Autism Therapy: quality of life (QOL)

definition of quality of life (QOL): not yet defined.

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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.


Objective and Subjective Quality of Life in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Southern Spain
Autism, by Saldana, D., Alvarez RM, Loboton S., Lopez AM, Moreno M., and Rojano M., published in 2009, summarized Sep 23, 2009

Adults with autism in Spain may require community-based resources and family support in order to have a better quality of life.

Researchers asked 74 adults with autism or Asperger's and their families about their quality of life. The adults were living in southern Spain, and were 18-40 years old. The researchers also asked about community-based services and social networks. The adults with autism were mostly low functioning. Most (64%) were getting only one therapy, while 16% were getting no services. Their social network was usually limited to close family members. For ratings of health, safety, productivity, and other measures, most families and adults felt that things could be better. The authors think that better services and social networks are needed in Spain for adults with autism.


Sleep Disturbances and Autism
Sleep Medicine Clinics, by Malow, BA, and McGrew SG, published in 2008, summarized Jul 23, 2009

Melatonin and other therapies may help people with autism who have trouble sleeping.

People with autism may have sleeping problems, such as trouble going to sleep, trouble staying asleep, and night terrors. Sleep problems can occur because of medical problems (like epilepsy), psychiatric conditions (like anxiety), medications, behavioral habits, and sensory issues. Behavioral therapy is usually the first therapy that is tried to improve sleep habits. Parents are often included in a behavioral therapy plan. When behavioral therapy doesn't work, drug therapy may help. Some doctors suggest melatonin, which has few side effects. One large study showed that melatonin helped 85% of children with autism with sleep problems. Other therapy options include anti-epilepsy medications, antidepressants, light therapy, and tonsil removal. Improving sleep can improve the quality of life and the behavior of people with autism.


Low-Dose Naltrexone for Disease Prevention and Quality of Life
Medical Hypotheses, by Brown, N., and Panksepp J., published in 2009, summarized Jun 17, 2009

Low-dose naltrexone may help increase social interactions and cheerfulness in some children with autism.

A dose of about 0.25 mg/kg naltrexone drug therapy every other day helped some children, and better social behaviors were seen on the days in between. The theory for how this works is that low-dose naltrexone increases production of opioids and dopamine activity in the brain, which can make the brain feel happier.


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Robotics Company Seeks to Improve Lives of Children with Autism

Apr 18, 2012

Movia Robotics got started helping kids with autism when founder Timothy Gifford’s wife told him schools needed tools to help kids in the classroom. The robots provide social cues to the kids by using external sensors. The robots are predictable and repetitive so that children can learn responses to social situations that involve real people. Gifford explained, “We're trying to improve their quality of life by giving them basic skills," he says, "and through these skills giving them a way to better interact in the world with kids and adults.”

Read original article: Hartford Firm's Robotic System Helps Children Manage Autism


Helping Students with Autism Make Friends at School

Sep 22, 2011

Dr. Ronald Leaf, co-founder of Autism Partnership, believes that it’s as important for kids to get social skills training as it is to get communication and academic training. In this article, he explains that as children become adolescents, they may experience more feelings of loneliness and anxiety. Leaf has found that children with social relationships tend to be happier and enjoy an increased quality of life. Some of his suggestions include play dates with other kids and teaching children how to negotiate with their peers.

Read original article: Enhancing the School Year for Kids with Autism


Support for Autism Therapy Needs to Continue

Nov 10, 2006

This article from The Sun News in Myrtle Beach, SC, discusses what the loss of Medicaid funding to school districts in their treatment for autism will mean. The school districts estimate the cost of an early intervention plan, including speech therapy, behavioral therapy, OT, reading resource, and ABA, to cost the equivalent of a year at Harvard University - $40,450. They point out that treatment works to increase the quality of life and can help a person with autism become a contributing member of society. However, as of December 31, 2006, Medicaid will cut funding given to school children to instruct children with autism.

Read original article . 


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Please comment on this autism topic.

Responding to Mneme Therapy

Mar 15, 2011 by Anonymous

Art Without Boundaries is a Professional Association with the mission to improve the quality of life for individuals with Autism, Alzheimer's disease and other related disorders of the brain by promoting MnemeTherapy.®
To accomplish that, we recruit, train and certify artists to become MnemeTherapists.


MnemeTherapy®  uses everyday pleasures such as singing, movement, painting and story telling in a unique combination to stimulate changes in the brain. Although our goal is to provide a rewarding experience,
documented testimonies show significant improvement in some clients in verbal skills, mobility, combativeness, spatial acuity and understanding instructions. MnemeTherapy® is art and movement based and should not be confused Art Therapy, which is a psychological process.


The AWB training program for Members of the Association uses a Mentor/Apprentice approach with online training, and one-on-one onsite certification for competency. This is not a business opportunity or franchise. Membership in AWBA is required to practice MnemeTherapy®


Speech Aids

Oct 4, 2007 by Anonymous

Touch & Talk Speech Communication and Therapy Software (Version 4.0)
Special Holiday Offer Valid Through Feb. 2008
For patients suffering from Stroke, Autism, ALS, Apraxia, MD, Cancer, Trauma or other speech related disabilities.

Windows Version Now With Speech Enabled Chat/Instant Messaging!

Secure Internet download special offer includes CD case and CD label print option for those wishing to provide Touch & Talk as a special gift to a family member or friend.

Radio Interview aired on American Airlines and US Air (SkyRadio).

The Touch & Talk speech communication and therapy software system is designed for patients suffering from speech disabilities and assumes that the patient has or retains the ability to read and form sentences to provide a flexible tool for direct spoken communications to family members or caregivers. The patient simply clicks, taps, types or points to words in lists or commonly used phrases and clicks the speak button for spoken narration with either a male or female voice. Word and phrase lists are easily customized to provide a truly personal communication tool.

Touch & Talk utilizes large buttons and text to assist patients with impaired vision and help in regaining lost motor control and coordination as a quality of life therapy tool. Touch & Talk provides customizable alarms, medication reminders, 911 emergency alert, caregivers log and full speech enabled instant messaging and chat capabilities. Touch & Talk is designed for use on Windows based computers or laptop/tablet PCs with soundboard and speakers for true portable patient communication. Touch & Talk is also available on USB disk for extended patient mobility.

Patients can also communicate with extended family, care givers and friends or the Touch & Talk Home Monitoring Service* via a standard Dial up, DSL, Cable or T1 Internet connection.

Touch & Talk version 4.0 includes our fully functional IMessanger/Chat feature with full speech narration for both the patient and chat friends. IMessage/Chat features include friend list manager, special chat icons and event sounds.

As an added value, we have also included the Touch & Talk speech enabled IMessage/Chat client-server utility for those users that do not use the full Touch & Talk software package. Simply email the Touch & Talk IMessage/Chat client/server utility setup file to your friends for unlimited extended family and friends communication.

Version 4.0 also includes numerous upgrades and enhancements to make Touch & Talk even easier to use!

Order today and we will include the CD case and CD label artwork templates along with complete do-it-yourself instructions to printout and make your own CD package for the perfect holiday gift to family members or friends!

The limited time special offer price of $49.95 expires on February 29th, 2008. This offer is limited to the Internet download version only.

 

Visit www.touchntalk.com.


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