Healing Thresholds Autism Therapy Topic Feed

Aquatic Therapy is one of the Oldest Types of Physical Therapy

scottie — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 16:50:47 +0000

Teaser:

Since the times of ancient Egyptians and Hippocrates (over 2,400 years ago), there has been much to recommend aquatic therapy (or swim therapy).

Body:

Since the times of ancient Egyptians and Hippocrates (over 2,400 years ago), there has been much to recommend aquatic therapy (or swim therapy). This form of physical therapy takes place in water and is a low impact activity. Recent research with children with autism has shown “substantial increases in attention, muscle strength and balance, as well as the ability to tolerate touch and to initiate and maintain eye contact.” Another study followed kids with autism who used swim therapy for over 10 years and found they had increased movement, family interaction, and were better able to handle sensory issues. Lisa Koo, OTR/L at Bergen Pediatric Therapy Center explains water therapy is unique because of buoyancy, water pressure, reduced force on joints, and increased body awareness.

Read original article: Aquatic Therapy

More Tablet Apps are Available for Children with Autism

scottie — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 15:25:37 +0000

Teaser:

This article highlights the number of new apps being developed for tablets in order to help kids with autism communicate.

Body:

This article highlights the number of new apps being developed for tablets in order to help kids with autism communicate. Ted Conley has developed TapSpeak apps to help his son with autism generate images and sounds on his iPad. Hewlett-Packard (HP) recently set up a site, Hacking Autism, to encourage independent developers to create apps that work on tablets other than the iPad. The appeal of a tablet is functional – all a child needs is his finger to touch the screen. For older kids, the appeal is also aesthetic – they do not feel conspicuous carrying around large picture notebooks.

Read original article: Using Touch Screens and Apps to Treat Autism

Responding to sensory activities

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 23:39:38 +0000

I found that working with this population the individuals have shown a liking for the following activities:

Make your own play dough it is save to eat but it will not taste very well.

the need the following:

kool- aide mix multiple flavors (small packet size)

1 cup of flour (sifted)

1/2 cup salt

3 teaspoons of cooking oil

1 cup boiling water ( Per Kool aide packet)

Mix the salt, flour oil n kool aid in a bowl

add boiling water, mix with spoon for about 1 minute

then knead with hand it will be warm so check before letting kids touch.

Church Reaches Out to Families with Autism

scottie — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 16:14:59 +0000

Teaser:

Trinity Episcopal Church in Virginia started All God’s Children as a worship service geared to children with autism and other developmental delays.

Body:

Trinity Episcopal Church in Virginia started All God’s Children as a worship service geared to children with autism and other developmental delays. This monthly Saturday evening service builds on currently available church programs. The basics of All God's Children are built on special education programs that incorporate items for kids to touch and see. The service also focuses on picture boards to help teach scripture and follow along with the service. Three of the songs that the congregation sings have picture boards to accompany them. The service in addition to singing, contains a Bible reading and short sermon. There is an optional Communion with gluten-free wafers. Families of the children are relieved to be able to attend service as a family without having to leave if the child acts out.

Read original article: Acceptance, Comfort at Heart of Services

Neurotypical Kids Get an Idea of Sensory Issues that Affect Their Peers with Autism

scottie — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 13:51:50 +0000

Teaser:

Some neurotypical 6th graders in Iowa had the opportunity to see, feel, and touch how their peers with autism deal with sensory issues.

Body:

Some neurotypical 6th graders in Iowa had the opportunity to see, feel, and touch how their peers with autism deal with sensory issues. The school library was the scene of five sensory areas for the students to visit: sight, touch, taste, sound, and smell. For example, there was a jar filled with crushed garlic to simulate overpowering smell. In another area, kids listened to loud music with headphones while trying to carry on a conversation. “I didn’t realize how bad it is,” Leslie Pettie, 12, said,” when it was explained to her that many kids with autism feel the overload all day every day. These students have peers with autism and this exercise has helped them to be more understanding and more communicative with their fellow students.

Read original article: Sensory Simulation Helps Sixth Graders Understand, Experience Autism

Genesee Lake School Caters to Kids with Autism, Developmental Delays, and Behavioral Issues

scottie — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 20:42:28 +0000

Teaser:

Some children have issues with autism, Asperger’s, developmental delays, or behavior that keep them from participating in a regular classroom.

Body:

Some children have issues with autism, Asperger’s, developmental delays, or behavior that keep them from participating in a regular classroom. Genesee Lake School in Wisconsin incorporates facilities that used to house Oconomowoc Development Training Center. The new school, with a day program and a boarding program, that works with kids from 6 to 21 so that they may integrate back to the classroom, or give them training in life skills. Genesee is built with sensory issues in mind; there is diffused lighting, special gym flooring, and soft bells that ring between classes. The classrooms themselves are built to accommodate different learning styles, from traditional furniture to stand-up desks. Along with a 5,300-book library, the facilities include a sensory room, computer lab, and yoga. Chris Naylor, the school’s education coordinator explains, “The philosophy is to help the students learn techniques that will help them cope in other environments.”

Read original article: Genesee Lake School has Special Touch for Students

New Autism Clinic to Open near Phoenix, Arizona

scottie — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 14:20:41 +0000

Teaser:

Piller Child Development will open its second clinic for children with autism and other disabilities in the Phoenix AZ area.

Body:

Piller Child Development will open its second clinic for children with autism and other disabilities in the Phoenix AZ area. The clinic’s focus is on play as therapy and the director, Glenn Piller says, “We use play in order to help the children learn different things. Using crafts and games and things like that, we can really get in touch with them.” A lot of the curriculum is based on pediatric occupational therapy that teaches children increased motor skills, social skills, and educational skills. Their goal is to provide therapy to over 300 kids a week.

Read original article: Child Therapy Clinic Set to Open

Parents Develop iCommunicate App to Help Kids with Autism and Other Communication Disorders

scottie — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 16:23:22 +0000

Teaser:

The Johnsons, suspecting their son might have autism, begin using picture boards to help him communicate.

Body:

The Johnsons, suspecting their son might have autism, begin using picture boards to help him communicate. Ultimately the tools became too cumbersome to carry around. As the iPod Touch, iPhone, and iPad became more accessible, Jeff Johnson, a software developer, began work on a communication application or app. iCommunicate is an app that “allows users to create customized storyboards using photographs and sound. It can also help with learning new words.” The app, developed in 2009, has been endorsed by Moms with Apps who said, “they were so happy to have a tool that is so functional and easy to use for children who need visual supports.” The Johnsons started Grembe Apps to continue work on communication tools. As more and more people in the special needs community use iCommunicate, they suggest features and upgrades that Jeff is able to build. Grembe now features iCommunicate, iReward, and iConnect.

Read original article: Marstons Mills Couple Develop Innovative App

Two Moms in the Philippines Offer Tips on Good Dental Health for Children with Autism

scottie — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Teaser:

Going to the dentist can be scary for any child, but two moms in the Philippines have some tips for going to the dentist with a child with autism.

Body:

Going to the dentist can be scary for any child, but two moms in the Philippines have some tips for going to the dentist with a child with autism. Tiffany Tan from Autism Society Philippines interviewed Barbara and Chyril about their boys and visits to the dentist. The moms spoke about preparing their children for the visit using social stories, visual schedules, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). They have also both found dentists willing to learn about autism and to accept their children’s behaviors. The moms both say that flossing is the most important thing to do, along with brushing. Other tips included finding a dentist who will allow your child to touch the dental tools, visiting a dental office before the procedure visit, and bring a favorite toy or book along.

iPad Provides New Opportunities for Child with Autism

scottie — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:22:46 +0000

Teaser:

Shannon Des Roches Rosa bought a $5 raffle ticket that resulted in a new iPad for Leo, her son with autism.

Body:

Shannon Des Roches Rosa bought a $5 raffle ticket that resulted in a new iPad for Leo, her son with autism. Leo had tried the iPod Touch, but his motor skills make the iPad much easier for him to use. His mom says it’s sturdy and can handle Leo’s touching, swiping, and tapping. Leo has already mastered more detailed drawings. He enjoys apps such as the spelling programs, First Words, and IwriteWords. One program the entire family has used to help Leo is Stories2Learn. Shannon says, “Our entire family had a great time putting together the photos, captions, and voiceover for this social story about Leo visiting a local cafe – the process was so easy, and fast, and Leo loves the story so much I had to have his sister demo it, as Leo likes the voiceovers to repeat several times.” Shannon shares with readers other iPad applications and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) apps she’s found that help children with autism.

Read original article: The iPad: A Near-Miracle for My Son with Autism