Post-Diagnostic Management and Follow-Up Care for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Paediatrics and Child Health
Ip, A., Zwaigenbaum, L., et al. (2019).
Paediatrics and Child Health, 24(7), 461-477.
This guideline provides recommendations on the care following a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
Canadian Paediatric Society
<div>Speech-language therapy may be required to improve verbal, nonverbal, and social communication skills of children on the autism spectrum. If a child on the autism spectrum is nonspeaking or has impaired language skills, a speech-language pathologist can offer augmentative and alternative communication, such as</div>
<ul>
<li>picture-based communication systems;</li>
<li>signs or gestures; or</li>
<li>specialized software and devices.</li>
</ul>
<div>Augmentative and alternative communication systems or devices can be used as a strategy to manage aggressive or self-injurious behaviors at home and school for children who are minimally verbal.</div>
<div>Although a comprehensive review of behavioral interventions for children on the autism spectrum was beyond the scope of the position statement, the following intervention principles may be useful:</div>
<ul>
<li>early intensive behavioral interventions for children ages two to five years to improve adaptive skills, IQ, and receptive and expressive language;</li>
<li>parent-mediated interventions to increase parents' responsiveness and engagement to facilitate their child's communication skills or better manage challenging behavior; and</li>
<li>social skills training to improve social behavior in children on the autism spectrum aged seven to twelve years with average to above-average intelligence.</li>
</ul>
