There is no cure for autism, and there is as yet no standard of care. But while scientists search for biological and environmental factors that may predispose a person to the disorder, a few treatments have made a difference for some children, according to the National Alliance for Autism Research.

Behavioral therapy

One of the most widely used programs is Applied Behavior Analysis, which focuses on reducing specific problem behavior such as aggression and self-injury while also teaching new skills and showing children diagnosed with autism how to handle changes in their environment.

Medication

Medication is often used to deal with a specific behavior, like self-injurious tendencies or aggression. Reducing such behavior may allow the person with autism to focus on other things, like learning.

Doctors have had success prescribing drugs typically used for obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Occupational therapy

This kind of treatment helps children develop daily living skills, fine and gross motor development, and sensory integration.

Educational programs

These vary widely, but are most effective when tailored to the needs of the individual. Most are aimed at helping children overcome problem behaviors.

Speech therapy

This can help some people with autism overcome communication and language barriers.

Special diets

Eliminating certain foods from the diet can help some children. Easing the pain and discomfort of food sensitivities that many autistic kids have can free them up to focus on other things.

Sound therapy

Classical music and Gregorian chants have been shown to encourage improvement in the way the brain processes input for some kids with an autism spectrum disorder.