Healing Thresholds Autism Therapy Topic Feed

Community Resources Work Together to Help Kids with Special Needs

scottie — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:19:02 +0000

Teaser:

Tina Robbins realized just how special her Kalamazoo community was when they stepped up to help her out with her son with autism.

Body:

Tina Robbins realized just how special her Kalamazoo community was when they stepped up to help her out with her son with autism. Robbins is a single mom and her son Logan is a non-verbal youngster with autism. Robbins explained that Logan has sensory issues, wandering, and self-injurious behavior. As an advocate for her son, she reached out to Kalamazoo Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (KCMHSAS) for help. Jeff Patton, CEO of KCMHSAS, explained that Kalamazoo is a caring community and different agencies pooled their resources to help Logan as well as other children with special needs. Western Michigan University provided speech and music therapy. He received his service dog, Denver, from Paws with a Cause. Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center provided equine therapy, while Project Lifesaver made sure that Logan didn’t wander away from home. Tina also gets help; Woods-Edge Learning Center and Family and Children’s Services Respite Program provides respite services, so that she can be re-energized and effective when caring for Logan.

Read original article: Kalamazoo Community Networks Support Children with Disabilities

Nigerian Woman Determined to Bring Early Intervention to Her Country’s Kids

scottie — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Teaser:

Dotun Akande, founder of Patrick Speech and Languages Center in Lagos, believes that early intervention is the best chance for children with autism.

Body:

Dotun Akande, the founder of Patrick Speech and Languages Center in Lagos, believes that early intervention is the best chance for children with autism in her country. Akande, mom of a child with autism, works to reach out and educate as many families as possible. She explains, “Parents too should know that having a child that has this challenge is not the end of the world. Early intervention is the key; so, all you need do is to help that child come out of that problem.” Patrick Speech offers interventions that include speech and language therapy, behavioral modification therapy, OT, social skills training, vocational training, academics, music therapy, hydrotherapy, and sensory integration.

Read original article: Early Intervention is the Key to Managing Autism Well

Does Your Child with Autism Suffer from Anxiety?

scottie — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Teaser:

Kathie Harrington, a speech and language pathologist and mom of a son with autism, has written an article on dealing with anxiety.

Body:

Kathie Harrington, a speech and language pathologist and mom of a son with autism, has written an article on dealing with anxiety. She points out that anxiety in a person with autism may affect sensory, physical, imagined, and communication areas in the person’s life. She explains, “They are anxious when they know and they are anxious when they don't know. They are anxious when they see something is close and they are anxious when something is not close enough…. They are anxious when, and when, and when... .” Some techniques she recommends include routine, relaxation, weighted clothing, music, flashlight, View Master, bean bag chair, and reading.

Read original article: How to Ease Anxiety in a Person with Autism/ASD

Music Therapist Teaches More than Just Music to Kids with Autism

scottie — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Teaser:

Laura Fehr is a music therapist who has opened her own practice in North Dakota to work with children with autism.

Body:

Laura Fehr is a music therapist who has opened her own practice in North Dakota to work with children with autism and other special needs. Fehr, who uses music to work on non-music skills, such as social interaction and communication, says, “Music therapy works because music is processed everywhere in the brain.” She believes that every person has music in them; “everyone knows some sort of music.” Before Fehr begins a music therapy program, she assesses a child’s social skills, motor skills, cognitive skills, and communication abilities. She then sets client-specific goals and reassesses every three months.

Read original article: Music Therapy Graduate Brings Her Services to Bismarck

NJ Church Offers Nondenominational Service for Children with Developmental Delays

scottie — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:41:03 +0000

Teaser:

St. John’s Episcopal Church offers a nondenominational church service for children with autism.

Body:

St. John’s Episcopal Church offers a nondenominational church service for children with autism and other developmental delays. Although “All God's Children: Raising Children of Faith Through Adaptive Worship” is for all kids, it is focused on kids with developmental or physical challenges. Rev. Andrew Butler says this type of service, “encourages noise makers, a spirited procession in the sanctuary, and a prayer rope for children that extends down the center aisle and brings them together.” The service is 30 minutes long and involves music, Bible stories, Communion, prayer, and a focus on understanding that all children are equal.

Read original article: Montclair Episcopal Church to Launch Nondenominational Service for Children with Special Needs

Teen with Autism Turns 21

scottie — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:15:46 +0000

Teaser:

James Piccarreto, a teen with autism, takes things very literally; he wouldn’t go to a PG movie until he was 13, and he wouldn’t have a beer until he turned 21.

Body:

James Piccarreto, a teen with autism, takes things very literally; he wouldn’t go to a PG movie until he was 13, and he wouldn’t have a beer until he turned 21. His friends and family celebrated his 21st birthday with beer and NASCAR memorabilia (his passion). His mom explains, “One of our things has always been to find teachable moments, but also to celebrate everything. You don’t take a lot for granted.” James has learned through the years to find independence and his voice not only with help from his family but with a music therapist and an aide who works with him daily. They both suggested that as children with autism enter adulthood, there are new challenges and anxieties to face.

Read original article: 21 Means Big Things for James Piccarreto of Greece

Mall Provides “Sensitive Santa” for Kids with Autism

scottie — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 21:26:05 +0000

Teaser:

Have you ever tried taking your child with autism, or any child for that matter, to meet Santa at Christmas?

Body:

Have you ever tried taking your child with autism, or any child for that matter, to meet Santa at Christmas? Potomac Mills Mall and Worldwide Photography understand what a challenge that can be. Together, they created a “Sensitive Santa” event that allow children with autism and other developmental delays to have a good experience meeting the jolly old man. The lights are dimmed, the music is turned off, and there aren’t any long lines. Jessica Patterson of Worldwide Photography explains, “We don't really worry about the pretty pictures so much." We're just giving them the opportunity to do something that all the other kids get to do."

Read original article: Sensitive Santa Helps Kids with Autism Brave Holiday Traditions

New Autism Research Shows Promise Using Music and Motor Activities

scottie — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:52:16 +0000

Teaser:

Auditory-Motor Mapping Training (AAMT) is a recently researched therapy that shows music may help communication skills in children with autism.

Body:

Auditory-Motor Mapping Training (AAMT) is a recently researched therapy that shows music may help communication skills in children with autism. Catherine Wan, PhD, a researcher in the Music and Neuroimaging Laboratory of Beth Deaconess Medical Center’s Department of Neurology, explains that AAMT uses “singing (intonation) and motor activities to strengthen a network of brain regions that is thought to be abnormal in children with autism.” The researchers based their study on another similar therapy, Melodic Intonation Therapy that was successful in helping stroke victims recover their speech. The children involved in the AAMT study showed increased communication during the treatment as well as at home.

Read original article: Research Shows New Therapy Helps Nonverbal Children with Autism to Say First Words

It’s Not Too Early to Begin Holiday Preparations for Your Child on the Autism Spectrum

scottie — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:46:03 +0000

Teaser:

This is a great proactive article from Community Connections Inc. about preparing your child with autism for the wackiness that may surround the holidays.

Body:

This is a great proactive article from Community Connections Inc. about preparing your child with autism for the wackiness that may surround the holidays. These suggestions include: giving your child a “bear-hug” to help with over-stimulation; participating in sensory building activities like baking or making music; making sure your child gets enough sleep, and feeding your kid a healthy diet. Community Connections Inc. sponsors a group called San Juan Kids, which is available to give autism screenings and evaluations.

Read original article: Holiday Season can be Overstimulating, Especially for Kids

Listening Therapy Center Opens in the Philippines

scottie — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:28:10 +0000

Teaser:

Dr. Gina Diaz-Cembrano recently opened the I Listen Enhancement Center for Maximum Learning in the Philippines.

Body:

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