Autistic nephew

My nephew is  going to be 13 years old and has a severe case of autism.  He doesn't speak, except if you ask him to say a word, he tries to say it.  He understands what you tell him to do e.g. put your feet down, sit down to eat, don't go there and does what you say.  I can't understand why he can't speak or why he seems to be in his own world, walking back and forth and hitting the wall and then walking back again.  I noticed he kissed his younger brothers head and is a kind person.  He has seizures and is on medications.  Please, is there anything you know of to help him.  Any suggestions.  He is becoming a teenager.  You can see that he  is developing minor acne and starting to grow a mustache.  Please if there is anything to help him let me know.  His parents have had him to many doctors  and take excellent care of him. Thank you.

[Richard B. Graff, PhD, BCBA-D]

If you looked on the internet and tried to find information on autism treatments, you would find an overwhelming number of options.  Unfortunately, most interevntions you will find have absolutely no evidence to support their use.  There is only one intervention that has a significant amount of empirical evidence to support its use: applied behavior analysis.  Behavior analysis grew out of the scientific study of principles of learning and behavior, and applied behavior analysis uses these principles to improve socially significant behavior.  Over the past 10 years, more and more people have acceoted the fact that applied behavior analysis is the treatment of choice for autism.  Although many people have claimed that they can "do behavior analysis", only Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA)  have at least the minimal qualifications to practice behavior analysis with individuals with autism.  To determine if there are any BCBAs in your area that provide services to individuals with autism, go to the Behavior Analysis Certification Board website (www.bacb.com), and search for BCBAs in your area.  I would also talk to your school about whether a BCBA could consult to your son's school.

Best of luck!