Umbrella-Autism

No cures and probably no single cause
A variety of approaches
Some examples
Getting the approach you favour

No cures and probably no single cause

	There are, at present, no cures for autistic spectrum conditions. A cure is the one thing that no approach, treatment or programme can provide. The sacrifices, the risks, the human and financial costs of fighting for one approach or type of environment need to be carefully considered against this fact.
	It is very likely that the causes for the behaviours we label "autistic" will one day be found to be many and varied --- including genetic, brain-based and bio-chemical factors.
	Because it is unlikely there is a single cause, autism research is varied and following up a number directions within a range of fields which look at different aspects of autism. Umbrella Autism reflects the varied views of members in supporting varied kinds of autism research.

A variety of approaches

	There is no one approach or treatment which is indisputably the best for all. Approaches are very varied and their effectiveness (as against other factors or how the person would have developed anyway) are difficult to prove.
	Reflecting the range of views of our members, we support the availability of a variety of approaches and the importance of choice. Differences in autism itself, in individuals and in families justify a range of choices and options.

The Internet is best place to start to view the range of approaches that have been tried and well-liked by a range of families. (It seems to be generally agreed that given the brain-based, genetic and bio-chemical factors, psychotherapy is not an appropriate main approach. However, there may well be a place for supportive counselling for family members and more able people with autism in addition to other approaches, such as those listed here. An excellent introduction to the range of approaches can be found on the National Autistic Society website www.nas.org.uk. Approaches to look at include:

	ABA/ Lovaas, Options/Son Rise
	TEECH, PECS
	Diet

Getting the approach you favour

	Exploring internet sites related to autism shows that people feel strongly about the approaches they favour and families have had to fight very hard to get the approach they want or a combination they are satisfied is the best possible for their family member.
	It can be helpful making contact with people who have progressed further than you with getting access to a particular approach. You can pick up any tips. You can monitor the relevance of their experience and situation to yours. You can follow up whether, over time, they found the results justified the effort.
	A word about dedication. The autism community has spot-lighted a number of remarkably dedicated and persistent parents. Not everyone is the same and not everyone can do this. Each family needs to consider what is best for their whole family. Battles which shatter the whole family or consume so much that siblings get sidelined are no help to anyone. Choose your battles selectively. Keep reviewing the balance between quality of life for everyone in the family and the battle for a particular option over others for your family member. Do remember that, at the end of the day, what works for any child (typical or autistic) is often more a matter of the fit between personalities and individuals. It's often the people that make a particular programme "work like magic" not so much the details of the programme itself.

Contact Umbrella

The National
Autistic Society