Autism & Treatment Approaches

As with everything in life, there are many different roads and approaches one may choose from. What our task is and what each of us has to learn from it will be consequently very unique and different from anyone else’s journey.

So it is also with the treatment options available for the individual with autism. The choices are vast, unique and may appear to be at times overwhelming. Caregivers and parents will need to choose according to their own belief system. What works for one individual or family may not work well or easily for another.

Dr. Pautz’s approach to treating individuals with autism is based on the wholeMaine russning res philosophy of the practice: first things first. What is true for the rest of us, is true for them too. For instance, if water helps us to flush out toxins, that is true for the autistic person also. If nutrition plays an integral part in a person’s life and how they feel, then this is again true for the autistic individual and must be taken as seriously for them as for any other person.  When these are taken into consideration and implemented then the other many different therapies/modalities you may choose for your loved one will work more effectively.

Dr. Pautz believes, among several other things, in bio-nutritional interventions and will help her autistic patients with more dynamic remedies such as, but not limited to homeopathy, movement & music therapy. Her expertise in evaluating the needs of the individual with autism will help with choosing modalities/therapies that will enhance progress, resulting in improvement and increased quality of life for the patient and those around them.

 With treatment she has seen children dramatically improve in many areas such as language skills, awareness of physical surroundings, improvement in mood, increased interaction with siblings, parents, friends and general increase in verbal skills. This is evidenced by going from (in some cases) being non-verbal to exciting verbal interactions with those around them within a period of one year.

It has also been noted that direct eye contact, as well as ability to follow commands may improve greatly. In many, self care and desire to perform activities of daily living such as dressing and undressing is markedly improved and able to be accomplished without direct supervision. Some may even no longer need or meet the diagnosis of autism by conventional psychological assessment (which we do not offer nor perform in our office). Major improvement  of physical complaints such as profoundly bad smelling bowel movements, constipation or diarrhea is often seen. 

 As with everything in life, commitment, sticking to the therapies and sessions chosen, trial and error is going to be crucial for any long term shifting and improvement.

DSC03604Just remember: whatever treatment intervention you may choose for your loved one: it is going to be work. As many parents of autistic children will tell you, the work you put in will with time, effort and perseverance pay off. Several parents of autistic children that Dr. Pautz has seen over the years have shared with her that their autistic child ultimately brought the whole family to a healthier life style again and also closer to a spiritual path for the whole family. They are grateful to the contributions from that family member, as everyone ultimately benefited.

As with everything that Dr. Pautz does: if the parent or parents relate to her approach, the results are different than when a parent does not relate. We need to work closely with the child, teenager, or autistic adult through the parents, caregivers, and teachers. The decision of the parent’s willingness to implement the chosen therapies congruent to their own philosophy on life will be crucial in how effective the different endeavors and therapies will ultimately be.

Music and movement is of utmost importance. They can be outlets to facilitate XX DPconnecting and are used as a bridge for the child to express and be comforted. Such is true for most of us. Even with “normally” developed children: some of them sing and even dance before they speak! Let’s help all of them with music and movement too.

For more questions or to schedule an appointment or to join us at our open house, please call (904) 246-3583.

The information provided on this website does NOT treat or diagnose any medical condition. If you need medical advice, consult with your health-care provider.