Autism therapy

by Vasile Pitel

Autism is a developmental disorder which is characterized by problems with speech and

language, communication difficulties, learning difficulties, social communication impairment,
repetitive and restricted behaviors.
Individuals with autism see the world through very different eyes. Likewise, they express their
feelings differently.
The causes of this disorder are unknown, yet, several hypotheses have been launched, and
many of these hypotheses have finally proven to be only myths.
Furthermore, we present some symptoms which are present from early childhood at most
people with autism:
- avoidance of eye contact
- lack of reaction to a voice or presence of a parent
- excessive-Passivity
- delayed motor development
- excessive-activity
- refusal to eat
- accelerated growth of the circumference of the head
- aversion to touch
- impairments in social interaction
- unusual attachment to objects
- no real awareness of danger
- exact repetition of the words spoken by others
- apparent insensitivity to pain
- inappropriate laughing
- the inefficiency of the usual methods of teaching, etc.
Autism is not an illness, so it cannot be treated with medication. Until now, the most effective
methods which could help children who suffer from this disorder to get abilities were the
methods based on teaching-learning. Only that, the activities are organized and conducted in a
more specific way, there are different methods and approaches to teaching than at school or at
the kindergarten because the techniques of education and instruction we all know won’t be
effective here anymore.
The therapy starts after the discussion with the members of the family, discussion which aims to
accumulate information regarding the children’s behavior, their abilities, the way in which these
children interact with other children or adults, etc. In the event that the child attends kindergarten
or school, it is compulsory to have a discussion with his/her colleagues, kindergarten/primary
school teachers, and teachers, too.
In order to observe the natural behavior of the child, it is a very good idea to shoot videos (at
home, at the playground, at the kindergarten, at school, during visits, etc.) These videos are,
then, analyzed in order to see how the child behaves in different situations, in different places,
and what the difficulties he/she encounters are.
In the first days of therapy, the activities performed are simple, enjoyable, and short, in order to
conquer their trust, and to evaluate their skills level. After the stage of observation, and
accumulating information, the activity schedule is drafted. For each child, an individualized
scheme is drafted which to correspond to their needs and potential. Also, regularly, there are
drafted recommendations for the family, the kindergarten, and school in order to harmonize the
interaction of the child with the surrounding and to help the parents, educators and teachers to
help better the child in this interaction.
Within the activities, the child is encouraged to have initiative in communication, in games and to
be as independent as possible; the child is helped to acquire knowledge which to implement in
day to day life.

Source:
„Terapia autismului” / (Autism therapy)
http://vasilepitel.md/terapia-autismului/

Translated by Simona Pop