autism & its treatments janna hoskin, ba (psychology); bmus (composition), aba therapist v1.0...

Autism & its TreatmentsAutism & its TreatmentsJanna Hoskin, BA (Psychology); BMus Janna Hoskin, BA (Psychology); BMus

(Composition), ABA Therapist(Composition), ABA Therapist

V1.0 V1.0 ©2003, Janna Hoskin©2003, Janna Hoskin

First of all, who am I?First of all, who am I?

My name is Janna Hoskin.My name is Janna Hoskin. I have a BA in Psychology and a BMus in I have a BA in Psychology and a BMus in

Composition.Composition. I have been working with children who I have been working with children who

have been diagnosed with pervasive have been diagnosed with pervasive developmental disabilities such as autism, developmental disabilities such as autism, or autistic disorder, for three years, and or autistic disorder, for three years, and have been researching the disorder for have been researching the disorder for nine years.nine years.

My interest in autism began when I was My interest in autism began when I was twelve years old, when I first saw the twelve years old, when I first saw the movie movie RainmanRainman. But autism is so much . But autism is so much more than more than RainmanRainman..

Topics of DiscussionTopics of Discussion

Basic Definition of AutismBasic Definition of Autism Dispelling the Mythology of AutismDispelling the Mythology of Autism Treatment: Son-RiseTreatment: Son-Rise Treatment: FloorTimeTreatment: FloorTime Treatment: ABATreatment: ABA Other Treatments and Communication Other Treatments and Communication

MethodsMethods

What is Autism?What is Autism?

Autism is a neurological disorder that causes Autism is a neurological disorder that causes communication problems and developmental communication problems and developmental delays.delays.

It can include dietary and sensory problems.It can include dietary and sensory problems. It is It is notnot a psychological problem. It is not a a psychological problem. It is not a

choice.choice. Autism is Autism is notnot a sure sign of brain damage or a sure sign of brain damage or

mental retardation.mental retardation. Autism is a spectrum disorder.Autism is a spectrum disorder. Every individual who has autism is different from Every individual who has autism is different from

every other individual who has autism, just as we every other individual who has autism, just as we ‘NT’s (neurotypicals) are different from one ‘NT’s (neurotypicals) are different from one another.another.



MethodsMethods

Dispelling the Mythology of Dispelling the Mythology of AutismAutism

Myth #1Myth #1– Individuals with autism never make eye Individuals with autism never make eye

contact; they do not look at you.contact; they do not look at you. Myth #2Myth #2

– Autism is a mental illness.Autism is a mental illness. Myth #3Myth #3

– Progress means that a person doesn’t have Progress means that a person doesn’t have autism.autism.

Myth #4Myth #4– Individuals with autism do not speak.Individuals with autism do not speak.

Myth #5Myth #5– Autism can be outgrown.Autism can be outgrown.

Myth #6Myth #6– Individuals with autism cannot learn; autistic Individuals with autism cannot learn; autistic

children are retarded.children are retarded.


Myth #7Myth #7– Underneath all of the difficult behaviours is a Underneath all of the difficult behaviours is a

normal person; inside a child with autism is a normal person; inside a child with autism is a genius.genius.

Myth #8Myth #8– Individuals with autism are very Individuals with autism are very

manipulative.manipulative. Myth #9Myth #9

– Individuals with autism could talk if they Individuals with autism could talk if they wanted to.wanted to.

Myth #10Myth #10– Individuals with autism can’t smile; cannot Individuals with autism can’t smile; cannot

show affection; do not relate to peers or show affection; do not relate to peers or adults; do not want friends; do not learn from adults; do not want friends; do not learn from their environment or pick up on cues from their environment or pick up on cues from others.others.


Myth #11Myth #11– When a person with autism does not respond When a person with autism does not respond

to a question/direction to which he has to a question/direction to which he has shown a previous correct response, he is shown a previous correct response, he is being stubborn, non-compliant, and/or being stubborn, non-compliant, and/or obnoxious.obnoxious.

Myth #12Myth #12– Autism is rare.Autism is rare.

Far from being rare, autism is actually on the rise. Far from being rare, autism is actually on the rise. People have many different theories about why People have many different theories about why this is, but whatever the reason, it is out there.this is, but whatever the reason, it is out there.

Myth #13Myth #13– Autism is caused by poor parenting and a Autism is caused by poor parenting and a

lack of initial bonding.lack of initial bonding.


Myth #14Myth #14– Autism can be cured.Autism can be cured.

Myth #15Myth #15– All autistics have special abilities, like in All autistics have special abilities, like in Rain Rain

ManMan.. Myth #16Myth #16

– Autistics have no sense of humour.Autistics have no sense of humour.



MethodsMethods

Treatment: Son-RiseTreatment: Son-Rise

What is What is Son-RiseSon-Rise??– The The Son-Rise Son-Rise treatment method involves treatment method involves

taking the child into a special playroom that taking the child into a special playroom that is free of distractions, and joining the child in is free of distractions, and joining the child in his or her actions in an attempt to create a his or her actions in an attempt to create a connection with the child and to let the child connection with the child and to let the child know that he or she is loved and accepted, know that he or she is loved and accepted, unconditionally.unconditionally.

Does it work?Does it work?– The anecdotal evidence is overwhelming, The anecdotal evidence is overwhelming,

and can be read in the information packages and can be read in the information packages sent out by the sent out by the Option InstituteOption Institute..


So what’s good about it?So what’s good about it?– The lack of distractions in the workroom;The lack of distractions in the workroom;– The rewards given for positive behaviours; andThe rewards given for positive behaviours; and– The apparent aid in interpersonal relationships that The apparent aid in interpersonal relationships that

the required self-analysis brings.the required self-analysis brings. Basically, the method consists of a lot of Basically, the method consists of a lot of

situational teaching that is instantly situational teaching that is instantly generalized by the teachers.generalized by the teachers.

So what’s bad about it?So what’s bad about it?– The emphasis on the parents’ attitudes as being The emphasis on the parents’ attitudes as being

key to the child’s “recovery”.key to the child’s “recovery”.– The attitude that this method can The attitude that this method can curecure autism. autism.– The underlying assumption that the child can The underlying assumption that the child can

choose to ‘come out’ of autism, and will do so, choose to ‘come out’ of autism, and will do so, given enough love and understanding. This is far given enough love and understanding. This is far too much like the Bettelheim “Refrigerator Mother” too much like the Bettelheim “Refrigerator Mother” theory for my liking.theory for my liking.


What do I think of this method?What do I think of this method?– It won’t damage the child or family in any It won’t damage the child or family in any

way.way.– It is also unlikely to be the catalyst in a It is also unlikely to be the catalyst in a

child’s ‘recovery’.child’s ‘recovery’.– It is ridiculously expensive to take the It is ridiculously expensive to take the

training.training.



MethodsMethods

Treatment: FloorTimeTreatment: FloorTime

What is What is FloorTimeFloorTime??– FloorTimeFloorTime is basically a form of non-invasive is basically a form of non-invasive

play therapy.play therapy. Does it work?Does it work?

– I am currently unaware of any scientific I am currently unaware of any scientific documentation supporting the use of documentation supporting the use of FloorTimeFloorTime as a treatment for ASD, but I am as a treatment for ASD, but I am sure that there are many parents who stand sure that there are many parents who stand by it as an excellent treatment method.by it as an excellent treatment method.


So what’s good about it?So what’s good about it?– The emphasis on human connection;The emphasis on human connection;– The idea that it doesn’t matter so much The idea that it doesn’t matter so much whenwhen a skill a skill

is achieved, so long as it is reached in an appropriate is achieved, so long as it is reached in an appropriate manner, with appropriate pre-requisite skills; andmanner, with appropriate pre-requisite skills; and

– The emphasis on using appropriate play to build on The emphasis on using appropriate play to build on interpersonal relationships, communication skills, and interpersonal relationships, communication skills, and so on.so on.

This method employs a lot of situational, This method employs a lot of situational, generalized teaching, and relies on the human generalized teaching, and relies on the human element for treatment.element for treatment.

So what’s bad about it?So what’s bad about it?– The ideas about the inability of child and parent to The ideas about the inability of child and parent to

bond properly.bond properly.– The attitude that this is the only appropriate way to The attitude that this is the only appropriate way to

treat ASD, and that behavioural methods are treat ASD, and that behavioural methods are somehow cruel.somehow cruel.

– The lack of emphasis on life skills and academic skills The lack of emphasis on life skills and academic skills that children will require when they eventually attend that children will require when they eventually attend school.school.


What do I think of this method?What do I think of this method?– The The FloorTimeFloorTime method is not an appropriate method is not an appropriate

stand-alone treatment for autism.stand-alone treatment for autism.– It may be an acceptable addition to a child’s It may be an acceptable addition to a child’s

program.program.



MethodsMethods

Treatment: ABATreatment: ABA

What is What is ABAABA??– ABAABA, or , or Applied Behavioural AnalysisApplied Behavioural Analysis, is the most , is the most

scientifically valid treatment for autism at this time.scientifically valid treatment for autism at this time.– This means that the original study had very positive This means that the original study had very positive

data, and that since that time, the data has been data, and that since that time, the data has been reproduced with other children in other areas with reproduced with other children in other areas with other scientists.other scientists.

So tell me about this study.So tell me about this study.– In the Experimental Group, 9 of the 19 children In the Experimental Group, 9 of the 19 children lost their lost their

diagnosisdiagnosis and were placed in typical classrooms at school. 8 and were placed in typical classrooms at school. 8 of the remaining children were placed in classes for of the remaining children were placed in classes for language delayed children. language delayed children. Only 2 children from the Only 2 children from the Experimental Group were placed in classes for retarded and Experimental Group were placed in classes for retarded and autistic childrenautistic children..

– In the Control Group, of which none were placed in typical In the Control Group, of which none were placed in typical classrooms at school: 8 were placed in classes for language classrooms at school: 8 were placed in classes for language delayed children, and 11 were placed in classes for retarded delayed children, and 11 were placed in classes for retarded and autistic children.and autistic children.

– On top of this, the Experimental Group children’s testable IQ On top of this, the Experimental Group children’s testable IQ scores scores roserose, while the IQ scores of the children in the Control , while the IQ scores of the children in the Control Group either fell or remained the same.Group either fell or remained the same.


Well, so what Well, so what exactlyexactly is is ABAABA??– ABA ABA is actually an umbrella term that describes an is actually an umbrella term that describes an

approach to teaching individuals with disabilities approach to teaching individuals with disabilities that is based on principles espoused by the that is based on principles espoused by the behaviourist branch of psychology.behaviourist branch of psychology.

– It is useful in treating people who have had strokes, It is useful in treating people who have had strokes, children with mental retardation, autism, and other children with mental retardation, autism, and other disorders.disorders.

– Its effectiveness is not dependent on age, but, as Its effectiveness is not dependent on age, but, as with anything, tends to work best and quickest with anything, tends to work best and quickest when applied immediately upon discovering that when applied immediately upon discovering that there is a problem.there is a problem.


How does How does ABAABA work? Describe a session work? Describe a session for me.for me.

More Information on More Information on ABAABA..– Because ABA is science-based, it is important to keep Because ABA is science-based, it is important to keep

data on the events that take place during a drill.data on the events that take place during a drill.– Generalization is vital to a good ABA program.Generalization is vital to a good ABA program.

Does it work?Does it work?– There is a lot of anecdotal and scientific There is a lot of anecdotal and scientific

evidence out there to support ABA as a evidence out there to support ABA as a primary intervention for autism.primary intervention for autism.


So what’s good about it?So what’s good about it?– The lack of distractions in the workroom;The lack of distractions in the workroom;– The rewards given for positive behaviours; andThe rewards given for positive behaviours; and– The focus on skill acquisition.The focus on skill acquisition.

Basically, Basically, ABAABA is an excellent teaching method is an excellent teaching method that has been described to me in the past as that has been described to me in the past as being ‘good parenting’.being ‘good parenting’.

So what’s bad about it?So what’s bad about it?– The abuse of behavioural methods that has gone The abuse of behavioural methods that has gone

on in the past and continues in some areas. Good on in the past and continues in some areas. Good ABA does not make use of aversives (punishment) ABA does not make use of aversives (punishment) and is not abusive.and is not abusive.

– The attitude that this method can The attitude that this method can curecure autism. autism.– The focus on table-time that is not generalized The focus on table-time that is not generalized

appropriately or at all in some programs.appropriately or at all in some programs.– The refusal of some providers to acknowledge the The refusal of some providers to acknowledge the

possibility that some behaviours must be treated possibility that some behaviours must be treated using sensory techniques, rather than behavioural using sensory techniques, rather than behavioural techniquestechniques..


What do I think of this method?What do I think of this method?– ABAABA is the best educational method we is the best educational method we

currently have for ASD. currently have for ASD. – That being said, the idea that without That being said, the idea that without ABAABA a a

person will be “lost” to the world is ludicrous.person will be “lost” to the world is ludicrous.– I do not agree that I do not agree that ABAABA is the only proper is the only proper

way to go, though I do think that the way to go, though I do think that the principles of principles of ABAABA should be the basis for any should be the basis for any appropriate intervention.appropriate intervention.



MethodsMethods

Other Treatments and Other Treatments and Communication MethodsCommunication Methods

Topics in this section will include:Topics in this section will include:– Sensory Integration TherapySensory Integration Therapy– Auditory Integration TherapyAuditory Integration Therapy– Music TherapyMusic Therapy– Irlen LensesIrlen Lenses– Dietary Intervention (GFCF diet) and Dietary Intervention (GFCF diet) and

Nutritional SupplementsNutritional Supplements– Facilitated CommunicationFacilitated Communication– Picture Exchange Communication SystemPicture Exchange Communication System– Speech as CommunicationSpeech as Communication– Sign Language as CommunicationSign Language as Communication


Sensory Integration TherapySensory Integration Therapy– SITSIT should be administered by, or need for should be administered by, or need for SITSIT

should be assessed by, an Occupational should be assessed by, an Occupational Therapist.Therapist.

Auditory Integration TherapyAuditory Integration Therapy– AITAIT generally consists of a prescribed amount generally consists of a prescribed amount

of time spent each day listening to a recording of time spent each day listening to a recording that uses particular combinations of sound that uses particular combinations of sound waves to retrain the ear mechanisms.waves to retrain the ear mechanisms.

Music TherapyMusic Therapy– Music TherapyMusic Therapy can be an excellent addition to can be an excellent addition to

a treatment program, but the therapist should a treatment program, but the therapist should be well-versed in your method of choice (in be well-versed in your method of choice (in other words, if you are running an other words, if you are running an ABAABA program, your music therapist should have program, your music therapist should have some experience working as an some experience working as an ABAABA therapist).therapist).


Irlen LensesIrlen Lenses– These are coloured glasses that filter out These are coloured glasses that filter out

certain frequencies of light so that visual certain frequencies of light so that visual processing is easier.processing is easier.

Dietary Intervention (GFCF diet) and Dietary Intervention (GFCF diet) and nutritional supplementsnutritional supplements– The The gluten-free/casein-free dietgluten-free/casein-free diet is commonly is commonly

touted online as an amazing intervention for touted online as an amazing intervention for autism.autism.

– Some Some nutritional supplementsnutritional supplements can help, but can help, but should not be administered without should not be administered without supervision of a doctor.supervision of a doctor.


Facilitated CommunicationFacilitated Communication– Facilitated CommunicationFacilitated Communication has many advocates has many advocates

and many detractors.and many detractors.– Perhaps its greatest strength lies in the fact that Perhaps its greatest strength lies in the fact that

practitioners assume competence of their practitioners assume competence of their clients.clients.

– Its greatest weakness lies in the generalized Its greatest weakness lies in the generalized assumption that all non-verbal individuals assumption that all non-verbal individuals require this method in order to get their voice require this method in order to get their voice heard.heard.

– It can also be very difficult for clients to become It can also be very difficult for clients to become independent in their typing, which is what it will independent in their typing, which is what it will take for this method to become universally take for this method to become universally accepted.accepted.

Picture Exchange Communication SystemPicture Exchange Communication System– Picture Exchange Communication SystemPicture Exchange Communication System is the is the

use of pictures to indicate needs or wants.use of pictures to indicate needs or wants.


Speech as CommunicationSpeech as Communication– Speech Speech is perhaps the method most parents is perhaps the method most parents

desire for their children.desire for their children. Sign Language as CommunicationSign Language as Communication

– Sign LanguageSign Language is an excellent alternative to is an excellent alternative to speech, and is also often a good stepping-speech, and is also often a good stepping-stone to vocal communication.stone to vocal communication.

Personal Thoughts on Personal Thoughts on Treatment for ASDTreatment for ASD

My opinion on autism treatment is very My opinion on autism treatment is very different from that of many professionals, different from that of many professionals, and even many parents. I believe that and even many parents. I believe that the very first thing a program should deal the very first thing a program should deal with is sensory issues, followed closely by with is sensory issues, followed closely by finding a communication method that is finding a communication method that is effective for the individual. Once a effective for the individual. Once a sensory diet and communication method sensory diet and communication method is in place, an ABA program can (and is in place, an ABA program can (and should) begin. This is when testing can should) begin. This is when testing can be done for biomedical interventions be done for biomedical interventions (most of which I did not cover in this (most of which I did not cover in this presentation, as I have not researched presentation, as I have not researched them adequately).them adequately).

The most important thing to The most important thing to remember about autism is that remember about autism is that you can’t make generalizations you can’t make generalizations about it. No two individuals are about it. No two individuals are

quite the same, and autism affects quite the same, and autism affects different people in different ways. different people in different ways.

It cannot be ‘cured’, though It cannot be ‘cured’, though autistic individuals are quite autistic individuals are quite capable of learning coping capable of learning coping

strategies and methods that will strategies and methods that will help them get through life help them get through life

independently.independently.

autism & its treatments janna hoskin, ba (psychology); bmus (composition), aba therapist v1.0...

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