Optimizing Brain Function in Autism: The Biomedical Treatment Approach

What is a speech-language pathologist?

Speech-language pathologists (SPL) work with children and adults who have problems with speech and language, including related cognitive or social communication problems. They may be unable to speak at all, or they may speak with difficulty or have rhythm and fluency problems, such as stuttering

The speech-language pathologist’s most-familiar role involves helping someone produce speech – making sounds, speaking words, improving articulation (intelligibility) and so on. But speech-language pathologists do so much more. They also help with the language skill of putting words together to communicate ideas – either verbally or in reading and writing.

Most important for many people with autism, speech-language pathologists help with social communication skills.

In addition, a speech-language pathologist can help nonverbal children and adults find and use the most appropriate means of alternative communication. For one person, this may involve learning how to use gestures. Another person might do best with a communication system that includes using pictures or visual supports. Still other children and adults do particularly well using electronic communication devices. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) means all of the ways that someone communicates besides talking. The speech-language pathologist understands how to match each of these approaches to the individual’s skills and challenges. 

In addition to helping people improve the use of language, speech-language pathologists can help improve the understanding of language. For instance, someone who has autism may need help understanding how we use language to have a conversation. He or she may have problems understanding such complexities as understanding that some words have multiple meanings. For example, “I’m going to store those books” versus “I am going to the store.” Another common challenge for many with autism – understanding that some expressions are meant humorously, sarcastically or figuratively. “It’s raining cats and dogs” is a classic example.

Improving social communication

A major focus of our work is to help improve social communication and social interaction – a challenging area for many people on the autism spectrum. This can include helping someone learn how to adapt his or her language and nonverbal cues to match different social settings, contexts and communication partners. Along these lines, many people with autism need help recognizing other people’s verbal and nonverbal cues (shrugs, facial expressions, etc.).

By improving communication and reducing related frustrations, speech-language services often ease challenging behaviors and improve academic and workplace success.

Speech-language pathologists provide services and supports in education, community and vocational settings. They collaborate with teachers and other education and healthcare professionals. Furthermore, many can help with the feeding and swallowing difficulties that sometimes accompany autism.

Autism is a disorder of brain development which mainly affects social behaviors and communication development. Therapists working with children who are on the autism spectrum of disorders often use behavior therapy as a means of treatment.

Individuals with autism spectrum disorders often have vision problems contributing to their challenges. Most parents of children with autism are unaware of the signs that their child may have a vision disorder.

“the eye itself is normal but faulty wiring in the brain is causing the problem.” Vision therapy helps to “retrain” the brain. Through vision therapy, many sensory issues can be treated. Vision therapy is effective in helping patients on the autism spectrum who have disorders such as poor depth perception, poor eye- hand coordination, lack of awareness of one’s physical place within an area, and poor eye contact.

Neuro-optometric rehabilitation is an individualized treatment regimen for patients with visual deficits as a direct result of physical disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, and other neurological insults. Neuro-optometric therapy is a process for the rehabilitation of visual / perceptual / motor disorders.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social communication and behavior. Individuals with ASD may have difficulties with social interactions, communication, and may show repetitive or restrictive behaviors or interests. The symptoms of ASD can vary widely in severity and presentation, and individuals with ASD may also experience other cognitive, sensory, and motor impairments.

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is a type of sensory processing disorder that affects the brain's ability to process auditory information. Individuals with APD may have difficulty processing and interpreting auditory information, such as speech sounds, music, or environmental sounds. This can lead to difficulties in speech and language development, learning, and communication. APD can occur in individuals with or without a diagnosed neurological disorder, such as ASD.

There is some evidence to suggest that individuals with ASD may have atypical auditory processing, including difficulties with processing and discriminating sounds, and that these difficulties may contribute to some of the core symptoms of ASD, such as social communication deficits. Some individuals with ASD may also have a co-occurring diagnosis of APD. However, it is important to note that not all individuals with ASD have APD, and not all individuals with APD have ASD.

The diagnosis of APD requires a comprehensive evaluation by an audiologist or other qualified professional, and treatment may involve auditory training, sound-based interventions, or other strategies aimed at improving auditory processing abilities. In individuals with ASD, interventions aimed at improving auditory processing may be used in combination with other therapies and interventions to address the range of symptoms and impairments associated with the disorder.

In this video, the father of an autistic child illustrates how a person with ADP would hear the sounds around the playground.

Physical therapy is a crucial intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), helping them to develop their physical abilities and improve their overall quality of life. There are several types of physical therapy that may be used for children with ASD, each targeting specific challenges and goals.

Sensory Integration Therapy is one approach used in physical therapy for ASD. It involves activities that aim to help children better process sensory information, such as touch, sound, and movement. The goal of this therapy is to help children improve their sensory processing abilities, which can lead to improvements in socialization, communication, and behavior.

Motor Planning Therapy is another approach, which involves exercises that help children to plan and execute movements more effectively, such as jumping or throwing a ball. This type of therapy can be particularly helpful for children who have difficulties with coordination, balance, and motor planning.

Aquatic Therapy is a type of physical therapy that involves exercises that take place in a pool or other aquatic environment. This therapy can be particularly helpful for children who have difficulties with balance and coordination, as the water provides a supportive environment that can help to improve these skills.

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) is a type of physical therapy that focuses on improving the function of the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance and spatial orientation. VRT can be helpful for people who have experienced a variety of vestibular disorders, including vertigo, dizziness, and imbalance. The therapy involves exercises that stimulate the vestibular system in a controlled way, with the goal of retraining the brain to better process information from this system.

Primitive Reflexes Integration therapy involves exercises that aim to integrate primitive reflexes, which are automatic movement patterns present in infants. In some cases, children with ASD may retain these reflexes, which can interfere with their ability to perform more complex movements. This type of therapy can help children to develop more advanced motor skills, improve coordination, and reduce symptoms such as clumsiness and poor posture.

Overall, physical therapy can be a valuable tool in helping children with ASD to improve their physical abilities and overall well-being. It is important to work with a qualified healthcare professional to develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses the child's specific needs and goals.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies are sometimes used in the treatment of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These therapies may be used in conjunction with traditional therapies to help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being. Here are some of the more commonly used CAM therapies for ASD:

Craniosacral therapy: This is a gentle manual therapy that involves manipulating the bones in the skull, spine, and pelvis to help improve the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and release tension in the body. It is believed that craniosacral therapy can help to reduce stress, improve sleep, and enhance overall health and well-being.

Herbal remedies: Herbal remedies are natural supplements derived from plants that are used to treat a variety of health conditions. Some commonly used herbal remedies for ASD include chamomile, valerian root, and passionflower, which are believed to help reduce anxiety and improve sleep.

Acupuncture: Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to help balance the body's energy and promote healing. Acupuncture is sometimes used to treat symptoms of ASD such as anxiety, hyperactivity, and sleep disturbances.

Massage therapy: Massage therapy involves the use of various types of massage techniques to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Massage therapy is sometimes used to treat symptoms of ASD such as anxiety, hyperactivity, and sleep disturbances.

Massage therapy is a type of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) that involves the manipulation of soft tissues in the body, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It is often used to promote relaxation and reduce stress, but it has also been shown to have potential benefits for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Children with ASD often have difficulty with sensory processing, which can make them feel overwhelmed by touch and other sensations. Massage therapy can help to desensitize the nervous system and improve sensory processing by providing a safe and predictable form of touch.

Massage therapy can also help to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, which can be particularly beneficial for children with ASD who often experience high levels of stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that massage therapy can help to reduce symptoms of anxiety, improve sleep quality, and increase overall feelings of well-being in children with ASD.

There are several different types of massage therapy that may be used for children with ASD, including Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and myofascial release. The type of massage therapy that is used will depend on the child's individual needs and preferences.

Massage therapy is generally considered to be safe for children with ASD, but it is important to work with a qualified massage therapist who has experience working with children with special needs. The massage therapist should be able to tailor the massage to the child's specific needs and preferences, and should be able to modify the massage as needed to ensure the child's comfort and safety.

Overall, massage therapy can be a safe and effective complementary therapy for children with ASD. It can help to reduce anxiety, improve sensory processing, and promote overall feelings of relaxation and well-being.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and MeRT, tDCS, and neurofeedback are all non-invasive brain stimulation therapies that have shown potential in the treatment of ASD.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS/rTMS) uses a magnetic field to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. This therapy has been used to improve language and social skills in individuals with ASD. It is believed that rMTS can help to rebalance the activity of the brain's neurons, improving communication between different brain regions.

MeRT (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy) is a newer form of non-invasive brain stimulation therapy that uses low-frequency electromagnetic fields to stimulate brain activity. MeRT therapy aims to improve brain plasticity, which is the brain's ability to adapt and change in response to experiences. It has been shown to improve socialization, communication, and cognitive function in individuals with ASD.

tDCS (transcranial direct current stimulation) is another form of non-invasive brain stimulation therapy that uses a low-level electrical current to stimulate the brain. It has been used to improve attention, language, and social skills in individuals with ASD. tDCS is believed to improve brain function by increasing the excitability of neurons in the targeted brain region.

Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback therapy that uses real-time displays of brain activity to teach individuals how to regulate their own brain function. It has been used to improve attention, memory, and social skills in individuals with ASD. During a neurofeedback session, sensors are placed on the scalp to measure brain waves, and the individual receives visual or auditory feedback on their brain activity. Over time, the individual learns to control their brain function more effectively, leading to improvements in their ASD symptoms.

While all of these therapies show potential in the treatment of ASD, they are still relatively new and more research is needed to fully understand their effectiveness and safety. It is important that individuals receive these therapies from qualified healthcare professionals in a safe and controlled environment.

Regenerative medicine is a field of medicine that aims to restore, regenerate, or replace damaged or diseased cells, tissues, and organs using various techniques, including stem cell therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), and ozone therapy. These therapies promote the body's natural healing processes and have the potential to treat a wide range of conditions, such as wound healing, tissue repair, and chronic diseases.

Stem cell therapy involves the transplantation of stem cells into damaged or diseased tissues to promote regeneration and repair. HBOT involves the use of high-pressure oxygen to increase oxygen delivery to tissues and promote healing. Ozone therapy involves the use of ozone gas to stimulate the body's natural healing mechanisms and improve cellular function. All of these therapies are aimed at restoring or enhancing the body's ability to heal and regenerate itself.