Autism Therapy: attention

No Factsheets to Display

Effective Methylphenidate Treatment of an Adult Aspergers Syndrome and a Comorbid ADHD: A Clinical Investigation with fMRI

Journal of Attention Disorders, by Roy, M., Dillo W., Bessling S., Emrich HE, and Ohlmeier MD, published in 2009, summarized Nov 9, 2010

Methylphenidate may help adults who are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Asperger syndrome.

This case study presents an adult patient with ADHD and Aspergers syndrome. The 26-year old man had had problems since childhood with making and keeping social contacts. The authors note that when an adult has both ADHD and Aspergers syndrome the case may be complex and hard to diagnose. This is because both ADHD and Aspergers syndrome may result in poor social skills and lack of attention. In the case of this patient, treatment with methylphenidate improved his ability to function and reduced his ADHD symptoms.

Enhanced Independence and Quality of Life Through Treatment with Flotation-Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique of a Patient with Both Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Asperger Syndrome: A Case Report

Cases Journal, by Edebol, H., Kjellgren A., Bood S. - A., and Norlander T., published in 2009, summarized Sep 7, 2010

Flotation tanks may be a useful tool for calming the nervous system and helping with sensory integration in adults with Asperger syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

This case study describes an adult with Asperger syndrome and ADHD who was treated with flotation-Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique (flotation-REST). The 36-year old woman from Sweden also had depression. She was given 19 sessions over a year and at the end felt that she was better able to live life on her own. With time she learned to control how alert she was (arousal control). She also learned to control how active she was (activity regulation). Her senses relaxed and she became better at sensory integration.

Divided Attention Capacity in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Without Intellectual Disability

Autism, by Bogte, H., Flamma B., Van Der Meere J., and vanEngeland H., published in 2009, summarized Aug 3, 2010

Medications may slow down response time and disturb the ability to pay attention in adults with autism.

People with autism often have a slow response time and this is believed to be due to slowness in brain function. This study explored whether adults with autism were able to pay attention to two things at the same time. The authors found that if the adults were not on drug therapy, they were able to pay attention to two things at the same time. Thus, the slowness in response time may be something that children with autism grow out of as they age. The adults with autism who were on medication were slow to respond to two things.

Interactive Metronome Training in Children with Attention Deficit and Developmental Coordination Disorders

International Journal of Rehabilitation Research, by Cosper, SM, Lee GP, Peters SB, and Bishop E., published in 2009, summarized May 27, 2010

Interactive Metronome training may help children with attention deficit disorder or pervasive developmental disorder who have deficits in visuomotor control and speed.

This study was designed to see if Interactive Metronome therapy can help these children move better and pay attention better. The study was designed so that each child acted as his or her own control. The authors found that Interactive Metronome seemed to help with some aspects of motor control and reaction time. They did not see improved attention in the children after therapy. The authors note that there is very little research to back up the many claims made by people who offer Interactive Metronome therapy.

Kids Toolbox Store Supplies Items for Kids with Autism

Apr 17, 2012

Kids Toolbox in Clearwater Florida supplies “tools” or toys or whatever a child with autism might want. Owners Mike and Pam LeGath have created a store that helps children be comfortable: low lights and a sensory play area. One item they stock is a game called Tricky Fish. A child might think it’s a toy, but it actually helps him develop eye/hand coordination, motor skills, and attention span. Kids Toolbox carries other special items as well as seamless clothing for children who have sensory issues. The store wants to be a community resource and is also hosting lectures on special needs once a week.

Read oringal article: Clearwater Store Stocks Tools for Helping Children with Autism, ADD, Special Needs

Auditory Integration Training as Therapy for Autism

Feb 15, 2012

A speech and language pathologist in Kuwait has begun using auditory integrations training (AIT) for his students with autism at Dasman Model School and Khalifa School. Mamoun Aburas was interviewed for this article and discussed how he saw improvements in speech and attention span. Aburas explained that AIT is an, "intervention programme designed to correct or improve auditory hypersensitivity, distortions and delays in the signals that interfere with an individual’s ability to process auditory information normally." AIT, which is still considered an alternative therapy, presents music through a machine called an Earducator. This machine helps balance the music so that children are hearing sound at the same way in each ear. The music used must cover a wide range of frequencies and have a good tempo and beat. Some of the music Aburas favors includes Bob Marley, Hall & Oates, Bryan Adams and Chris De Burgh. He is pleased that more parents in Kuwait are getting involved in their children's treatment and that autism is not seen as too much of a stigma.

Read original article: Music Used to Help Special Children

St. Kitts/Nevis Federation Hopeful About Autism Early Intervention Center

Feb 8, 2012

The Ministry of Education on St. Kitts, with UNESCO funding, held an autism training workshop. For two days, preschool teachers, special education professionals, day care supervisors, and nurses learned about recognizing early signs of autism in children. The Principal at the Special Education Unit on Nevis, Mrs. Violet Clarke, hopes this education results in an early intervention center. “The centre will be set up as a demonstration environment to provide training for parents, nurses, preschool providers and teachers. Children will have the opportunity to be screened and receive intervention programmes designed by a multi professional team,” she explained. The focus therapies for the children will be speech and occupational therapies in order to best increase social and communication skills. Clarke hopes this goal will prompt different governmental and educational agencies to work together, sharing knowledge and funding.

Read original article: UNESCO Workshop on Nevis Draws Attention to Federation's Children with Autism

Listening Therapy Center Opens in the Philippines

Nov 3, 2011

Dr. Gina Diaz-Cembrano recently opened the I Listen Enhancement Center for Maximum Learning in the Philippines. Although a dentist by training, Gina felt teaching preschool was a better way to help families who had children with autism and other developmental issues such as ADHD. The center uses the Tomatis Method. Gina explains, “The Tomatis method re-trains the listening system by using electronically modified music and language to re-educate, stimulate and improve the way in which we process auditory information.” Children with learning disabilities often have difficulty in communication and social interaction, the Tomatis methods attempts to increase listening skills, communication, and memory and attention. Gina has seen that Tomatis worked well with other therapies including occupational therapy, sensory integration, and speech therapy.

Read original article: All Ears for the Tomatis Method

Please comment on this autism topic.

Responding to movement therapy

Feb 15, 2012 by Whole Medicine

Have readers of this forum heard of Interactive Metronome?

I have worked with numerous LD's. Because ASD has as a major component deficits in Executive Functioning, focus, attention and inhibition, I have had tremendous sucess with students on the Spectrum.

TJ, a 12 y/o male with ASD was still bed wetting and presented aggressive/assaultive behavior towards younger siblings and classmates/instructors.

After 6 IM sessions bed wetting ceased

After 15 sessions TJ displayed the ability to self-monitor escalation of aggressive emotions/behaviors, ending physical attacks upon sibling
TJ now attends mainstreamed H.S., classes and no longer requires a F/T class aide

JR was a 17 y/o male dx'd with Aspergers comorbid with ADD and ODD behavior. Due to gross/fine motor deficits and very low muscle tone he was anxious about any physical activities and exhibited poor self-concept

After 4 sessions he began to show generalized timing improvements and his self-confidence grew
After 12 sessions Mom reported he was self-initiating chores at home!
JR gained confidence in his athletic abilities and learned a left handed [non-dominant side] lay-up

Please feel free to contact me if you want to learn more.

In Good Health!

Edward Jonathans BSc-IMC
Sensory-Motor Therapist

re: Guanfacine

Feb 15, 2012 by Anonymous

My son is 8 years old, diagnosed with autism, seizure disorder and vocal and motor tics. We have decided to put him on medication. His attention span is zero. We tried Ritalin, but it backfired. We are now trying guanfacine. It has been a few days at 1/2 mg twice a day. I have seen moderate improvement in his hyperactivity and tics. Last night, about 45 minutes after his dose, he became very sedated. More than I care for. Do these side effects become more pronounced or less after he gets used to the drug? It has been a very difficult decision to put him on medication. But at this point, it's either him or I. :(

AUTISM = California ABA Behavior Analysis + Special Education is the "3 in 1" Autism Therapies Treatment in California & Singapore

Oct 13, 2011 by Anonymous

St. Andrew Autism Center is the Help and service provider in Singapore for autism therapies in ABA behavior intervention and special education.

Autism is an EPIDEMIC affecting Singapore children. The "3 in 1" Autism Therapies Treatment of " Autism + ABA + Special Education" is to help children with Autism, ADHD, Attention Deficit Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, Giftedness etc and related disabilities with learning, emotional and developmental needs to develop the communication, academic and social skills necessary so that they can successfully participate in their Singapore MOE schools or pre-schools, and communities.

SeokLay Lau MA in Special Education, California State University Los Angeles, CalABA member.

Seoklay Lau's Public Profile <http://sg.linkedin.com/pub/seoklay-lau/34/621/5b>

AUTISM = California ABA Behavior Analysis + Special Education

Sep 22, 2011 by Anonymous

AUTISM is an EPIDEMIC affecting Singapore children.

To help Singapore children with Autism, ADHD, Attention Deficit Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, Giftedness etc and related disabilities with learning, emotional and developmental needs to develop the communication, academic and social skills necessary so that they can successfully participate in their MOE schools and pre-schools.

Seoklay Lau MA in Special Education CSULA, CalABA member.

Seoklay's Public Profile <http://sg.linkedin.com/pub/seoklay-lau/34/621/5b>

Follow	Twitter	Facebook
Subscribe	By Email	RSS Feed

Search

Top Autism Therapies

Other Autism Topics

User login