Re-habilitative interventions and Different Treatment Models for autism spectrum disorder: A review

Autism Spectrum Disorder includes a group of developmental disorders characterized by a delay and deviation in the development of communication, socialization, cognitive skills, and the presence of restricted interests as well as repetitive behaviors. Past literature presents numerous classifications of intervention methods but the most recent classification identifies two types of intervention models: comprehensive treatment models and focused interventions. The former consists of a set of focused interventions organized around a common conceptual framework, while the latter includes cognitive-behavioral techniques specific to target symptoms. Based on the efficacy studies carried out so far, all national and international guidelines concerning the enabling/rehabilitative aspects of Autism Spectrum Disorder propose, first and foremost, the use of cognitive-behavioral techniques. These techniques have proven effective both in learning/increasing new skills and in managing anxiety symptoms. The greatest scientific evidence supports interventions based on cognitive-behavioral techniques, but further research is needed to find the ideal model that will represent a more widely accepted guideline in the future.