TREATMENT OF AUTISTIC DISORDER

Objective: To present an overview of a variety of treatment approaches in individuals with autistic disorder. Method: Selected studies and a rticles are reviewed. Results: in the past three decades, great progre ss has been made in the treatment of autistic disorder, particularly i n the area of education and parental involvement, with the objective t o transfer to home and in other situations learning acquired in school . A role for psychoactive agents, when combined with psychosocial trea tments, has been identified. Conclusions: Although considerable advanc es have been made in a variety of interventions-educational, psychosoc ial, and biological-knowledge about the comparative and combined effic acy of the various treatment modalities is lacking. From the parents' perspective, particularly, support and continuity of services require improvement.