Autism Spectrum Disorder: Comparing the use of Behavior Therapy to Medication Therapy

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental lifelong disorder that significantly affects everyday functioning. The most abundant issues associated with autism include social and language dysfunction. With sharply increasing rates treatment options need to be recognized and studied in order to provide the community with the necessary information. Evidence-based practice needs to be identified through individual studies as well as studies comparing treatment types to classify the best and most current treatment options. Currently there are two main types of treatment available for individuals with autism: behavioral and pharmacological. There is limited research comparing different options in each treatment type, therefore I would like to focus my project on a comprehensive comparison of all types of behavioral and pharmacological treatments available for children with autism.