Published online November 1, 2007
PEDIATRICS Vol. 120 No. 5 November 2007, pp. 1162-1182 (doi:10.1542/peds.2007-2362)

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CLINICAL REPORT

Management of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Pediatricians have an important role not only in early recognition and evaluation of autism spectrum disorders but also in chronic management of these disorders. The primary goals of treatment are to maximize the child's ultimate functional independence and quality of life by minimizing the core autism spectrum disorder features, facilitating development and learning, promoting socialization, reducing maladaptive behaviors, and educating and supporting families. To assist pediatricians in educating families and guiding them toward empirically supported interventions for their children, this report reviews the educational strategies and associated therapies that are the primary treatments for children with autism spectrum disorders. Optimization of health care is likely to have a positive effect on habilitative progress, functional outcome, and quality of life; therefore, important issues, such as management of associated medical problems, pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic intervention for challenging behaviors or coexisting mental health conditions, and use of complementary and alternative medical treatments, are also addressed.

Key Words: autism • autism spectrum disorders • Asperger syndrome • pervasive developmental disorders • complementary and alternative medicine • early intervention

Abbreviations: ASD—autism spectrum disorder • TEACCH—Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children • ABA—applied behavior analysis • DTT—discrete trial training • DIR—developmental, individual-difference, relationship-based • RDI—relationship-development intervention • RT—responsive teaching • SI—sensory integration • EEG—electroencephalography • SSRI—selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor • CAM—complementary and alternative medicine

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