Educational and Behavioral Interventions in Management of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) makes early recognition, evaluation and management an important task for pediatricians, physicians and other professionals caring for children. Educational interventions form the mainstay of management for children with autism spectrum disorder. Such interventions focus on improving social interaction, communication and challenging behaviors, thereby promoting learning and independence in children. This article provides an overview of educational and behavioral interventions in autism spectrum disorder, with special reference to challenges and feasible solutions in the Indian context. Articles were retrieved from various databases including Google Scholar, Medscape, Cochrane, PubMed using the search terms 'autism spectrum disorder OR autism AND educational interventions'; 'autism spectrum disorder OR autism, educational interventions AND India' and 'autism spectrum disorder OR autism AND India'. Reference lists from retrieved articles as well as websites of organizations working in this space in India were also searched. Extracted manuscripts were analysed for content related to various aspects of educational and behavioral interventions in autism spectrum disorder. Intervention models for autism spectrum disorder are based on various theoretical orientations and target specific deficits associated with the disorder. In addition, evidence-based principles for effective intervention are highlighted. In developing countries like India, access to interventions is a challenge and resources are limited. In such settings, the pediatrician's or physician's role is vital in supporting families choose programs that are evidence-based, target individual needs and result in improved outcomes.

Outcomes of bone marrow mononuclear cell transplantation combined with interventional education for autism spectrum disorder

“…Educational and behavioral interventions have been recognized as crucial for the management of ASD in children 12 . The evidence indicates that young children with ASD benefit from interventions that focus on improving social interaction, communication, and challenging behaviors 13,14 . Unfortunately, many children who receive those treatments remain significantly impaired 15 …”

“…12 The evidence indicates that young children with ASD benefit from interventions that focus on improving social interaction, communication, and challenging behaviors. 13,14 Unfortunately, many children who receive those treatments remain significantly impaired. 15 In search of better outcomes in the management of ASD, alternative and complementary treatments are being investigated.…”

Perceptions, attitudes and practices of physicians regarding use of complementary and alternative medicine in autism spectrum disorder

“…27 Given the high prevalence rates of ASD in LMIC settings like India, most physicians and pediatricians are likely to care for children and adolescents with ASD in their practice. 28 The reality is that pediatricians are often not trained or prepared to provide the kind of guidance and discussion that parents need after receiving a diagnosis of ASD for their child. 23,24,27,29,30 Since the pediatricians' role in guiding families about the use of CAM is pivotal, it is crucial to examine their perceptions about the use of CAM in diverse settings.…”

Editorial: Autism – Hype and Hope

“…They describe various screening tests including CHAT, M-CHAT, ITC, and GARS, along with their psychometric properties such as sensitivity and specificity. Sengupta and colleagues deliberate the educational and behavioral interventions for management of ASD [7]. Their article presents challenges and solutions tailored to the Indian context.…”