavioural therapies for both adolescents and children with autism. Scientific reports that were published since January 2010 showed that a wide range of behavioural interventions towards people with autism have made improvements.
Dr. Geraldine Dawson, a clinical psychologist specializing in autism and psychologist, Dr. Karen Burner both focused on five types of behavioural therapies and founded evidence for each.

• Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention – intervention of 25 to 45 hours per week in at least 2 years in toddlers can show significant improvements on their language skills and mental abilities.
• Briefer – intervention at least 6 months can improve social communication on children.
• Parent Delivered Early Intervention – more studies needed to determine whether parent-led therapies can improve a child’s overall outcome.
• Group Programs – enhances the social skills of both the children and adults
• Behavioural Therapy – reduces anxiety and aggression in children and adolescents with autism

Both doctors had recommended further research and studies should be done on the results that have been gathered through comparison of treatments to determine and to identify what type of therapy suits best on every individual and how to conserve the benefits.