How to Talk to an Autistic Child & Get a Response
Are there other therapies that are useful in the treatment of behavioral symptoms in autistic children?
Yes, there are other therapies that may be helpful in the treatment of autism symptoms. As is mentioned, there is no cure for autism nor is there a standard therapy that works for all or even most people with autism.
Keep in mind, however, as with most complementary approaches; there is little scientific research that supports the efficacy of these therapies. A number of different treatment approaches have evolved over time as we have learned more about autism. Though early educational intervention is recognized as a key to improving the lives of individuals with autism, some parents and professionals believe that other treatment approaches may be helpful also.
These complementary approaches can play an important role in improving communications skills and reducing behavioral symptoms associated with autism. These complementary therapies may include different forms of exercise, music, art, or animal therapy and may be done on an individual basis or integrated into an educational program. All these therapies utilize a child’s interest and focus on a particular activity or topic to teach other skills such as socialization and communication.
They can also help by providing the child with a sense of enjoyment, accomplishment, and cooperation that extends outside of the therapy sessions. These therapies are a nonthreatening way for a child with autism to develop a positive relationship with a therapist in a safe environment.
As with any therapy or treatment approach, it is important to gather information about the treatment and make an informed decision. Parents should make sure that the program is designed and run by a therapist familiar with autistic children and that there are clear goals for the therapeutic sessions, outside of learning a particular artistic, musical, or athletic skill.
Exercise and athletic therapy. Autistic children, like their typical counterparts, have both the interest and energy for athletics. To the extent that the child is interested and derives pleasure from the physical activity, that activity can be used to increase physical and emotional well-being as well as serving as a forum for teaching skills, such as the social aspects of playing in groups and communication. Athletic programs can include activities such as swimming, running, playing softball and basketball, or even practicing yoga.
William’s comment:
Liam’s greatest deficits at this time appear to be social. Ideally, directing him into sports will provide us with more opportunities for social moments/interactions. We have a tee ball set-up and encourage him to “take a few cuts.” He’ll hit the ball, then run to the base, after which he will get a lot of positive reinforcement from his mother and me. We have a little basketball set-up as well. Our goal is that when he’s old enough, we’ll try to have him join an organized athletic team.
As for sports serving as OT, with Liam we’re a little more concerned with the finer motor skills, as opposed to gross. But it definitely doesn’t hurt.
Art and music therapy. The use of art and music are particularly helpful in improving sensory integration because they can provide tactile, visual, and auditory stimulation in a controlled environment.
Art therapy can be used to encourage hand–eye coordination through drawing and painting. It can increase tactile stimulation when the children use modeling clay, plaster, and wax. The development of their own artwork and the interpretation of the artwork of others provide the autistic child with a nonverbal, symbolic method of self-expression. Listening to music and hearing and singing songs are helpful in developing speech and language comprehension. Learning to play an instrument helps the child to enhance the length of concentration and increase focus on a productive activity.
William’s comment:
Part of Liam’s therapy includes learning how to do little art projects. He also does a weekly music class, but this is more for his enjoyment, as he loves music.
Animal therapy. Animals can provide an intense stimulus to children. The animals can focus a child’s attention and enhance their ability to listen and learn. Animal therapy may include training dogs, playing with hamsters, horseback riding, or swimming with dolphins. Physical benefits from these types of therapies include aerobic exercise from running, riding, or swimming as well as improved motor coordination and muscle development. Intellectually, experimental studies have shown that animal therapy is associated with enhanced learning and retention of information when compared to the class setting. Psychologically, children are more receptive to socialization such as turn taking and are more interested and willing to communicate if it means getting an extra ride or time with an animal they’re interested in. Children may also enjoy these therapy sessions and develop feelings of accomplishment, well-being, and self-confidence from them.
Many of these programs make unfounded claims about their benefits to autistic people. It should be clear that these therapies do not treat autism per se. They do not raise a child’s IQ, improve anti-social behavior, or decrease self-stimulatory behaviors.
As with any therapy or treatment approach, it is important to gather information about the treatment and make an informed decision.
