Environmental Enrichment: A New Therapy Based on Findings in Animal Models of Autism

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by symptoms, such as impaired social interactions and communications as well as restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests, that are detectable in children from 30 months onwards. Since there is no definite treatment, creation of animal models that simulate the symptoms of these disorders are crucial in understanding the etiology and pathology of ASD and its treatment. One of the treatments that directly resulted from animal models is environmental enrichment therapy or sensory enrichment therapy.
Environmental enrichment therapy, compared to many common therapies for ASD, have a good efficacy in improving the symptoms and may reduce economic and social impacts on patients and their relatives.