Parents of children with autism reported improvements in their child's behavior after speech and language therapy.
Parents of 210 preschool children were asked about their expectations before speech and language therapy, and then asked about any improvements in their children after therapy. Parents said play, social skills, and confidence, as well as speech, improved after therapy. Their behaviors at home, in school, and in public were also better. These additional behaviors are not generally used by therapists to prove success. But, perhaps speech and language therapies could be expanded to include these additional behaviors.
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Responding to weighted vest
Aug 25, 2011 by AnonymousMy young adult son hiked the entire Appalachian trail a few years ago--form Ga to Maine--over 7 months --carrying a 40 plus pound back pack. He was calm, relaxed and maintained a positive mood as the hike continued. He was able to stop his Ablilfy meds while hiking and lost 40 pounds of excess weight. He self reports that he gained spiritual insight, confidence, and trust in his fellow humans. His comment was that he only met two people he didn't like--out of the hundreds he encountered. Based on Joe's experience, I believe hiking is a wonderful non-competitive activity for some high functining young adults on the spectrum. The weight bearing and steady movement in generally quiet and natural settings agreed with Joe. He had never hiked and never pitched a tent--but with the support of an experienced hiking partner, he made his way over 2,000 miles of hard mountainous terrain--an amazing accomplishment for anyone--and a phenomenal one for Joe.
Responding to interactive metronome
Feb 9, 2011 by AnonymousAs a certified Interactive Metronome Provider, I have experienced many positive results working with clients with Autism, ADD, ADHD, TBI, Asperger's Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue and seniors with balance/gait difficulty. There IS significant research on Interactive Metronome if one looks at the proper resources. Increased focus/attention, better coordination, improved motor planning, improved self-confidence, better eye contact, less impulsiveness, less anxiety, better grades in school are only a few of the gains that clients I have worked with have gained as a result of IM.
I have worked with close to 80 clients and have only had one client ( a 50 year old male ) with ADD who felt that IM did not help them in some way.
Social Skill Builder
Feb 16, 2010 by meganSocial Skill Builder, Inc. was founded by speech pathologists and sisters Jennifer Jacobs M.S. CCC-SLP andLaurie Jacobs M.A. CCC-SLP in 1999. Social Skill Builder provides appropriate tools for teaching social skills to children affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other language/learning difficulties.
Because social interaction between people usually happens so quickly and naturally, it is hard to teach these skills to children with social competence difficulties. Social Skill Builder software programs allow children to dissect social situations in a safe and controlled environment, with the opportunity to replay scenarios for greater understanding. Such practice provides children with greater insight into social interactions and increases their confidence as they try out new skills in their real-world environments.
Social Skill Builder has created a series of learning tools, targeting preschool through young adults, which use real life video in computer assisted programs to teach social skills. The user is able to watch the video scenarios unfold and then make choices about what should be said or done next in a safe and controlled environment. These interactive features allow the child or adolescent to step inside familiar social situations to problem solve or predict outcomes. Motivating reinforcements and games make learning the social skills fun and entertaining. This unique training software provides a reference for language, behaviors and interactions that children can carry into the natural environment.
Social Skill Builder's products are designed for speech and occupational therapists, educators, counselors and psychologists, and parents who interact with children and adolescents ages 3-18 affected by ASDs and other learning/language deficits.
You can find more information regarding our software at www.socialskillbuilder.com