Complimentary Therapies

Complimentary Therapies

Complementary therapies are a number of approaches in which a child with autism can enhance communication and social skills. These therapies are not based on scientific techniques of treatment. However, many therapists and parents have noticed a lot of improvements in the child’s communication skills and behaviors. The child also enjoys engaging in these therapies. (Ellen Hanson, Et Al, 2007)

Animal Therapy

Animal therapy is based on the theory that children with autism are capable of communicating with animals without using language. This therapy is used in reducing violent tendencies and treating insomnia of children within the spectrum. To date, dogs, dolphins, horses, and even hippopotami have been used in animal therapy with autistic children.

Auditory Integration Therapy

This therapy is based on experiments with sound. The child is given headphones through which he or she will be able to listen to music that has been modified electronically. The therapy lasts for 30 minutes. Auditory integration therapy is useful in treating cognitive and behavioral dysfunction.

Auditory Processing Therapy

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) may be treated using Auditory Processing Therapy. Children with APD lack the ability to process information that they can hear. This is because of the inability of the brain to coordinate information.

CranioSacral Therapy

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a process in which the craniosacral system is assessed and improved. The craniosacral system is composed of membranes and cerebrospinal fluid, which is found in the brain and spinal cord. A soft touch of not more than five grams is used to open the restrictions in the craniosacral system. This enhances the working of the central nervous system. The body’s resistance is improved against diseases. This therapy is used in various other pain-related medical ailments.

Music Therapy

Music is used as a means of communication. It is a method by which isolation patterns are broken, echolalia responses are reduced, and language and social skills are improved. This therapy can be used in the treatment of autism in combination with other types of treatment.

Recreational Therapy

Recreational therapy involves various types of treatments that help to restore the functioning ability for everyday activities. It improves health and reduces any limitations to activities that are caused by autism spectrum disorder.

Social Stories

Social Storie’s therapy uses pictures that show different activities and social circumstances to a child with autism. By looking at the pictures the child learns to deal with activities and experiences of daily life.

Social Skills

Social Skills therapy uses intervention that helps a child with autism in developing basic skills to withdraw from bad behavioral patterns. A positive strategy of communication along with problem-solving methods is used in this therapy. In this way, children learn to deal with challenging social scenarios.

Vision Therapy

Vision Therapy helps a child with autism who has trouble processing visual information. Medical treatment is used to improve visual performance. The therapy makes use of lenses, occlusions, filters, prisms, and other objects.

References:

Ellen Hanson, L. A. (2007). Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Among Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 37(4): 628-36.

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Being an RBT for me was extremely fun because where were you going to find a place where you can be completely silly without having to worry what people thought about you? This was the only job that made me feel like I could make a dramatic difference while being myself.

I also liked to be surrounded by people that had the same goals of wanting to help kids and the teamwork made the job much easier and more enjoyable.

Change and progress was the ultimate goal for our kiddos. The early intervention program was seriously only a miracle because I saw changes in the kiddos that from day one, you wouldn’t even recognize who they were.

Changes from being able to utter 3-4 words where they can only make a syllable from when they started, the behavior decreases in which kiddo that used to engage in 30-40 0 self-harm to only half, learning how to wait during games, table work where they use to swipe and drop to the floor if they had to.

My favorite was when the parents would tell us what amazing progress they were making at home. I used to tear up and felt for these parents so much because it was already difficult for them and now, they can trust and rely on ABA and the therapists knowing their goal was ours.

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