Healing Thresholds Autism Therapy Topic Feed

Children with autism and horses

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:18:59 +0000

PREFACE:

My experience working with children diagnosed with Autism has been a little like knocking on the door to their place of business.

Option #1

Sometimes, no one answers the door and even if the hours of operation are posted, they are not always observed.

Option #2

If the door is answered, you rare sometimes invited in, but once inside you realize it is a waiting room where messages are exchanged. There is no direct contact. This can cause delays, miscommunication and confusion. Patience and timing are critical.

Option #3

With enough effort and understanding you are sometimes (and hopefully) invited into the main office and speak to the boss directly. In this setting, skills understanding and effort are still required but are less demanding and more productive.

This is the most rewarding and productive of the three options.

The equine program developed at the Westwind Rodeo Academy has facilitated the opportunity to enter the office and speak to the boss directly. (Remember - they are not YOUR boss, but the boss of the company you need to do business with.)

I personally believe it has been a key ingredient in several instances, in moving forward and grasping the potential for the Education system to assist and direct students diagnosed with Autism in their academic efforts and opportunities.

FOLLOWING : Is a cursory description of a multi-faceted program that will hopefully provide a glimpse into these concepts.

CAUTION: The thoughts information and data provided here are solely my responsibility and have not been endorsed, accredited, approved or even spell-checked by the Westwind School Division, the Westwind Rodeo Academy or any other authority.

Harlan (Lanny) Smith B.S.W., Family School Liaison Counselor

e-mail lannysmith56@gmail.com

The Program

More than just a riding program, the Westwind Rodeo Academy in Cardston Alberta provides a unique program centered on relationships that is based on a triad as part of a larger group of nine. Each child that attends the program is matched with a specific horse and equine specialist EQ (horse handler) that is chosen for their skills and experience working with children with special needs as well as their command of horse knowledge and competence.

The group of 9 is formed with 3 groups of 3 to allow for broader experience, interactive activities and comparative experiences and an ambience in the session. The selection of which 3 students will attend together is carefully considered and may include children with a variety of challenges not limited to Autism. The sessions are repeated for 6 consecutive weeks and may be repeated up to 4 times a year, space allows and need requires, although each section is provided as a stand alone intervention.

One of the most inspiring experiences is when children fully embrace the horse and the relationship when they take the opportunity to lay down on the horses back without saddle (sometimes with a bareback pad or blanket, but not always), and spend quiet time, just embracing the horse while the child is at rest. This can include conversation with the EQ as originated by the child and is largely a listening activity for the EQ, or just a silent time. This activity is sometimes suggested by the child and sometimes by the EQ and may occur at anytime during the session. It is can be used to de-escalate the child or address stress or emotional discomfort. It is also used as a modest celebration or reinforcement in the relationship.

Actual riding occurs during these sessions but is not the object or the goal. Many sessions pass without the child being on horseback as the situation dictates. Each session is focused on the child's orientation to the world around them as far as they can express through words, body language, choices or actions, their needs and concerns as well as interests and inclinations. Although safety is an over riding principal, convenience to the horse or EQ is secondary to the child's expressed or perceived preference.

We have witnessed EQ's trotting beside the horse as ridden by the child who has expressed a desire to have the horse move at faster than a walk.

(Again, safety is paramount which necessitates one or more EQs running beside the horse. In this case, the child's skills and aptitude to remain safely on the horse is previously determined. We also consider the horses history and attitude and performance on that particular day as part of the decision making process.)

This can be physically demanding and inconvenient for the EQ but a major contributor to the child's experience and benefit. The results the child experiences, the more effort required by the EQ to facilitate without imposing or tainting the child's experience.

The other component of this system is the support of a Mental Health Practitioner and supervision by the Facility Director. This completes the formal team. Decisions about activities, concepts and specific goals are managed by the Facility Director and Bahavior Specialist and the EQ's in consultation.

We have also encouraged with some success, the attendance to at least one of the sessions in each section by a significant family member as well as the students classroom teacher and possible other support personnel. These individuals are given direction about the concepts of non-interference and non-projecting on the child's experience while acknowledging the elements the child is embracing. They meet the horse, the EQ and observe the activities. We often take pictures or video and encourage this experience to be talked about at home and in the classroom.

Of course this is a snapshot of the experience in condensed form and there are many details and intricacies that cannot be explained or properly presented in this format. Overall, the development of this process has been most rewarding and inspiring and worth the investment of time, money and effort. It requires many elements working in concert to achieve this model. We are fortunate that these things have come together thus far.

Questions or comments leading to discussion and education are appreciated.

Kinect Game Shows Promise in Helping Kids with Autism

scottie — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:33:32 +0000

Teaser:

The Lakeside Center for Autism in Washington State is using Kinect to engage children with autism in movement and play.

Body:

The Lakeside Center for Autism in Washington State is using Kinect to engage children with autism in movement and play. Kinect is part of Microsoft’s offerings that allow gestures and body movements to control action in video games. For example, a child can see and control a representation of him on the screen. The center uses Kinect as a biofeedback tool whereby the kids can see results of their actions. If the child jumps up and raises his arms, so too will the representation on the screen.

Read original article: Kinect Much More than a Game

Video-Based Program Helps Families with Autism

scottie — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 14:06:50 +0000

Teaser:

Marte Meo therapy is designed to help families with autism.

Body:

Marte Meo therapy is designed to help families with autism. This video-based therapy helps parents and caregivers communicate and support emotional development in children with autism. Marte Meo provides practical information and offers support and advice to increase family self-confidence and parenting skills. This article highlights program offerings at Ireland’s Dublin City University's University of Enterprise. The Marte Meo program was developed by Maria Aarts in 1987 as a way to make therapy information accessible to families, particularly in the area of early intervention. Marte Meo is now an international organization with tailor made therapy programs for different countries.

Read original article: Launch of HSE-Funded Report on Marte Meo

Island Chairs and Autism

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 14:11:01 +0000

Congratulation's to your new School,

We have created a short Video, to show you how the Island Chair benefit autistic children, parents or care takers.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=is3dWyuNRP4
www.islandchairs.com

Orders & Distributer wonted!

Warmly

Ursula Nussbaum

Kid Esteem Provides Drama Therapy for Kids on the Autism Spectrum

scottie — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 14:58:04 +0000

Teaser:

Dr. Lee R. Chasen, RDT, LCAT is founder of Kid Esteem, an organization providing empowerment to kids and their families.

Body:

Dr. Lee R. Chasen, RDT, LCAT is founder of Kid Esteem, an organization providing empowerment to kids and their families. The JKP Blog recently interviewed Chasen about his new book, Social Skills, Emotional Growth and Drama Therapy. He has been a drama therapist for 25 years and explained how drama has improved the lives of kids. His book provides examples and stories of how various techniques such as video-modeling, costume, puppetry, improvisation, power lines scripting, and Director’s Chair may help children become more aware of themselves personally and increase interaction with others. In addition, he provides five guidelines for therapists when using drama therapy.

Read original article: Social Skills, Emotional Growth and Drama Therapy

Networking Group for Teens with Asperger’s

scottie — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 17:31:08 +0000

Teaser:

Gamer’s Union for Teens with Asperger’s is a group organized by the Rust Library in Leesburg, VA.

Body:

Gamer’s Union for Teens with Asperger’s is a group organized by the Rust Library in Leesburg, VA. Teens meet monthly and socialize while their parents network about their experiences with Asperger’s. The parents share information on doctors, schools, medication, and life skills, while the teens use video games and monitors to work in groups and interact with each other. One mom who had previously home-schooled her boys with Asperger’s said this was a great way to involve youngsters in the community in a place where they could interact with peers.

Read original article: Teens with Asperger's Have Fun While Their Parents Network

Responding to relationship development intervention (RDI)

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:36:07 +0000

Thank you to all the RDI defenders. It is ridiculous to believe that there is just one tried and true therapy for kids with autsim. I believe ABA works for some kids, but it wasn't even an option for mine. We had a very well-known doctor who agreed with our decision and believed because of our son's personality, ABA might cause of problems for him. We started RDI at home about 2 years ago. We then moved into extendeder services at our home and now have him in an RDI therapeutic school 5 full days a week. WOW, what a difference! My son has made such striders. The extenders are wonderful people who really care about him and his progress. He has built peer relationships at school that I never thought was possible. RDI is not a fad. Because of the nature of the program, progress is documented on a regular basis via videos made by parents, consultants, etc. It is amazing to look back and see how far my son has come. As a parent, you feel supported and a huge part of your child's progress which is so rewarding. I urge other families to take a look at RDI and not be pushed into other therapies that they are not comfortable with. BTW, my son's RDI is covered 100% through insurance after we reach our deductible.

Kaitlin’s Hideout is a Place for Kids with Autism and Their Parents

scottie — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 18:37:20 +0000

Teaser:

Lisa Kelly wanted a place where both she and her daughter with autism could have fun and find support.

Body:

Lisa Kelly wanted a place where both she and her daughter with autism could have fun and find support. Kelly created Kaitlin’s Hideout in Glen Ellyn IL for that purpose. Kaitlin’s Hideout is full of bins full of toys, bookshelves full of storybooks, and fun videos on the DVD. While kids can play and learn in a safe space, parents are encouraged to share their experiences in any topics that have arisen for them through working with their kids. The price is $10 a visit and parents and children can stay as long as they like. Kelly hopes to raise awareness and money so that the center can serve three times the number of families.

Read original article: Kaitlin's Hideout Gives Autistic Children, Parents Place to Socialize

Autism & Island Chairs

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 13:28:30 +0000

I have committed my self to bring the Island Chair to as many autistic children as possible. If you, or someone you know, is involved with autistic children, please let them know about this wonderful chair and give them my website address or my contact info. www.islandchairs.com
We have created a short Video, to show you what the Island Chair is and what it does for autistic children and their parents or care takers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=is3dWyuNRP4

Mann Quadruplets Diagnosed with Autism at 18 Months, Flourish at Age 12

scottie — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 16:27:42 +0000

Teaser:

Ten years ago in Georgia, a set of quadruplets was diagnosed with autism.

Body:

Ten years ago in Georgia, a set of quadruplets was diagnosed with autism. At the time, the Manns thought they would need to leave the state to find early intervention services for their boys. But instead, they found support and began advocating for services that now exist for kids like their own. Three of the boys are active in middle school, while the fourth shows more visible signs of autism. He has a sensory-adapted room where he feels comfortable, but also understands that he is different than his brothers. All four were eager to participate in the news story and watched videos from the first reportings 10 years ago. As one youngster says they wanted “to show that if you work hard enough, you can always achieve your goal.”

Read original article: 10 Years Later: Catching Up with Mann Quadruplets