Just a decade ago, autism was a mysterious diagnosis that left parents and physicians alike puzzled over the next steps to help children with this disorder. Fortunately, research and our understanding of the autism spectrum have grown astronomically in recent years.

Despite the significant amount of research doctors have done, there is no one single path of treatment to help a child with autism. The autism spectrum is broad, encompasses many different symptoms and differs from child to child. This vast difference from one child to another means medical teams and families have to work together to find the best path of treatment, based on the individual's needs.

A wealth of autism research in recent years has inspired experts to develop unique programs to help fulfill the needs of children with autism. These programs are offered through autism advocacy organizations, community health partnerships and at pediatric hospitals throughout the country.

At the Knights of Columbus Developmental Center at Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center, team members have developed programs to address many challenges experienced by children with autism: socializing with other children, communicating with their families and even being examined by a doctor or getting blood tests.

Many children with autism resist being examined by a doctor, having blood tests or even being touched at all, including a hug from their parents. To help children overcome this fear, Cardinal Glennon uses a dog therapy program to make a child more comfortable with the doctor or during tests.

Families of children with autism often struggle with the best ways to communicate with their child and encourage their child to communicate with others. Many programs have been developed to help families tackle this issue.

The Move to Communicate group at Cardinal Glennon helps improve sensory, motor, eye contact and social skills and behaviors for children 2 to 5 years old. While their children are learning these skills, parents also work with group leaders to learn the best ways to encourage their children and help them want to communicate with the outside world.

Difficulty in communicating is a challenge that follows children with autism from childhood to their teenage and school years. Learning to communicate is an ongoing process for those with autism who may feel more comfortable retreating within themselves and not engaging with the outside world.

More support for autism research exists now than ever before. Parents of children with autism have many resources available to help their family through this challenging diagnosis. They need only ask for help.

Dr. Bob Wilmott is chief of pediatrics at Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center and is a professor of pediatric medicine at St. Louis University School of Medicine. If you have a question about your child's health, go to the "Ask Dr. Bob" section of the Cardinal Glennon website at cardinalglennon.com.

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Programs are available to help kids with autism