If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with autism, one of your first questions might be, “How do you treat autism?” While the best autism treatment plan will differ depending on the person and their needs, the good news is that for anyone wondering, “Are there any treatments for autism?” there is much to explore.

It’s important to note that autism, also called autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects people in very different ways. Some people with autism might not need or want medical treatment, especially when they are well supported in their lives.

However, a range of therapies and medications have been effective in helping manage symptoms and improving the quality of life for people with autism. Evidence-based therapies, especially when started early, can help people with autism build on their strengths and develop skills in areas they find challenging.

The right treatment should honor each person’s unique abilities, while providing support where it’s most needed.

Common Questions About Autism Treatment

Autism spectrum disorder is often first recognized in early childhood, but it is a lifelong condition that affects people of all ages. Related to atypical brain development, people with autism may have repetitive behavior patterns and challenges in social interaction or communication that can range from mild to severe. While there currently is no cure for autism, finding the right treatment and starting it early can be helpful.

What Is the Best Treatment for Autism?

There is no single best treatment for autism, because the condition varies so much for each individual. The most effective treatment depends on a person’s age, needs, challenges, and strengths. For example, a doctor’s advice on how to treat mild autism for an adult will differ greatly from advice for a young child with severe symptoms. An individualized treatment plan, made in cooperation with the person with autism and their support system, is always best.

Can a Child With Autism Live a Fulfilling Life?

Early intervention and treatment support for children with autism aims to build skills that allow them to learn, communicate, and live in a way that supports their success in life. Therapies for young children often focus on critical speech, social skills, and behavioral skills. The severity of autism can vary widely. Many people with autism achieve milestones like completing their education, finding a job, and living independently. Others with more severe symptoms may require lifelong care.

One parent on MyAutismTeam described their aspirations for their child this way: “I feel that, like with any child learning to navigate their way through society, being in public is one of the best ways for them to do this. As you would with any child, neurotypical or not, don’t put expectations on them. Just be there and help as much as possible. Kids struggle growing up in various ways, but you just have to be kind and supportive and encourage them to be their best.”

Autism Therapies

A treatment plan for autism spectrum disorder will almost always include one or more types of ongoing therapies to develop skills, work on challenges, or modify behaviors. There are many kinds of therapy that might be helpful for someone with autism, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutritional support, cognitive behavioral therapy, and social skills training.

In addition to formal therapies, many people with autism benefit from sensory and environmental supports that help them feel safe, focused, and comfortable in daily life. These might include weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, visual schedules, and predictable routines. These aren’t medical treatments in the traditional sense, but they can help manage sensory input, improve mental health, and avoid burnout. Ask your healthcare providers about supports like these that may help.

Here are four of the most common types of therapies for people with autism.

1. Speech Therapy

Speech and language therapy, which works to help people speak, understand, and communicate, is the most common type of developmental therapy for people with autism. It can help people with communication skills like naming their needs, explaining their feelings, and speaking in ways that others can more easily understand. It can also teach nonverbal skills like using hand signals, sign language, or pointing to pictures to communicate effectively. Speech therapists can assist with communication device evaluations for those who struggle to communicate verbally but can use technology to do so. Often, insurance companies need a specific evaluation to get these communication devices approved and covered for those who need them.

One MyAutismTeam member shared their child’s success story: “Speech therapy helped my son tremendously. He received it early, starting at 3 years old. He went from nonverbal to a few words here and there. Now he can speak in full sentences.”

2. Behavioral Therapy

Behavior therapy, sometimes called applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, involves learning to understand what causes challenging behaviors and working with the person to manage them. This is often done by reinforcing helpful behaviors, understanding the difficult ones, and supporting the person in choosing another action that is helpful for them instead. ABA can also assist with recognizing emotions in oneself and others, and responding in socially acceptable ways.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Behavioral approaches have the most evidence for treating symptoms of ASD. They have become widely accepted among educators and healthcare professionals and are used in many schools and treatment clinics.”

One MyAutismTeam parent described their child’s experience with ABA: “Working with his ABA therapist, we found what motivated him and reinforced him, and that’s when things fell into place better for us. He has learned through praise, playing, reinforcement, and motivation that words give you what you want.”

While ABA is widely used and studied, it has also been criticized by some adults with autism, especially those who received more rigid or compliance-based forms of the therapy as children. Newer approaches emphasize collaboration, autonomy, and emotional safety.

Other behavioral therapies, such as art, music therapy, and therapy with horses or other animals, can also be helpful, depending on an individual’s interests and needs. However, these do not have as much research behind them as ABA therapy.

3. Learning Therapy

Educational or learning therapies for children with autism are usually structured educational programs that happen at school or in another classroom setting. These therapies sometimes involve establishing predictable routines in the classroom or using teams of specialists who can customize the educational setting to a child’s needs.

In most states, people ages 3 to 21 are entitled by law to receive services in public schools such as academic support, behavioral support, and even speech or occupational therapy. To access learning therapies at school, your child may qualify for an IEP (individualized education plan). The IEP clarifies your child’s goals, the services they will receive, and the specialists they will work with.

Said one parent on MyAutismTeam, “The IEP is your best friend when it comes to your child's progress both academically and socially.” Talk to your primary care team or a school social worker about how to get your loved one an IEP that supports their success.

4. Medication for Autism Symptoms

There are no medications that are considered a cure or a direct treatment for autism. Some medications can help people with autism live a more comfortable life by reducing symptoms and treating conditions that commonly occur with autism spectrum disorder. These include attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, and trouble with sleeping.

Not every person with autism needs prescription medicines. Medication may be one part of a treatment plan for autism, although your doctor may recommend other therapies and skill development to reduce the need for medication over time.

Your healthcare team can help you find the right medication for autism in adults or children. The following types of medication are used to help manage symptoms:

• Antipsychotics — These are sometimes prescribed to alleviate symptoms of irritability and self-harm. Examples include aripiprazole and risperidone.
• Antidepressants and antianxiety medications — These are used to treat irritability, repetitive behavior, anxiety, panic, and depression. Examples include fluoxetine and sertraline.
• Stimulants — These are used to calm hyperactivity, particularly as a treatment for mild autism or ADHD. Examples include methylphenidate and amphetamine with dextroamphetamine.
• Nonstimulants — These medications are also used to treat hyperactivity and inattention, and they are usually used if a person has bad side effects from stimulants. Examples include clonidine, guanfacine, or viloxazine.

Managing Associated Medical Conditions

Although not related to managing the core symptoms of autism, your doctor may also recommend medications that help to manage medical conditions that are more common for people with autism. Common medical issues in people with autism include epilepsy, sleep issues, feeding problems, ADHD, and stomach problems. Medication or therapy may be able to help manage all of these. Talk to your healthcare team about any co-occurring medical conditions you have noticed.

New Treatments for Autism

There may never be one treatment that helps everyone with autism, since its symptoms vary so widely. However, doctors and scientists are working on several new treatments related to autism. In 2025, researchers began testing a new gene therapy called JAG201 in children with a rare type of autism caused by a variation in the SHANK3 gene. Another medicine, SPG601, is being fast-tracked by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help people with fragile X syndrome, a condition that often includes autism. A third treatment, AJA001, is a new drug made from cannabinoids (a chemical found in the cannabis plant), which is now being tested to see if it can help with autism symptoms. You can visit ClinicalTrials.gov to see if there are any medical trials you may be interested in.

Individualized Autism Treatment Plans

Your doctor is the best person to speak to about the right treatment plan for autism spectrum disorder for you or your loved one. Your healthcare team will consider factors such as age, symptom severity, and co-occurring conditions to determine the most effective interventions for you.

Autism treatment options have been a topic of research among scientists for many years, and there are always new ideas being studied. You may find that a combination of therapies and medications works best, so work closely with your doctor and try different approaches based on their recommendations and your goals.

One parent on MyAutismTeam described their child’s treatment journey this way, “I can relate to feeling like nothing will work and being totally overwhelmed. Sometimes it’s trial and error. We ended up finding a medication that worked, and we made lifestyle changes that helped as well.”

It’s important to remember that autism may not need to be treated in everyone. Many adults are proud of their autism diagnosis and feel it is important to who they are. Often, they have many supports that allow them to succeed and thrive. The condition is different for everyone.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyAutismTeam is the social network for people with autism spectrum disorder and their loved ones. On MyAutismTeam, more than 140,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with autism.

Are you living with autism or a caregiver for someone who is? Have you tried any of the treatments listed in this article? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.