Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime. It is part of a group of disorders known as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Today, one in 150 individuals are diagnosed with an ASD, making them more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined.

No two cases of autism are the same, and no one treatment works for every case. Many treatment plans include therapies like speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy, as well as alternative treatments like supplements and vitamins. Some treatments are researched and approved while others remain experimental and controversial.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is currently the most comprehensive and proven approach to improving the lives of people with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). ABA is a science to understanding behavior, and for children with autism, that science is used to teach them language, social skills and other skills like reading and math.

ABA therapists utilize consequences and rewards to increase desired behaviors. Therapists identify negative behaviors and analyze the cause; they then work to teach the child a more positive way to express himself as an alternative to the unwanted behavior.
               
Mae Barker, PhD, clinical director of the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at the University of Florida, Jacksonville, uses ABA therapy to teach parents how to play with their autistic or developmentally delayed children. Her play training interactive computer program allows parents to follow along with guidelines in their own home.

University of Michigan researchers are studying the effects that bike riding has on children with autism and Down syndrome. During a five-day camp, researchers and volunteers teach 8- to 15-year-olds with autism or Down syndrome to ride a two-wheel bike.

In the beginning, the goal is to take away the fear associated with bike riding by using a training wheel that steadies the bike. Throughout the week, smaller training wheels are used until the child is comfortable riding on his or her own.

After the five days, researchers say about 67 percent of the kids are able to ride on their own. Some parents have noted that their children are more confident and expressing more interest in various activities after completing the bike camp.

Source: Ivanhoe Broadcast News