Listed here are a few of the things to consider as you evaluate treatment
options:
- Will the treatment result in harm to the child?
- How will failure of the treatment affect my child and family?
- Has the treatment been validated scientifically?
- Are there assessment procedures specified?
- How will the treatment be integrated into the child's current program?
Do not become so infatuated with a given treatment that functional
curriculum, vocational life and social skills are ignored.
In addition, consider the following questions when asking about specific
treatments (compiled by the National Institute of Mental Health):
- How successful has the program been for other children?
- How many children have gone on to placement in a regular school and
how have they performed?
- Do staff members have training and experience in working with
children and adolescents with autism?
- How are activities planned and organized?
- Are there predictable daily schedules and routines?
- How much individual attention will my child receive?
- How is progress measured?
- Will my child's behavior be closely observed and recorded?
- Will my child be given tasks and rewards that are personally
motivating?
- Is the environment designed to minimize distractions?
- Will the program prepare me to continue the therapy at home?
- What is the cost, time commitment, and location of the program?
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