Autism management programs between common goals and the difference in intervention methods

Abstract

This study aimed at identifying the main programs approved for the management of people with autistic disorders, their theoretical foundations, their mechanisms, their efficiencies, their commonalities and the differences between them. The results obtained showed that these programs, despite their common objectives in independence for the autistic child, his social integration and the important role of parents in the success of care, they differ in the methods of intervention; because behavioral referral programs depend on intensive intervention focused on undesirable behavior and skill acquisition, without paying attention to developmental differences; whereas developmental referral programs depend on nonintensive developmental intervention of the child and his abilities without paying attention to his lacks. In terms of effectiveness, results have shown that intensive intervention programs are more effective than others.