A Review of Therapeutic Approaches for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder. Significant progress has been made in the intervention and treatment of ASD. This review systematically summarizes five major categories of mainstream ASD treatment approaches. This article outlines the theoretical basis and therapeutic effects of each intervention method, discusses their advantages and limitations, and analyzes and forecasts future development directions. Due to the lack of specific treatment methods, ASD treatment primarily relies on behavioral interventions, supplemented by symptomatic pharmacological treatments. Behavioral interventions can significantly improve children’s self-care abilities and quality of life while also promoting social skills and communication, and reducing disability and comorbidity rates. ASD intervention methods should primarily focus on those proven effective through evidence-based practice, adhering to individualized, multidimensional, and multidisciplinary approaches, thereby promoting the development and establishment of efficient and personalized intervention strategies.