Treatments for autism disorder do not aim to cure autism or change who an autistic person is. Instead, services and support are personalized to address the challenges that interfere with daily functioning, relationships, education, employment or emotional well-being.

Support may include psychotherapy, social or communication support, occupational therapy, assistance with sensory needs, executive-function strategies and workplace or educational accommodations.

Treatments for Autism Disorder

Autism Treatment for Adults

Autism treatment for adults should be individualized according to the person’s goals, strengths and support needs.

A care plan may focus on: Managing anxiety, Improving daily organization, Developing communication strategies, Preventing burnout or Addressing difficulties at work and in relationships. The most appropriate support depends on the Individual.

Some adults benefit mainly from education and practical accommodations, while others may need ongoing behavioral, psychological or medical care.

Behavioral Interventions

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA):

• Uses positive reinforcement to develop communication, social and daily-living skills.

Developmental approaches:

• Promote communication, social interaction, joint attention and play skills.

Focused interventions:

• Address specific needs, such as social skills or unsafe behaviors.

Early intervention can improve communication, learning and daily functioning.

Additional Non-medication Interventions

Speech-language therapy:

• Supports language and communication.

Occupational therapy:

• Improves sensory, fine-motor and daily-living skills.

Physical therapy:

• Supports movement, balance and gross-motor skills.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT):

• Helps manage anxiety, depression, stress and emotional regulation.

Autism Medication

There is currently no medication that cures autism or treats all of its core characteristics. However, medication may be considered to manage certain symptoms or co-occurring medical and psychiatric conditions that affect a person’s functioning, safety, or quality of life.

Depending on the individual’s symptoms, age, diagnoses, medical history, and treatment needs, a clinician may consider:

• Severe irritability, aggression, self-injurious behavior, or severe behavioral symptoms: Atypical antipsychotic medications such as risperidone (Risperdal) or aripiprazole (Abilify) may be considered. These medications are FDA-approved for irritability associated with autism in specific pediatric age groups. Their use for this purpose in autistic adults is off-label and requires careful evaluation and monitoring.

• Co-occurring ADHD: Treatment may include stimulant or nonstimulant medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin or Concerta), amphetamine-based medications (Adderall or Vyvanse), atomoxetine (Strattera), or guanfacine extended-release (Intuniv).

• Co-occurring anxiety or depression: Antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), or escitalopram (Lexapro), may be prescribed when clinically appropriate.

• Sleep disturbances: Melatonin or other treatments may sometimes be considered after evaluating possible causes of the sleep problem.

This list is not exhaustive and includes only some commonly considered examples. Not every medication is appropriate or FDA-approved for every age group, condition, or patient.

Medication should be prescribed only after a comprehensive clinical evaluation. Your provider will discuss the expected benefits, possible side effects, medication interactions, monitoring requirements, and nonmedication alternatives before recommending a treatment plan. Never begin, stop, or change a medication without consulting the prescribing clinician.

**Important medication information: The medications listed above are provided as general educational examples only. This list is not exhaustive, and mentioning a medication does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or guarantee that it will be prescribed. Some uses may be off-label, and not every medication is appropriate or FDA-approved for every patient, age group, symptom, or condition.