Part 1 of this article, published last week, gave a brief overview of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Australia and discussed common behavioural, developmental and combined approaches to treating ASD in children.

This second article focuses on the evidence for therapy-based and medical interventions, as well as alternative treatments.

Therapy-based approaches to ASD target specific difficulties, such as using speech therapy to develop communication and social skills, or occupational therapy for daily life skills.

These therapies are often used with, or as part of, other intervention programs.