Autism Therapy: relationship-based therapy

definition of relationship-based therapy: not yet defined.

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Brief Report: Comparative ABA and DIR Trials in Twin Brothers with Autism
Journal of Autism and Development Disorders, by Hilton, JC, and Seal BC, published in 2007, summarized Jun 26, 2009

Identical twin brothers with autism showed different improvements using Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-Based therapy (DIR) and Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy.

Their mother wanted to see which therapy might work better for both of her sons. Each twin (2 years, 4 months old) began with separate therapy sessions (DIR and ABA) and separate therapists. They each attended 16 therapy sessions. The child who received ABA therapy showed more improvement responding to his name and using signs than his brother. He also had some tantrums and aggression. The twin who received DIR intervention showed improvement in social interaction and symbolic behaviors. The mother chose to put both boys in DIR therapy, even though more gains were seen in the ABA-treated twin. The authors said that parents may choose therapies based on several factors including individual and family needs.


Evidence-Based Review of Interventions for Autism Used in or of Relevance to Occupational Therapy
The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, by CaseSmith, J., and Arbesman M., published in 2008, summarized Nov 18, 2008

Occupational therapy (OT) for autism may include: sensory integration therapy, relationship-based therapy, and skill-based therapy.

This review article describes the evidence behind the most common therapeutic approaches offered by an occupational therapist to children with autism. Occupational therapists often choose a therapeutic approach based upon scientific evidence, parent input, and setting of the therapy (school versus home). The authors found that the best therapeutic approaches involved careful and continued watching of the child for growth and progress. Children show the most growth with social skills if the therapist is positive, uses eye contact, and response to the child's attempts to talk. The authors call for more research and more published papers on the ability of OT to improve symptoms of autism.


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