Approaches and Therapies for ASD
A range of approaches and therapeutic methods currently exist to help alleviate the symptoms of Autistic Spectrum Disorders. Upon receiving a diagnosis, parents often learn about a range of approaches but have difficulty in unravelling what each one does or whether it is an approach suitable for their own child.
The National Autistic Society has produced a useful and parent friendly booklet called "Approaches to Autism". This sets out all current known approaches in alphabetical order. For each approach there is a brief description and suggestions on where to go for further information. Someone who knows, uses or has been involved in developing the particular approach has written each entry.
Inclusion in this booklet does not mean that the National Autistic Society or indeed Bromley Autistic Trust recommends the approach. However the booklet does provide an easy to read guide that will allow parents to make their own informed choice for their child.
There are four basic types of approaches -- Educational
- Behavioural
- Bio-medical
- Environmental
Some approaches focus on one of these aims whilst others combine several. Some are supported by research whilst some have anecdotal or parental evidence to support them. This booklet is available for hire from the resource library of Bromley Autistic Trust. Alternatively the booklet can be purchased from the National Autistic Society publications department: 020 7903 3595.
A member of the Family Services Team will also be able to explain these approaches to you and put you in touch with other local families who have used them successfully.
PARIS - Public Autism Resource & Information Service
The more widely known alternative approaches are listed below
- TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic related Communication and handicapped Children)
- Applied Behavioural Analysis (The Lovaas Programme)
- Dietary Intervention (Gluten and Casein Free)
- Auditory Integration Training
- Bromley Early Bird Programme
- The Son Rise Programme
- PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System)
- Higashi Daily Life Therapy
Links to Websites and Contact Details
National Autism Society. website: www.autism.org.uk
NAS Helpline 0845 070 4004
EarlyBird e-mail: earlybird@nas.org.uk or ask at the Phoenix Centre
ABA - The Lovaas Programme
e-mail:info@peach.org.uk Website : www.peach.org.uk
Son Rise e-mail: sonrise@option.org Website: www.son-rise.org
PECS Tel: 01273 609 555; e-mail: pyramid@pecs.org.uk Website: www.pecs.org.uk
TEACCH - The National Autistic Society has a fact sheet about TEACCH that is available from the NAS Information Centre, or on the NAS website: - Website: www.nas.org.uk/
Dietary Intervention (Gluten and Casein Free)-
Allergy-Induced Autism (AiA)
tel: 01733 331771; e-mail: aia@autismmedical.com
Website: www.autismmedical.com
Higashi - e-mail: higashi@tiac.net Website: www.bostonhigashi.org
Auditory Integration Training - Website: www.drguyberard.com/