written by Psychologist Dr. Cameron Smith Jackson 831 688-6002
www.FreedomOK.net/wordpress
This is written to assist parents with a child age 3 to 4 year old with autistic spectrum issues:
#1: First, get an accurate assessment of the child’s profile. Children with autism and related disorders typically have substantial difficulties in 3 different areas: Social, Communication and Repetitive, stereotyped Movements.
#2: The child’s profile should guide treatment. The areas that the child is weakest in are the ones to focus treatment.
For children with most difficulty in Socialization work on a) improving eye contact.
Once there is good eye contact, work on: b) getting & improving “joint attention” (child looks at you and at the toy between you and the child). Make sure that the child is looking at you. Then you look and point at the toy or object for joint attention. Make it a fun game. Reinforce by saying, “Good __ …” whatever action you are teaching. (Good putting ON the chair…Good putting UNDER the chair …)
For children with most difficultly in Routinized Movements assist the child with activities that help the child become better coordinated and have more control over their body.
For example, horseback riding (Monterey Bay Horsemanship & Therapeutic Center (831 761-1142) helps some autistic children enormously.
Swimming can greatly assist to gain better control and relax. The Simkins Family Swim Center in Santa Cruz can help. And the water is warm! (www.scparks.com/simkins_home.html 831 545-7946).
For children with Communication difficulties Speech services from therapists trained to work with autistic children is crucial.
A normal 3+ child looks forward to their fourth birthday. Most autistic children may “get it” that they get gifts and others are simply not interested in other children sharing their special day.
Some children have only a handful of words by age 2. For severe delays in language development some behavioral techniques can “jump-start” speech. The Bay School in Santa Cruz and ABRITE use behavioral techniques. These techniques are particularly useful for children with out of control behavior issues.
Softer techniques that encourage fun, spontaneous interactions include FloorTime by Dr. Greenspan and P.L.A.Y. offered by Easter Seals in Santa Cruz. I like these approaches as they put the tools for change in the hands of parents. Encouraging fun interactions more than likely will enhance overall family life.
Some other Santa Cruz County resources for children with autistic spectrum issues include: Special Olympics (831 429-4258) Special Parent Information Network (SPIN) and Shared Adventures www.shared.adventures
What kind of a program works best? What your child can tolerate and enjoy. Every child is different. Sufficient to encourage your child to want to be “in your world”.
Hope this is helpful! Use the Reply box for your questions and comments.
DrCameronJackson@gmail.com www.FreedomOK.net/wordpress
