I found this online and frankly, don't see how it is any different that so many other techniques. And I'm wondering why they pit themselves against ABA instead of ignoring it. Any experiences here?
Thanks in advance.
http://www.autismtreatmentcenter.org/index.php
This kind of "getting in their world" therapy started early on in the treatment of Autism. Research based evidence for long term growth and functioning in the world, in my humble opinion has not been great for it, but given each family comes from a different place and likely does many things on their own that support their child without even realizing it, if this addresses some of their challenges there are going to be people who benefit. Besides, doing something is always better than nothing or a really inappropriate intervention.
That said, a huge criticism of ABA is that kids learn to do the behaviors in a rote way. So, rather than really experiencing the enjoyment and then developing the desire to (for example) want to play a board game with peers, they learn to do it for an m&m. Kids can learn many amazing skills with ABA so it can be really effective that way. (better example: you teach a kid to answer fine, how are you? following a question from peer or adult. They learn to do it but may not be motivated to listen to the answer. Is it not useful...I think it is even if they dont really get it. I think it opens doors and keeps things running more smoothly for them..and after enough time doing it maybe they can learn to "feel" it too) But some critical research says that this doesn't happen often and that other methods are more beneficial to developing a child who actually "feels" more connected and desires social interaction intrinsically.
in my humble opinion, there is a place and way to work with many of these. Most good Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) school and treatment programs know of all of the systems and use what helps each individual child depending on the skill deficit. One method for teaching organizational skills and academics, one for social games, etc...) An example of behavioral training we use as I have said in another thread, my son will say "sorry" for things. That is socially appropriate and it allows him to continue to participate in the world in a smoother manner. But he actually said, "is it ok if I say sorry to you but I dont really mean it?" Whether or not he really feels it we maybe can't change, I know he sometimes does feel sorry---it shows when he is automatic in his responses--but sometimes he needs a prompt or responds from his behavioral training to do so.
There is a great guy...Steven E Gutstein He developed RDI wth his wife out of frustrations of both of these methods (and floor time for those who have done that with their difficult child's). He also felt that the average person could read what they should do but had no road map on how to get there. His methods are not targeted to ONLY autism! They are for any child/person who is having difficulty with social/interactional communication and functioning. Children are assessed (if at their clinic they are involved but you can do it too informally to find approximately where to start) and they are placed where they fit in the huge continuum of social skills activities that help build the skills needed. you have step by step activities to build skills based on interactive games and exercises. Simple things like walking side by side to learn to be near another and to follow another person's cues....so eventually the "mentor" or whatever you want to call it...walks faster, then slower and the child keeps up or slows down. These activities go on to much more complex things in conversational and work situations. Their own and independent research has shown that these methods to really help a child not only develop the abilty to do a task, but to develop the intrinsic rewards for these skills which pushes them onward. Nothing is as good as it sounds of course. So it is not for everyone but we used it a lot in one of the districts I worked in and it is easy to implement in an IEP without expert ABA trainers needed. AND these guys propose using several autism therapy methods like TEACCH methods in schools etc. They dont knock many methods, their stuff works on underlying issues. I love hearing the actual clients with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) and ADHD tell how their feelings have changed. They used to have many of the tools online and parents could share ideas, not sure how things have evolved now...They do parent trainings across the country. Probably expensive. Just MHO as I worked with mine and many little ones on social communication.
PS there is an old movie based on the child from son rise developers. They got in his world, accepted him, worked VERY hard and in the movie anyway....like magic it all paid off and he started talking and being neuro-typical. Again, MHO, when it helps it is likely the staff and parents are doing what they should, finding out where that child is skill wise and in as low a stress setting as possible, building skills step by step.
haha
