Myth: Treatments turn kids into robots
Some say that behavioral therapy, the recommended treatment for autism, is highly impersonal, which Dr. Skowron said is simply not true.
People say it turns kids into robots, said Dr. Skowron, who has been working in applied behavioral analysis for 20 years. It seems very personal to me. Based on the needs of the kids you form a strong bond with the person. The families play a big role in the treatment, and they can have a great affect on the treatment of the child.
Doctors typically prescribe antipsychotic medications to treat severe symptoms of autism, which can include anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
The best and most effective treatment for autism is applied behavior analysis, said Dr. Skowron. There is scientific evidence showing the effectiveness of treating autism this way. Any other methods just dont have the same body of research toward them.
Pictured: Applied Behavioral Analysis Technician Brandy Huyck interacts with Colin Huber, 5, of Flint as he builds a matching clothing as a learning moniker at the treatment room, which allows technicians to give discrete trial training at Genesee Health System's new Children's Autism Center on Jan. 16, 2014 in Flint. Next
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Common myths about autism explained