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This page provides some details about some of the more common therapies and
interventions used and researched regarding the Autistic Spectrum. We at P.A.C.T.
do not advocate any therapy or intervention but do feel that we would like to
provide the information so that parents and concerned others can make informed
choices. At all times, we strongly recommend that anyone considering any therapy
or intervention should discuss the issues fully with their medical consultant.
Remember - individuals with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder are just that - INDIVIDUALS.
What works for one person may not work for another. Many of our families are involved
in a number of different therapeutic approaches. Discussions are often held at
our meetings and further details can be found through the links within this page.
- Auditory Integration Therapy (AIT): Many children with autism have sensory
perception difficulties. Sense of touch, sensitivity to light and noise are very
common. . Sound sensitivity has been greatly improved for a number of P.A.C.T.'s
members through (AIT). For details check out the following sites: Basic
information about AIT and AIT Institute.
- Dietary Interventions: There is a lot of interest in the link between diet
and autism. Specifically, when diet seems to make a difference, it appears that
the proteins found in dairy and wheat are the two main problems. These proteins
are called Casein (dairy) and Gluten (wheat). Some good sites for information
are Autism Canada, the site for the Autism
Network for Dietary Intervention (ANDI), and the Allergy
Induced Autism site.
- Homeopathy: Homeopathy is a natural and safe system of medicine, that works with your body's own
healing processes. It recognises that disease is simply the body's way of showing that it is out of
balance and that it is therefore the patient who needs treatment not the disease. For more information see:
Homeopathic Life, Homeopathy
, and Medic 8.
- Lovaas Model of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): This is a programme developed for intensive intervention with
children diagnosed with autism and related disorders. It was created as a comprehensive, integrated programme in
which skills build on each other and is an individualised curriculum based on each child's strenghts & weaknesses. For full details about
the programme visit the Lovaas
web site.
- Occupational therapy (OT) can help with some of the difficulties faced by
children with autistic spectrum disorders:- particularly for those with motor
co-ordination difficulties and sensory dysfunctions. A site that offers information
about OT and Sensory Integration is found by clicking
here.
- Secretin: A hormone developed from pig tissue has been recently discovered
to produce dramatic improvements in some autistic children especially those with
bowel problems. Currently, clinical trials are taking place in the USA, but it
must be stressed that Secretin is not licensed for the treatment of autism either
in North America or Europe. Secrelux is a synthetic version of the hormone and
a homeopathic version has also been recently developed. We have some details on
file about where you can contact the suppliers of these - call the office for
information. For further information go to the following web sites: Autism
Society of America's info page and the Autism
Research Unit at Sunderland University.
- Sensory Integration Therapy (SI): Sensory Integration is the process by which the brain takes in and
interprets information about the body and its surroundings. This information is then used to control and
organise the body. It involves how effectively & efficiently a person is able to process sensory information
from the tactile [touch], vestibular [movement sense], proprioceptive [body position sense], visual [looking], auditory
[hearing], olfactory [smell], & gustatory [taste] systems.
Go to the
web site for further information.
- Son-Rise Program: Developed at the Option
Institute this program works with the whole family to help change perceptions
and attitudes about special needs and help provide valuable skills for working
with children with autism and other neurological impairments.
- TEACCH: Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication Handicapped
Children. TEACCH is an approach that treats each child as an individual, developing
a program designed to suit the child's needs, interests and skills. Originating
in the USA, many LEAs in Britain now have a TEACCH Outreach Service that supports
teachers and learning support staff in their roles as educators for children with
autistic spectrum disorders. For further details go to the TEACCH
web site.
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