Personalizing Treatment
The scientific literature has a broad base of research examining evidence-based approaches for addressing autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in adults. All researchers agree that it is essential to employ a treatment approach that focuses on the individual’s strengths. Lawson (2018) emphasizes that a comprehensive and personalized treatment strategy is a necessity when approaching ASD in adults.
The need for a personalized approach is highlighted by Jones et al. (2021), who underscore the importance of recognizing and leveraging each person’s unique abilities to promote well-being. Nocon et al. (2022) argue that treatments that improve the well-being and life satisfaction of autistic individuals can be achieved by recognizing and utilizing their unique character traits. The approach to treating ASD in adults should be based on recognizing strengths, tailoring an individualized approach, and minimizing the negative aspects.
Therapeutic Approaches
Therapy for ASD in adults includes a varied set of techniques and practices. Some of the most effective are behavioral and educational interventions (Lawson, 2018). Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most proven effective approaches to address the anxiety, cognitive, and social impairments that are characteristic of ASD (Gaus, 2018).
Pfeiffer et al. (2017) argue that interventions are effective when they are aimed at improving the overall standard of living of adults with ASD. In addition to psychological interventions, exercise programs may be effective in treating ASD (Mayo, 2021). A combination of physical and mental interventions can alleviate the depressive and anxiety symptoms that adults with ASD may experience.
Importance of Social Aspect
Researchers recognize the importance of enhancing social function and the value of interaction-based interventions for adults with ASD. Laugeson (2017) presents a communication education and development program designed to meet the unique needs of young people diagnosed with ASD who experience difficulties in social interaction. Social skills training builds on strengths and contributes to the overall well-being of people with ASD (Laugeson, 2017). Jones et al. (2021) also demonstrate the importance of building a community to increase the chances of success when dealing with a problem. The development of social skills should underpin approaches to addressing ASD in adults.
Summary
Thus, the literature on approaches to treating ASD in adults presents a distinct set of methods and practices. Despite the diversity of this topic, several common approaches are used by researchers. The treatment of ASD in adults involves methods based on the use of strengths and the study of special character traits (Nocon et al., 2022; Jones et al, 2021). Cognitive-behavioral, educational, and physical-based therapies are effective in addressing the special needs of adults with ASD (Lawson, 2018; Gaus, 2018; Pfeiffer et al., 2017; Mayo, 2021). Increasing social skills and fostering a community of people with similar problems are also effective (Laugeson, 2017; Jones et al., 2021). By integrating a power-based approach, enhancing social skills, and targeting the symptoms of ASD using physical and psychological interventions, the well-being of adults diagnosed with this disorder can be greatly improved.
References
Gaus, V. L. (2018). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults with autism spectrum disorder. Guilford Publications.
Jones, M., Falkmer, M., Milbourn, B., Tan, T., Bölte, S., & Girdler, S. (2021). Identifying the essential components of strength-based technology clubs for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Developmental Neurorehabilitation, 24(5), 323-336.
Laugeson, E. A. (2017). PEERS® for young adults: Social skills training for adults with autism spectrum disorder and other social challenges. Taylor & Francis.
Lawson, M. (2018). A spectrum of treatments for autism spectrum disorder [Doctoral dissertation, Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology]. Pepperdine Digital Commons.
Mayo, J. (2021). The effects of a remote based exercise intervention on psychosocial factors in young adults with autism spectrum disorder [Master’s Thesis, University of Florida]. Central Florida Libraries.
Nocon, A. S., Roestorf, A., & Menéndez, L. M. G. (2022). Positive psychology in neurodiversity: An investigation of character strengths in autistic adults in the United Kingdom in a community setting. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 99(1), 1-19.
Pfeiffer, B., Piller, A., Giazzoni-Fialko, T., & Chainani, A. (2017). Meaningful outcomes for enhancing quality of life for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 42(1), 90-100.