Saturday, December 29, 2007
One of my favorite writings
When I was in grad school I was shown something written by Emily Perl Kingsley, a mom whose child was born with a developmental disability. It's called Welcome to Holland. It's a beautiful analogy about diligently planning for a trip to Italy (read: a "typical" child) and winding up in Holland (having a "non-typical" child). While the geography and lifestyle is not what was expected, the new landmarks and experiences can be just as interesting and enriching. Click on the link to read Welcome to Holland.
What of the "Mind"?
As we learn more about the minds of those with autism, keep this in mind: Do we need to change the way they communicate, or is this a chance for 'neurotypicals' to visit the world of autism and open ourselves up to new ways to connect with others?
Monthly Book Review
The first book I'm reviewing is Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew, by Ellen Notbohm. Mrs. Notbohm is a mom of a teenage boy with autism. Her writing style is honest and down-to-earth. It feels like you are sitting down with her over a cup of coffee, swapping stories about your kids. She discusses the different therapies her son has had, and the fact that she never imposed limitations on him because of his diagnosis. She acknowledges the challenges that she and her family have faced and celebrates the successes (and there are many) that her son has achieved, including going on dates with girls.
This book is clearly laid out and easily navigable. The information is concise and provides a nice insight into the lives of those living with autism. A must-read for anyone who wants to improve their understanding of--and communication with--people with autism.
The Tried and True Therapies for Autism
Most professionals agree that sensory therapy, speech-language therapy, physical therapy (or physiotherapy) and behavior therapy are crucial in helping children diagnosed with autism achieve the most success in understanding and interacting with the world around them. Virtually ALL professionals agree that early intervention is key. While many parents notice changes in behavior and language patterns around their child's second birthday, some children begin to show symptoms of autism by 6 months of age.
Sensory therapy is provided by an occupational therapist, who helps children cope when they are overwhelmed by the textures, sights, sounds, smells and tastes in their environment (e.g. the 5 senses). This is only a portion of an occupational therapist's job, which is to help an individual gain skills to function in his daily life. To find an occupational therapist in the United States, click here. To find a therapist in Canada, click here. All occupational therapists require a minimum of a bachelor's degree to practice, and many states and provinces require a minimum number of continuing education hours each year in order to maintain certification.
A Speech-language pathologist helps a child communicate in a way that decreases his frustration and the frustration of those around him. This may include training in verbal language, signed language, picture boards, voice output devices or any combination of the three.
An example of some common manual signs from Mayer Johnson site.
An example of a picture communication board from Different Roads to Learning.
An example of a voice output device by Dynavox.
To find a speech-language pathologist in the United States, click here. To find one in Canada, click here. All speech-language pathologists hold master's degrees to practice, and many states and provinces require a minimum number of continuing education hours each year in order to maintain certification.
A physical therapist (physiotherapist) helps your child develop the motor skills necessary to reach important milestones in his life, such as crawling and walking, and later maintaining the flexibility and stamina to perform academic, athletic and social activities. To find a physical therapist in the United States, click here. To find a physiotherapist in Canada, click here. All physical therapists require a minimum of a bachelor's degree to practice, and many states and provinces require a minimum number of continuing education hours each year in order to maintain certification.
A behavior therapist works with your child to analyze the functions of his behaviors--which may at times be aggressive, destructive or just confusing--and teach him more socially accepted ways to achieve his goals. The most popular behavior therapies prescribed by doctors is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). One of their basic tenets is that we all behave for one of three purposes:
1. To receive something: tangible (e.g. a cookie) or attention (positive or negative)
2. To delay or escape something, e.g. having a bath, being in an overcrowded store
3. Because it feels good or attenuates pain, e.g. swinging, bouncing, grinding teeth
ABA is believed to be effective only when it is consistently applied to all of a child's environments, so that he can anticipate what is expected of him in a situation, regardless of the person interacting with him. Proper ABA therapy focuses on rewards, rather than punishments. It is important that those looking for ABA therapists find those that have academic training. There are many wonderful therapists who have received graduate training in behavior therapy and require a minimum number of continuing education hours each year in order to maintain certification.
If you are looking for a therapist, your local university's psychology department is a good resource, as many have training programs supervised by professors. If you are in the United States, another option is to find a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. For a list of therapists in your area, you can go to the BACB website and click on "Certificant Registry".
Sensory therapy is provided by an occupational therapist, who helps children cope when they are overwhelmed by the textures, sights, sounds, smells and tastes in their environment (e.g. the 5 senses). This is only a portion of an occupational therapist's job, which is to help an individual gain skills to function in his daily life. To find an occupational therapist in the United States, click here. To find a therapist in Canada, click here. All occupational therapists require a minimum of a bachelor's degree to practice, and many states and provinces require a minimum number of continuing education hours each year in order to maintain certification.
A Speech-language pathologist helps a child communicate in a way that decreases his frustration and the frustration of those around him. This may include training in verbal language, signed language, picture boards, voice output devices or any combination of the three.
An example of some common manual signs from Mayer Johnson site.
An example of a picture communication board from Different Roads to Learning.
An example of a voice output device by Dynavox.
To find a speech-language pathologist in the United States, click here. To find one in Canada, click here. All speech-language pathologists hold master's degrees to practice, and many states and provinces require a minimum number of continuing education hours each year in order to maintain certification.
A physical therapist (physiotherapist) helps your child develop the motor skills necessary to reach important milestones in his life, such as crawling and walking, and later maintaining the flexibility and stamina to perform academic, athletic and social activities. To find a physical therapist in the United States, click here. To find a physiotherapist in Canada, click here. All physical therapists require a minimum of a bachelor's degree to practice, and many states and provinces require a minimum number of continuing education hours each year in order to maintain certification.
A behavior therapist works with your child to analyze the functions of his behaviors--which may at times be aggressive, destructive or just confusing--and teach him more socially accepted ways to achieve his goals. The most popular behavior therapies prescribed by doctors is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). One of their basic tenets is that we all behave for one of three purposes:
1. To receive something: tangible (e.g. a cookie) or attention (positive or negative)
2. To delay or escape something, e.g. having a bath, being in an overcrowded store
3. Because it feels good or attenuates pain, e.g. swinging, bouncing, grinding teeth
ABA is believed to be effective only when it is consistently applied to all of a child's environments, so that he can anticipate what is expected of him in a situation, regardless of the person interacting with him. Proper ABA therapy focuses on rewards, rather than punishments. It is important that those looking for ABA therapists find those that have academic training. There are many wonderful therapists who have received graduate training in behavior therapy and require a minimum number of continuing education hours each year in order to maintain certification.
If you are looking for a therapist, your local university's psychology department is a good resource, as many have training programs supervised by professors. If you are in the United States, another option is to find a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. For a list of therapists in your area, you can go to the BACB website and click on "Certificant Registry".
Not letting autism define him
So often we see that children with autism are marginalized due to their difficulty interpreting the social cues needed to create relationships with their peers. This local news story gained nationwide attention when it was picked up by the big newscasters and YouTube. Jason McElwain, a teenage boy with autism worked on the sidelines of his high school basketball team, until his coach had him suit up for the final game. I dare you not to get misty watching this video :)
Autism Awareness in the media
With celebrities the likes of Doug Flutie, Jenny McCarthy, Holly Robinson Peete and Toni Braxton speaking openly about their experiences with their children's diagnoses, we are currently in the thick of Autism Awareness. Music superstars are lending their voices to the cause in T.V. and print ad spots. Probably most notably, Oprah has had several shows dedicated to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
The purpose of this blog will be to explore what therapies are available, both old and new, article and book reviews and recommendations. Discussions are welcome!
The purpose of this blog will be to explore what therapies are available, both old and new, article and book reviews and recommendations. Discussions are welcome!
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