Using a Music Therapy Collaborative Consultative Approach - World ...

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Because each child has unique strengths and weaknesses, there is no one approach that is
suitable for all children. Educational and therapeutic interventions must be individualized to
the child’s individual needs and abilities (ASA, 2003; Kraus, 2002; National Research
Council, 2001; Schopler, 1997). A combination of individualized educational approaches
and treatments is often most beneficial for individuals diagnosed with autism, but should be
carefully selected (ASA, 2003). Based on the literature, treatment options for children with
autism can be placed into three general categories: medical treatments, educational and
behavioral approaches and programs, and complementary therapy. The following sections
review each of these treatments in turn.
2.2.3.1 Medical Treatments
According to recent research, no dietary or biomedical approaches can cure autism
(NINDS, 2003). However, some medical treatments have positive effects on some behaviors
associated with autism (ASA, 2003). Medical treatments for autism currently include (1)
medication; (2) nutrient therapy (vitamins and nutritional supplements such as vitamin B6, A,
C and magnesium zinc, folic acid); (3) hormone therapy (e.g., secretin, melatonin), (4)
Landau Kleffer Syndrome treatment; (5) heavy metal detoxification/chelation therapy (e.g.,
mercury or other substances in food, and other environmental sources); (6) dietary
interventions; (e.g., gluten, casein) to control food intolerances and allergies; (7) anti-yeast
therapy; and (8) immune system therapy (Dalldorf, 2002; Marohn, 2002; Society for the
journals as a source of evidence. That said, for the purposes of this inquiry the Internet serves a
valuable purpose for several reasons. First, it provides accessibility for individuals with ASD and their
families, as well as for professionals. Second, it is well suited to the particularly fast-changing nature
of ASD research. Third, and by extension, much of the scholarly work on ASD is in fact located on the
Internet. Finally, associations use Internet as a primary vehicle for the dissemination of information on
ASD and related disorders.