Study finds that medication may not be the best treatment option for autistic children

For many parents, using medication to treat symptoms autism in their children may not align with their views. Instead, they are more focused on therapy or intervention as a means to helping their child overcome the difficulties associated with the condition.

A recent study published in the journal Pediatrics shows that medication may not be the answer to treating the symptoms of autism, but rather early and intense behavioral therapy may be the better option.

Researchers say that early detection and enrollment into a treatment program may reduce the disruptive behaviors and teach the child skills that will lead to greater independence as they get older. However, they suggested that more studies are needed to better understand which children respond and whether one model is better than another.

Intervention programs can be found at therapeutic boarding schools. Educators and counselors work closely with children to identify problem areas and work to correct them.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, boys are four times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.