What's the best way to treat kids with Autism in your opinion?

Question

I know about Denver Model, Relationship Development Intervention, Applied Behavioral Analysis, etc just to get ya started. If you say "beat them" I hope you get lots of thumbs downs!!! :) stay positive thinkers eh?

Answer 1

I've found that an eclectic approach is best. Adopt parts of many different intervention models to create a comprehensive plan that will work best with your child. RDI and Floortime are a good part of any program, to help a child begin to want to interact with you and to see that being with other people can be fun. ABA and TEACCH, along with other more "behavioral" methods help a child learn to make sense of the world around him/her. They help a child learn to adjust to transitions in their daily schedule, and to know what effect their actions have on their environment. It really helps the child to have a visual schedule to show him/her, "first I have snacktime and then I have playtime" (TEACCH) so they know what to expect from their environment. A consistent message that, "if I hit, then ____ happens" (ABA) helps them learn where their limits are. Learning, "if I look at Mommy, I get tickles" (Floortime, RDI) shows a child that interacting with other people is lots of fun. Remember that you will effect behavior more quickly by rewarding appropriate behaviors than you will by solely "punishing" undesirable behaviors. By using an eclectic approach you can create a treatment program that will be perfect for the individual child.

Answer 2

ABA or Descrete Trials work well. For every positive behavior give an equally positive response. Negative behavior is given no verbal response, action or reinforcement. Depending how high functioning the child is on a social level try to communicate with them they way you would any other child of that age. You can have some pretty interesting conversations with a person with Autism young or old. I do love the honesty in the reactions they give you. If you savvy enough you can find out what they are really into you will have them talking and interating with you to no end. Try not to touch them because they are very, very sensitive to that, even in the slightest way sometimes sets them off. Above all be positive and happy when coming in contact with them, let them know you are happy to see them. A big smile and nice, "Hello there_____!" will go along way.

Answer 3

I think it depends on the child. With my son we have done a combo of floortime/PLAY Project and TEACHH. Each has worked depending on the skill we are working on right now. Visual schedules and PECS have been godsends. We only used PECS for a few months, but I still make picture cards if they are needed. The Visual Schedule helps him know what is next.
Some kids like my son are very literal and if the picture for getting dressed shows a red shirt there better be one clean. While these things have worked for my child they may not work for your child. Be flexible to know if something isnt working you can try another approach.
Also love your child as an individual. That to me is the most important. Your child with autism relates to the world differently but that doesnt mean the way s/he relates is wrong at all.

Answer 4

There is no best way, I strongly agree with the previous person who said to use an eclectic approach. The different models and approaches out there are all great tools to keep in your bag of resources, some will work great for a while. I do have to give a strong warning to stay away from any method that promises to "cure" them. They are not ill, they simply process sensory information from their world differently than the rest of us.

However, if you are looking for additional approaches, look into Occupational therapist who specialize in sensory integration dysfunctions. A good OT/SI therapist should be knowledgeable of all the latest research and tx opportunities available as well as provide the much needed organization of sensory input for a child who has difficulties making sense of his little world.

Answer 5

It depends on the severity of the Autism. Actually, it depends on the child as an individual. For example, one child will be able to carry on a normal conversation, and good behavior thrives on stickers. He'd sell his grandmother into slavery for a sticker. In other cases, the child may not be able to express himself/herself verbally. These children should be encouraged to use their words when taught and directions should be short and to the point. A key thing is to get to know the child as an individual. What works for one child may not work for the one sitting next to him. Another key is consistency. Consistency is so important. The slightest change in daily routine can really throw things out of whack.

Answer 6

It really depends on your child. Make sure it is researched bases. There are many companies in the world that are trying to make profits out of nothing (ie. Mercury in shots, Candida/Vitamin treatments, even the scare of eating certain foods, etc.).
Circle of Friends seems to be a good way to integrate Autistic students into their classroom.
As stated before the PECS system is a great tool to use as well.

Answer 7

As you know-there are many different levels of autism. Depending on the history, I would be patient and try to be inventive to get their attention and keep them interested.
I wouldnt hug them because I've found, sometimes, they dont like that. I've seen many programs that have done wonderful things with these very special children.

Answer 8

Floortime Therapy..created by Stanley Greenspan, MD. With a firm hold on Floortime, then ABA can be used as well. Just my opinion and what works for my son. Each autistic child has different needs.

Answer 9

You can take any model you want but always remember that the child hasn't read it!

Treat each child individually according to their needs and use the guidelines as mere guidelines.

Answer 10

We used an ABA model with our son, and it's worked well for him. I think the biggest thing to do with these kiddos is try to keep things predictable for them, they thrive on regularity and schedules. For my son, unstructured time is literally the devil. Challenge your child to do the best he/she can. Make sure there's an effective IEP in place, and don't be afraid to speak up in those meetings! Be a good advocate for your child.