Treatment and Care

Comprehensive Child Healthcare & Specialized Treatment

Autism treatment is about support, not a cure. Discover autism treatment options at LIV Hospital, including ABA therapy, speech therapy, and family support.

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A Holistic Approach to Support

A Holistic Approach to Support

Treating Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) focuses on improving communication, daily functioning, and quality of life rather than curing the condition. At LIV Hospital, a holistic, child-centered approach guides care. Our multidisciplinary team creates personalized plans to support each child’s strengths and address challenges, helping them build skills and thrive.

Early Intervention: The Golden Window

The most critical component of autism treatment options is timing. Research overwhelmingly shows that Early Intervention (EI), starting therapies before age 3, leads to the best outcomes. The young brain is incredibly plastic, meaning it can rewire itself. By starting therapy early, we can help children build communication pathways that might otherwise remain dormant

Behavioral Therapy Options

Behavioral Therapy Options

Behavioral therapy is the cornerstone of autism management. It teaches skills through structured reinforcement.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

This is the most widely researched and evidence-based therapy for autism.

  • The Method: ABA breaks down complex skills (like brushing teeth or asking for a toy) into tiny, manageable steps.
  • Reinforcement: Positive behaviors are rewarded immediately, encouraging the child to repeat them.

Customization: At LIV Hospital, we use modern, play-based ABA techniques (like Early Start Denver Model) that feel like fun, not work. This ensures the child stays engaged and happy.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

For older children and teens with ASD who struggle with anxiety or depression, CBT is vital. It helps them understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It teaches coping mechanisms for social anxiety and “black-and-white” thinking.

Developmental and Communication Therapies

Developmental and Communication Therapies

Because communication is a core deficit, speech and language therapy is essential.

  • Speech Therapy: Helps children with verbal delays learn to form words and sentences. It also teaches the “pragmatics” of language, how to take turns in conversation and understand humor.
  • AAC Devices: For non-verbal children, we introduce Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). This might involve picture exchange cards (PECS) or tablets that speak for the child, giving them a voice and reducing frustration.

Occupational Therapy (OT): Focuses on independence. OT helps with fine motor skills (writing, buttoning shirts) and sensory integration. It teaches children how to regulate their bodies when they feel overwhelmed by noise or touch.

Medical Management Options

Medical Management Options

No medication treats the core symptoms of autism itself. However, medication can be a powerful tool to manage co-occurring conditions that make learning difficult.

  • For Irritability: The FDA has approved certain antipsychotic medications (like risperidone) to treat severe irritability, aggression, and self-injury in children with autism.
  • For Focus: Stimulants (like methylphenidate) are often used if the child also has ADHD, helping them sit still long enough to participate in therapy.

For Anxiety/Sleep: SSRIs may be used for anxiety, and melatonin is commonly recommended to help regulate sleep cycles.

Educational Support and School Integration

Success at school is a major treatment goal. Our team collaborates with families to advocate for appropriate school placements.

  • IEP Support: We help parents understand Individualized Education Programs (IEP).

Social Skills Groups: We offer group therapy where children can practice making friends in a safe, guided environment. This bridges the gap between individual therapy and the chaotic school playground.

What to Expect After Treatment Starts

Therapy is a marathon, not a sprint.

  • Slow Progress: Parents should expect gradual improvements. A child might learn one new word a month initially. Celebrating these small wins is crucial.
  • Regression: It is common for children to have setbacks during times of stress or illness. This does not mean the therapy isn’t working; it means they need extra support.

Parent Involvement: The most successful treatment happens when parents become co-therapists. We train parents on how to use ABA techniques at home during bath time or dinner, turning every moment into a learning opportunity.

Long-Term Management and Transition

As children with autism grow into adults, their needs change.

  • Adolescence: Puberty can bring new challenges with hygiene, sexuality, and social isolation. We provide specialized counseling for teens on the spectrum.

Transition Planning: We help families plan for adulthood, focusing on vocational training and independent living skills. Our goal is to ensure that the support system evolves with the individual.

Why Choose LIV Hospital for Autism Care?

We offer a sanctuary for neurodiverse families.

  • Multidisciplinary Team: You have access to neurologists, geneticists, and therapists under one roof.
  • Sensory-Friendly Clinic: Our pediatric wing is designed to be calming, with quiet zones to reduce sensory overload during visits.

Family Support: We know that raising a child with autism affects the whole family. We offer sibling support groups and parent counseling to ensure everyone in the household is cared for.

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Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the treatment options for autism?

The primary treatments are behavioral therapies (like ABA), speech therapy, and occupational therapy. While there is no medical cure, medications can help manage specific symptoms like aggression, anxiety, or hyperactivity, making it easier for the child to learn and socialize.

Autism therapy is typically long-term. Intensive early intervention programs often involve 20 to 40 hours of therapy per week for several years. As the child acquires skills and enters school, the hours may decrease, but some form of support (like social skills groups) often continues through adolescence.

 No, there is no surgery for autism itself. It is a neurodevelopmental difference in how the brain is wired, not a physical blockage. Surgery is only needed if the child has a co-occurring medical condition, such as epilepsy requiring neurosurgery or gastrointestinal issues.

 Medications treat related symptoms, not the autism. Antipsychotics (like aripiprazole) treat irritability and aggression. Stimulants treat co-occurring ADHD. SSRIs manage anxiety, and melatonin is frequently used to help with sleep disturbances.

 There is no “recovery” in the sense of the condition disappearing. Instead, expect developmental progress. With consistent therapy, many children learn to communicate, reduce challenging behaviors, and gain independence. The goal is progress and adaptation, not the erasure of the diagnosis.

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