Behavioral therapies and integrated care may be helpful for adults with autism.
The authors analyzed review articles of psychosocial or behavioral therapies for adults with autism. They found 126 review articles, but only 3 of these articles contained high quality research information, as judged by the authors. The authors said that cognitive-behavioral therapies reduced aggression in these studies, but the effects did not last long. They also said that community support services reduced admissions to state psychiatric hospitals. There were few large studies published, and the authors urged more research of therapies for adults with autism.
Autism Therapy: support services
definition of support services: not yet defined.
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- Research on Social Work Practice, by Gustafsson, C., Ojehagen A., Hansson L., Sandlund M., Nystrom M., Glad J., Cruce G., Jonsson AK, and Fredriksson M., published in 2009, summarized Oct 15, 2009
- Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, by Lawer, L., Brusilovskiy E., Salzer MS, and Mandell DS, published in 2009, summarized Jun 9, 2009
With on-the-job support, adults with autism can do well at vocational rehabilitation service jobs.
This study looked at job success for adults (18-65 years old) who worked in the U.S. Vocational Rehabilitation Service. There were 382,221 adults in this program in 2005, and 1,707 of them were diagnosed with autism. The adults with autism were given the most expensive support services while working. Intervention included job coaching, follow-up, and job retention services. At the end of their program, 42% of adults with autism were employed in a competitive job, 2% were working in a sheltered setting, and 56% were not employed. Adults with autism had higher success rates than adults with other disabilities. The success of employment was higher with more on-the-job support.
- College Student Journal, by Dillon, MR, published in 2007, summarized Jan 15, 2008
College students with Asperger Syndrome can do better at school if they have support services.
Many students with Asperger Syndrome can succeed in college. College can give them a sense of personal growth and self-esteem. Yet, many students with Asperger Syndrome could use help with the social and behavioral problems that come with the syndrome. This paper describes how one college offers a support program for students with Asperger Syndrome. The author describes this program as a flexible support service.
- College Student Journal, by Smith, CP, published in 2007, summarized Jan 11, 2008
Colleges should look more closely at the specific needs of their students with Asperger's Syndrome.
People with Asperger's Syndrome may suffer from depression and anxiety and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Students with Asperger's Syndrome also can have trouble problem-solving, remembering important facts, and choosing the best answer to a question. People with Asperger's Syndrome also often have trouble accepting change and being flexible. The purpose of this study is to see what colleges can do to help students with Asperger's Syndrome. This paper is just the first step and the author calls for a more detailed needs assessment and a look at what programs are already in place.
A Filipino mom had to use all her resources to support herself and two sons with autism. We've summarized a number of stories from Autism Philippines; this one is particularly touching, because not only did Elizabeth Udquin raise and educate her sons with autism, but she now helps other families overcome the odds of poverty and autism. First Udquin started by taking care of herself and using the free family support services at Autism Philippines; they showed her she was not alone in her struggles. She took on a part time job and made enough money to start a "mini clinic" at her home with objects that included a trampoline, a slide, and a ball pool. She would look at therapy centers and try to buy some of the same items she saw, such as jigsaw puzzles, and shape sorters. Once the boys were older, she got them to help her earn extra money and bring some outside activities into their lives. They helped her sell items in a storefront. Realizing that some parents could not afford to join Autism Philippines, she started a fundraiser with the "zero basura" business, which involves separating, packaging, and selling garbage items. Udquin explained that not only where many families poor, but autism has a social stigma that must be overcome.
Read original article: Living with Autism on a Budget
ASSERT is a program sponsored by Utah State University to work with children with autism. ASSERT (Autism Support Services: Education, Research, and Training), facilitated by Tom Higbee, USU autism expert, begins with an evaluation to establish each child’s strengths and weaknesses. Children spend four hours a day, five days a week for approximately 2 years. The kids then generally mainstream into kindergarten.
Read original article: Program Helps Children with Autism
Maggie Shininger, a psychologist is looking for funds to open The Growing Place, a day program for adults with autism. Shininger and her partner, Melissa Camp, say that daily they hear from parents and caregivers who need respite care for adults with autism. Shininger and Camp have found a building to buy, but purchase and renovation cost money. Their hope is to teach the adults who attend “money, time management and overall life skills through daily speech and language, occupational, physical, music, art, equine and recreational therapy.” They plan to offer caregivers and family members training and support services.
Read original article: Group Seeking Votes to Open Center for Adults with Autism
Valerie Paradiz, PhD, who works with the Autism Society of America, was recently interviewed by the Autism Society Philippines. She was specifically asked how parents and other caregivers could advocate for legislation for their children with autism. The interview was in conjunction with the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week to promote barrier-free access for all persons with disabilities. The point Paradiz made was, “In general, persons with autism do not need structural accessibility. But yes, they need other ‘infrastructures’ for their effective integration into mainstream society. Particularly, there is a need for more infrastructures for individuals with autism across the life span.” Pardiz talked about parent and peer involvement in the advocacy process. She also talked about the importance of including people with autism in the advocacy process – to take them to meetings with legislatures and to involve actual stories in legislative appeals.
Read original article: The Autism Ramp of Accessibility
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