| Acupuncture is an ancient technique in which a
skilled
practitioner inserts hair-thin needles into specific points on the body
to
prevent or treat illness. Acupuncture is part of a holistic system
which
views health as a constantly changing flow of energy. Acupuncture helps
regulate
imbalances in this natural flow of energy which results in diesease. |
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| Adapted
Physical Education is developmentally
appropriate physical education that adapts, modifies, and/or
changes a physical activity so it is as appropriate for
the person with a disability as it is for a person without
a disability. (http://www.pecentral.org/adapted/adaptedwhatis.html) |
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Allergy Shots:
Enzyme Potentiated Desensitization (EPD) shots.
EPD is a method of allergy/immunotherapy using extremely
small doses of allergens to desensitize people from allergies.
The difference between EPD and traditional "neutralization"
allergy shots is EPD desensitizes an individual to their
allergies overtime with the optimum results being prolonged
desensitization. Principle behind therapy is that autism is caused by
food allergy/intolerance and malabsorption of nutrients.
Related websites:
http://dmapub.dma.org/~rohrers/allergy/epd_faq.htm
http://www.naltd.co.uk/epdinfo.html
|
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| Anti-Yeast
Therapy. This Therapy is based on the belief that candida
albicans may cause or exacerbate behavior and health problems
in autistic individuals. According to this therapy, an overgrowth
of candida albicans causes toxins to be released into the
body which are know to impair the central nervous system
and the immune system. Candida overgrowth is often attributed
to long-term antibiotic treatment.
Related websites:
http://www.autism-pdd.net/treaforme.html
http://www.asohalton.org/yeast.htm
http://www.teacch.com/treatmnt.htm
|
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| Applied Behavior Analysis (also know as
Intensive Behavioral Intervention or IBI) (ABA/IBI)
involves the breakdown of all skills into small, discrete
tasks. The therapist, parent, or caregiver learns
how to systematically reward or reinforce desired behavior, and ignore,
redirect, or discourage inappropriate behaviors. (http://www.behavior.org)
Related websites:
http://www.bacb.com
http://www.autismweb.com/education.htm
http://www.bbbautism.com/aba_contents.htm
http://www.iaba.com/
http://www.abainternational.org/
http://rsaffran.tripod.com/aba.html
|
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Audiology. An assessment of the nature
of hearing loss, specifically central auditory processing
disorder (CAPD). Management of CAPD includes therapies such
as Auditory Integration and Sensory Integration therapies.
Related website:
http://www.audiology.org/consumer/ |
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| Auditory
Integration was designed to normalize hearing and the ways in which
the brain processes auditory information. It is based
on the belief that individuals with autism often have hearing
that is disorganized, erratic assymetrical, or hypersensitive.
Therapy involves the individual listening to a variety of
different frequencies coordinated to their level of impairment.
It is performed by an audiologist trained in this method.
(http://auditoryintegration.net)
Related websites:
http://www.autism-pdd.net/treaforme.html
http://www.bbbautism.com/ait.htm
http://www.autism.org/ait.html
http://www.vision3d.com/adhd/autism.shtml
http://www.tomatis.net/bethesda.html
|
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Aversives.
A term used to define the use of punishment to assist with
changing self-injurious behavior.
Related websites:
http://www.aspergersexpress.com/restraints_and_aversives.htm
http://www.vaporia.com/autism/autismfaq-cont.html
|
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| B6 and
Magnesium Therapy. A vitamin and mineral supplement.
Possible benefits include decreased behavioral problems,
improved eye contact, better attention, and improvements in
learning.
Related websites:
http://www.autism.org/vitaminb6.html
|
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| Casein Free
Diet. Casein is a protein found in milk and milk products.
This diet recommend complete avoidance of casein. Proponents believe that children with autism do not
break down casein products (peptides) into amino acids.
The peptides enter the blood stream and cause abnormal brain
development.
Related websites:
http://www.autismndi.com/
http://www.autism-pdd.net/treaforme.html#Allergy
|
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| Chelation
Therapy. The process of removing metals (primarily mercury)
from the tissues of children with autism was begun because
of concerns the thimerosal (ethyl mercury) preservative
in multidose vials of pediatric/infant vaccines could have
caused neurotoxicity and autism. (http://www.teacch.com/treatmnt.htm).
Related websites:
http://www.network54.com/Hide/Forum/103937
http://autism.about.com/library/weekly/aa010901b.htm
http://www.gordonresearch.com/answers/autism_and_chelation.html
|
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| Cranial
Electrical Stimulation (CES). This therapy requires
a device known as a CES unit that delivers a very small
electrical stimulus to a site on the head or body. Neurotransmitters
are produced and become available to receive and send messages.
CES has also been shown to stimulate axons (which carry
messages) to become more complex and to enhance the development
of myelin (which aids in the transmission of messages.)
(http://www.developmentaltherapy.com) |
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| Defeat
Autism Now (DAN) is a project by Autism Research Institute.
The project supports "biomedical therapy" for autism. A manual
called "Biomedical Assessment Options for Children
with Autism" was developed during a DAN! Conference to serve
as a protocol for practitioners of DAN! to treat children
with autism.
Related websites:
http://www.autism.com/ari/index.html
|
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Denver
Model. An integrated approach to intervention for children with
Autism. The goals of treatment are (1) bringing the
child into coordinated, interactive social relations for
most of their waking hours, so that imitation and both symbolic
and interpersonal communication can be established and the
transmission of social knowledge and social experience can
occur; and (2) intensive teaching to “fill in” the learning
deficits that have resulted form the child’s past lack of
access to the social word, due to the effects of autism
(http://www.jfkpartners.org/Content/PDF/39982-Parent%20guideline%20-%20DM.pdf).
Related websites:
http://www.jfkpartners.org/AutismandDD.asp
|
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| Dimethylglycine
(DMG) Therapy. Dimethylglycine (DMG) is a food substance
found in brown rice and liver. Chemical make up resembles
water-soluble vitamins, specifically vitamin B15. DMG supossedly strenghtens the immune system. Areas of possible improvements with
the use of DMG include speech, eye contact, social behavior,
and attention span. (http://www.autism-pdd.net/treaforme.html)
Related websites:
http://www.eas.asu.edu/~autism/Vitamins_Minerals_Final.doc
http://www.autism.org/dmg.html
|
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| Dog Therapy.
"Visiting Pets" "Therapy Dogs" "Therapy Pets" are just some
of the names given to describe programs in which animals
help people just by visiting with them. The handler and the health care
provider consult on specific goals to be
accomplished, and plan how to accomplish those goals.
(http://www.dog-play.com/therapy.html)
Related websites:
http://feator.org/pn/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=138
http://petplace.netscape.com/articles/artShow.asp?artID=2132
http://www.uoguelph.ca/oaar/sp.shtml
|
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| Dolphin
Therapy. Being able to play with dolphins is the motivator
in a behavior modification procedure used in dolphin therapy.
Children love being in the warm water, touching the dolphins,
and hearing the sounds they make. A child goes through an
intense, one-to-one session with a therapist. The child
is rewarded for good responses with a dolphin swim.
Related websites:
http://www.gulfarium.com/jfdolphin.htm
http://www.islanddolphincare.org/
|
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| Facilitated
Communication. Facilitated communication is an alternative means of
expression for people who cannot speak, or whose
speech is highly limited (e.g. echoed, limited to one or
a few word utterances), and who cannot point reliably. The
method has been used as a means to communicate for individuals
with severe disabilities, including persons with labels
of mental retardation, autism, Down syndrome and other developmental
disabilities. The theory is that such individuals
do not have cognitive deficits but a pressured neuromotor
impairment prevents them from initiating and controling vocal
expression. (http://soeweb.syr.edu/thefci/)
Related websites:
http://www.skeptic.com/02.3.green-fc.html
http://www.uvm.edu/~uapvt/faccom.html
|
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Fast For Word
Computer Program. A computer program for children with
auditory processing difficulties. A software that uses technology
to improve language and readings skills.
(http://www.nationalspeech.com/asd_home.html).
Related websites:
http://www.fastforword.com/
|
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| Feingold
Diet. Dr. Benjamin Feingold, an allergist, noted in
1973 that childhood behavior disorders seemed linked to
dietary exposure to excessive food colorings, salicylates
and additives. The Feingold diet eliminates fruits and vegetables
which are high in salicylates, as well as foods containing
the preservatives BHA and BHT and non-food salicylate items
such as aspirin, toothpaste, mouthwash, cough syrup, and some chewing
gums. (http://www.springboard4health.com/notebook/diet_feingold.html).
Related websites:
http://www.feingold.org/home.html
|
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| Flexyx
Neurotherapy System (FNS). FNS is a new, advanced form of
biofeedback. Because it is still very new, few know about it; and fewer
can conceive that it can achieve what it demonstrates. It
is, nevertheless, non-invasive and painless, and requires
only that a patient sit comfortably in a chair wearing dark
glasses that generate feedback. There is no conscious learning
or need for attention. (http://www.brainwavetherapy.com/neurofeedback/flexyx.htm)
Related websites:
http://www.flexyx.com/
http://www.autism-pdd.net/treaforme.html#Flexyx
http://www.angelfire.com/md3/wholelife/FlexyxTMNeurotherapySystem.htm
|
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| Floor
Time/Greenspan. A method with the strategy of teaching children
with developmental problems through the use of interactive play. The
child’s
actions are assumed to be purposeful. It is the parent’s
or caregiver’s role to follow the child’s lead and help
him develop interaction and communication. School systems
may incorporate this strategy into their programs, but generally
do not make this their primary means of educating young
children with PDD.
Related websites:
http://www.autismweb.com/education.htm
http://www.polyxo.com/floortime/buildingplaypartnerships.html
http://www.autcom.org/behaviorism.html
|
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| Folic
Acid Therapy. Folic acid is essential to numerous metabolic
pathways. Folic acid supplements have been found to improve
autism related behavior problems.
(http://www.autism.com/ari/editorial/dosage.html) |
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| Gluten
Free Diet. Proponents of this theory recommend complete
avoidance of gluten or casein in diet. They believe
that children with autism do not break down gluten/casein
products (peptides) into amino acids. The peptides
enter the blood stream and cause abnormal brain development.
(http://www.gfcfdiet.com/ or http://www.glutenfree.com/autism.htm)
Related websites:
http://www.autismndi.com/
http://www.panix.com/~donwiss/
http://www.glutenfreemall.com/
http://www.glutensolutions.com/
|
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| Growing
Minds. It integrates play-based relationship oriented
methods (Son Rise Program), educational methods (ABA and
Lovaas), biomedical and sensory strategies. Growing
Minds believes that parents are the most powerful resource
in a child’s program of recovery. The program helps parents
seize the power of love and commitment to become inspired,
effective teachers, program directors and advocates for
their children.
Related websites:
http://autism-programs.com
|
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| Higashi
(Daily Life Therapy). The
method provides children with systematic education through
group dynamics, the intermingling of academics and technology,
art, music and physical education. The goal of this educational
approach is for individuals to achieve social independence
and dignity, and to benefit from and contribute to society.
Related websites:
http://www.bostonhigashi.org/home.html
|
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| Hippotherapy
or Therapeutic Horseback Riding. Hippotherapy is a physical,
occupational and speech therapy treatment strategy that
utilizes equine movement. Hippotherapy is utilized
as part of an integrated treatment program to achieve functional
outcomes. In hippotherapy, the patient engages in
activities on the horse that are enjoyable and challenging.
In the controlled hippotherapy environment, the therapist
modifies the horse's movement and carefully grades sensory
input. Therapeutic Horseback Riding teaches
riding skills to individuals with disabilities. (http://www.americanhippotherapyassociation.org)
Related websites:
http://www.narha.org/
http://www.mountinhopes.org
|
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| Holding
Therapy. This therapy has three primary components:
prolonged restraint, prolonged stimulation and inference
with bodily functions. A few adults hold the child
down for a prolonged period, while the clincian pokes, tickles,
yells at the child. When the child eventually breaks
down, he/she is given to the caregiver, to whom the child
is reported to instantly attach. The goal of this
process is to release the child's 'repressed rage", which is theorized
to be the barrier to proper attachment. He/she is then thought to
be capable of healthy attachment. (http://ac.marywood.edu/benedict/www/holdingtherapy.htm)
Related websites:
http://www.autism-pdd.net/treaforme.html
http://www.autism-resources.com/nonfictiontopics/holding.html
http://www.nas.org.uk/pubs/archive/hold.html
http://www.teacch.com/treatmnt.htm
|
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| Immune
System
Therapy (IGG, IVIG). the symptoms of autism are thought
to result from "autoimmunity". This means a patient
developes antibodies against nerve proteins. The idea
of using immune globulin is to reconstitute the immune system.
Related websites:
http://www.teacch.com/treatmnt.htm
http://www.chiroweb.com/archives/18/14/10.html
http://autismautoimmunityproject.org/latitudes.html
|
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| Lovaas
Method. The Lovaas method is an early intensive behavior
therapy approach for children with autism and other related
disorders. Lovaas and his colleagues recommended that treatment
should begin as early as possible, preferably before the
child is five years old and, ideally, before that child
reaches 3 and a half years. This is necessary in order to
teach basic social, educational and daily life skills. It
can also reduce stereotypical and disruptive behaviors before
they become established. The home-based program consists
of 40 hours a week of intensive therapy (http://www.awares.org/static_docs/ways_of_helping.asp?docSection=6)
Related websites:
http://www.nas.org.uk/pubs/factsheet/docs/lovaas.pdf
|
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| Medicine
for Behavioral or Autism Related Problems. Psychopharmacologic
agents can alleviate specific behavioral problems. Most
have potential side effects and need to carefully monitored.
They never replace the need for appropriate education and
behavior management (http://www.teacch.com/treatmnt.htm).
Related websites:
http://osiris.sunderland.ac.uk/autism/pharm3.htm
http://www.patientcenters.com/autism/news/med_reference.html
|
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| Mega
Vitamin Therapy. Some studies have found that large
doses of Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), with magnesium and other
vitamins and minerals, are an effective treatment for 45-50%
of the individuals with autism. Mega Vitamin therapy has
been found to control hyperactivity and improve overall
behavior. Although improvements vary considerably among
individuals, other possible improvements are: speech improvements,
improved sleeping patterns, lessened irritability, increased attention
span, decrease in self-stimulation, overall improvement
in general health. |
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| Melatonin.
Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the
brain in response to light-dark cycle. Melatonin induces
sleepiness. The theory being using melatonin is the
belief that the problems of sleep and alertness that children
with autism exhibit are related to dysfunction related to
melatonin secretion and products. Melatonin may be
helpful in regulating the sleep cycles. Safe for short-term
use. Long-term use may affect biologic rhythms (http://www.autism.org/melatonin.html).
Related websites:
http://www.teacch.com/treatmnt.htm
http://www.gsdl.com/assessments/finddisease/autism/melatonin.html
http://www.udaan.org/drugs/autrx2.html
|
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| Miller
Method. A cognitive-developmental systems approach for
children on the Autism Spectrum. The Miller Method uses
two major strategies to restore typical developmental progressions:
One involves the transformation of children's aberrant systems
(lining up blocks, driven reactions to stimuli, etc.) into
functional behaviors; the other is the systematic and repetitive
introduction of developmentally relevant activities involving
objects and people. Activities are chosen to fill developmental
gaps. This process is facilitated by narrating the children's
actions while they are elevated 2.5 feet above the ground
on an Elevated Square and similar challenging structures.
Elevating the children enhances sign-word guidance of behavior
and body-other awareness as well as motor-planning and social-emotional
contact. It also helps children transition from one engaging
object or event to another or from object involvement to
representational play.
Related websites:
http://www.millermethod.org/
|
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Music Therapy.
It consists of using music therapeutically to address behavioral,
social, psychological, communicative, physical, sensory-motor, and/or
cognitive functioning. Because music therapy is a
powerful and non-threatening medium, unique outcomes are
possible. For individuals with diagnoses on the autism spectrum,
music therapy provides a unique variety of music experiences
in an intentional and developmentally appropriate manner
to effect changes in behavior and facilitate development
of skills
(http://www.musictherapy.org/factsheets/autism.html).
Related websites:
http://www.musictherapy.org/
http://www.autism.org/music.html
http://members.aol.com/kathysl/
|
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| Occupational
Therapy. Focuses on improving fine motor skills, or
sensory motor skills that include balance, awareness of
body position and touch. May included sensory integration
activities such as massage, firm touch, swinging and bouncing
(http://www.autism-pdd.net/treaforme.html).
Related websites:
http://www.autism.ca/occther.htm
|
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| Osteopathy,
Craniosacral Treatment, Myofasical Release. Cranial
osteopathy is a specific approach within the osteopathic
concept. It influences the structure and fluid surrounding
the central nervous system, creating an impact on the total
body and initiating the body's inherent capacity to heal
itself. Fascial connections throughout the body are contiguous
with the linings around the central nervous system, including
the dura and other structures. Practitioners of cranial
osteopathy utilize a manual approach to accomplish these
goals within the practice of Osteopathic Medicine
(http://www.autism-pdd.net).
Related websites:
http://www.integratedhealthprofessionals.com/cranial.html
http://www.upledger.com/therapies/cst.htm
http://www.craniosacraltherapy.org/Whatis.htm
|
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| Patterning:
Doman/Delacato Method. The theory that learning, behavioral
and motor disorders were disabilities that occurred along
a contiuum of severity as a result of brain injury or incomplete
neural development. An individualized program is developed
based on perceptual and developmental needs of the child.
Parents and patients are taught a program. They include
massage for tactility, auditory and visual work, and tasks
for smell and taste, mobility and development. (http://www.delacato.net/Methodnew.html)
Related websites:
http://www.autism-pdd.net/treaforme.html
http://www.aap.org/policy/re9919.html
http://www.teacch.com/treatmnt.htm
|
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| Physical
Therapy. A pediatric physical therapist has specialized
training in gross motor development (large motor, i.e.,
rolling, sitting, crawling, walking, jumping), functional
mobility skills, postural alignment, including the legs
and feet, and gait (walking).
Related websites:
http://pt.wayne.edu/WSUPT/course_pages/gs2002content/pdf/katcher_autism.pdf
|
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| Picture
Exchange Communication System (PEC). It
was developed as an augmentative/alternative
training package that allows nonverbal children with communication
deficits to initiate communication. The system goes on to
teach discrimination of symbols and then puts them all together
in simple sentences. Children also taught to comment and
answer direct questions (http://www.autism-pdd.net/treaforme.html).
Related websites:
http://www.bbbautism.com/pecs_contents.htm
http://www.pecs.com/
http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca/communication/WhatisthePEC.html
|
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| Pivotal
Response Training (PRT) / Natural Language Paradigm (NLP). A
behavior intervention based on Applied Behavior Analysis
(ABA). Pivotal Response Training is primarily used
to teach and generalize expressive language, play, and socialization
skills. Pivotal Response Training is also based on the 4-step
sequence: cue, child response, consequence, and pause. However,
"trials" within PRT are incorporated into the environment
in a functional context. During PRT, the child chooses the
activity or object, and the reinforcer is a natural consequence
to the behavior being rewarded. The nature of this strategy
makes it possible to engage the child throughout all activities
and locations throughout the day (http://www.autismstudy.pdx.edu/training.htm).
Related websites:
http://www.bbbautism.com/prt.htm
http://psy.ucsd.edu/autism/prttraining.html
|
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| Play Therapy.
A trained play therapist understands the metaphorical content of a
child's play, and strives to help the child express
their needs and discover solutions in a safe, therapeutic
environment. Based on the theory that therapy offers
children the opportunity to use the power of their own natural
creativity and imagination to heal and grow.
Related websites:
http://www.vaporia.com/autism/autismfaq-trea.html
|
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| Secretin.
Secretin is a hormone produced by the small intestine. It
is part of a family of hormones that have some receptors
in the brain. There has been some positive response to secretin
in a small number of children. A report stated within 5
weeks of the secretin infusion, a significant amelioration
of the children’s gastrointestinal symptoms was observed,
as was a dramatic improvement in their behavior manifested
by improve eye contact, alertness, and expansion of expressive
language (http://www.teacch.com/treatmnt.htm).
Related websites:
http://curry.edschool.virginia.edu/sped/projects/ose/information/secretin.html
http://www.nas.org.uk/research/secretin.html
http://www.aacpdm.org/committees/RNickel_Secretin.html
|
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| Sensory
Integration Therapy. Children and adults with autism,
as well as those with other developmental disabilities,
may have a dysfunctional sensory system. Sometimes one or
more senses are either over- or under-reactive to stimulation.
Such sensory problems may be the underlying reason for such
behaviors as rocking, spinning, and hand flapping. Although
the receptors for the senses are located in the peripheral
nervous system (which includes everything but the brain
and spinal cord), it is believed that the problem stems from
neurological dysfunction in the central nervous system--the brain (http://www.autism.org/si.html).
Related websites:
http://www.sensoryint.com/
|
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| Social
Skills
Training. It is the process of training indivduals with
autism to achieve adjustment to work settings.
(http://www.vaporia.com/autism/autismfaq-trea.html).
Related websites:
http://www.arlington.k12.va.us/schools/jamestown/classrooms/mipa/skills.html
http://www.csaac.org/pub-work.htm
http://www.peacefulsolutionsltd.org/skills_for_youth.htm
Social Stories.
Developed by Carol Gray. The principle is to provide individuals
with accurate information in regards to situations they
encounter. Social Stories help people with autism
understand why others act, say, and do certain things.
(http://www.thegraycenter.org/)
|
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| Son-Rise.
A program created by parents
for parents and professional. It teaches them to design
and implement home-based/child-centered programs. The program
teaches the parent concrete educational and attitudinal
tools and techniques to help them be the most effective
teaches and trainers that their children can have. Some principles of
the program are: 1) placing the parents as the child’s most important
and lasting resource provides a consistent and compelling focus for
training, education and inspiration,
and 2) utilizing a child’s own motivation advances learning
and builds the foundation for education and skill acquisition.
The program believes that parents are their children's best
resource, so the educational program is for parents as well.
Related websites:
http://www.son-rise.org/
|
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| Specialized
Eye Glasses. The use of colored lenses to treat visual
processing difficulties of people with autism is relatively
new. Both tinted lenses and special prisms have been mentioned.
(http://www.vaporia.com/autism/autismfaq-cont.html). Seventy
percent of the information an individual receives enters through the
eyes and must be correctly interpreted by the brain. Any problem in the
way the brain processes visual information can cause difficulties in
the general ability to function.
It is as if the nervous system is wired differently and
this causes problems processing, interpreting, and interacting
with the environment. The Irlen Colored Filters improve
an individual’s ability to function by filtering just those
frequencies of the light spectrum to which the individual
is uniquely sensitive. This allows the brain to process
information normally (http://www.irlen.com/autism_main.htm).
Related websites:
http://www.autism.org/irlen.html
http://www.autism.org/visual.html
|
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| Speech/Language
Therapy. Helping a child communicate more effectively
verbally and nonverbally. Therapist may consider alternatives
to the spoken word such as signing, typing or a picture
board with words (http://www.autism-pdd.net/treaforme.html).
Related websites:
http://www.asha.org/
http://www.nationalspeech.com/
http://www.speechtx.com/
|
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| Squeeze
Machine. Many people with autistic disorder have problems
with oversensitivity to both touch and sound. The author
(an autistic person) developed a device that delivers deep
touch pressure to help her learn to tolerate touching and
to reduce anxiety and nervousness. The "squeeze machine"
applies lateral, inwardly directed pressure to both lateral aspects of
a person's entire body, by compressing the user between two foam-padded
panels (http://www.grandin.com/inc/intro-squeeze.html).
Related websites:
http://www.therafin.com/squeeze.htm
|
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Treatment
and Education of Autistic and related Communication handicapped
CHildren (TEACCH). The TEACCH approach includes
a focus on the person with autism and the development of
a program around this person's skills, interests, and needs.
The major priorities include centering on the individual,
understanding autism, adopting appropriate adaptations, and a
broadly-based intervention strategy building on existing skills and
interests. The TEACCH mission is:
To enable
individuals with autism to function as meaningfully and as
independently as possible in the community;
To provide exemplary services
throughout North Carolina to individuals with autism and their
families and those who serve and support them;
As a member of the University
community, to generate knowledge; to integrate clinical services
with relevant theory and research; and to disseminate
information about theory, practice, and research on
autism through training and publications locally, nationally
and internationally.
http://www.teacch.com |
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