INSTRUMENTS/

ASSESSMENTS
AUTISM
AUTISM
• Revised ADI-R or the Diagnostic Interview for Social and
Communications Disorders (DISCO)
• Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS).
• Griffiths Developmental Assessment
• The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS)
• Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT)
Treatment for AUTISM
BEHAVIORAL THERAPY

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

• Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)
• Occupational Therapy (OT)
• Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT)
• TEACCH
• Verbal Behavior
• Speech Therapy
APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS (ABA)

• ABA therapy programs can help:

• Increase language and communication skills
• Improve attention, focus, social skills, memory, and academics
• Decrease problem behaviors
• Techniques involved:
• Positive Reinforcement
• Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence
• Specific Planning and Ongoing Assessment
Who provides ABA services?

• A board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA)

• Therapists, or registered behavior technicians (RBTs)
• Trained and supervised by the BCBA
EARLY START DENVER MODEL (ESDM)

• Specific for autistic children with autism between the ages of 12-48
months. based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
• Through play and joint activities, the child is encouraged to boost
language, social and cognitive skills.
• Based on understanding of normal toddler learning and development
• Focused on building positive relationships
• Teaching occurs during natural play and everyday activities
• Uses play to encourage interaction and communication
• Parent involvement is a key part of the ESDM program
Who provides Early Start Denver Model services?

• An ESDM therapist may be any of the following:

• Psychologist
• Behavior specialist (BCBA)
• Occupational therapist
• Speech and language pathologist
• Early intervention specialist
• Developmental pediatrician
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY (OT)

• Helps people with ASD work on cognitive, physical, social, and motor
skills.
• Goal: Improve everyday skills to allow people be more independent
• The occupational therapist will begin by evaluating the person's
current level of ability.
• Based on this evaluation, the therapist creates goals and strategies
that will allow the person to work on key skills.
• Usually involves half-hour to one-hour sessions. The number of
sessions per week is based on individual needs.
Who provides Occupational Therapy?

• A licensed Occupational Therapist (OT) provides OT services. He/she

has a master’s degree and has passed a national certification exam
(The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, or
NBCOT).
• In addition, OTs must obtain a license in their state.
• In some cases, therapy services are provided by an Occupational
Therapy Assistant (OTA).
PIVOTAL RESPONSE TREATMENT (PRT)
• This therapy is play-based and initiated by the child
• Goals of this approach include:
• Development of communication and language skills
• Increasing positive social behaviors
• Relief from disruptive self-stimulatory behaviors
• The PRT therapist targets “pivotal” areas of a child’s development,
which are:
• Motivation
• Response to multiple cues
• Self-management
• Initiation of social interactions
Who provides PRT?

• A variety of providers seek training in PRT methods, including:

• Psychologists
• Special education teachers
• Speech therapists
TEACCH : Treatment and Education of Autistic and
Related Communication-handicapped Children
• TEACCH uses a method called “Structured TEACCHing.” This is based
on the unique learning needs of people with ASD, including:
• Strengths in visual information processing
• Difficulties with social communication, attention and executive function
• This treatment uses visual cues such as picture cards to help your
child learn everyday skills like getting dressed. Information is broken
down into small steps so he can learn it more easily.
• TEACCH programs are usually applied in a classroom setting.
Who Provides Services?

• TEACCH methods are used by a variety of autism professionals:

• Special education teachers
• Residential care providers
• Psychologists
• Social workers
• Speech therapists
VERBAL BEHAVIOR

• Therapy that teaches communication and language. Based on the

principles of Applied Behavior Analysis and the theories of behaviorist
B.F. Skinner.
• Most programs involve at least one to three hours of therapy per
week. More intensive programs can involve many more hours.
• Verbal Behavior Therapy can help:
• Young children beginning to learn language
• Older students with delayed or disordered language
• Children and adults who sign or use visual supports or other forms of assisted
communication
Who provides VB?

• A VB-trained therapist may be any of the following:

• Psychologist
• Behavior specialist (BCBA)
• Special education teacher
• Speech and language pathologist
SPEECH THERAPY

• Speech-language therapy addresses challenges with language and

communication.
• Goal: To help the person communicate in more useful and functional ways.
• Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC)
• Sign language
• Picture exchange communication system (PECS)
• iPads
• Speech output devices (such as Dynavox)
• Social Skills
• Feeding Challenges
Who provides the services?

• Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) provide speech therapy services.

They have a master’s degree and are specially licensed to practice
through the state.
• In some cases, a Speech Therapy Assistant provides direct speech
therapy services.
PARENT TRAINING AND THERAPY
ADHD

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy

Floortime

Play Therapy

Relationship Development Intervention (RDI)

ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES
• Creative therapies. (Art, Dance, Drama)
• Sensory-based therapies (Pet therapy)
• Special diets. (gluten-free, casein-free (GFCF) )

• Chelation therapy.
Not
• Hyperbaric oxygen treatments Approved
• Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) infusions By FDA
COUNSELLING THERAPIES

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

• Group counselling
• Individual counselling
COPING & SUPPORT
• Find a team of trusted professionals.
• Keep records of visits with service providers
• Learn about the disorder
• Take time for yourself and other family members.
• Seek out other families of children with autism spectrum disorder.
• Ask your doctor about new technologies and therapies.
• Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
TIPS FOR TEACHERS
• Make assignments clear – check with the student to see if they understood
what they need to do
• Give positive reinforcement and attention
• Allow time for movement and exercise
• Communicate with parents on a regular basis
• Use a homework folder to limit the number of things the child has to track
• Be sensitive to self-esteem issues
• Minimize distractions in the classroom
• Involve the school counselor or psychologist
TIPS FOR PARENTS
• Create a routine.
• Get organized
• Manage distractions.
• Limit choices.
• Be clear and specific when you talk with your child.
• Help your child plan.
• Use goals and praise or other rewards.
• Discipline effectively.
• Create positive opportunities.
• Provide a healthy lifestyle.
MEDICATION
• Many families of children and adults with autism are faced with the
option of using medicines.
• It is important to work with your healthcare providers to help you to:
• Compare the options
• Consider benefits and risks
• Clarify personal values
• Learn about medications and side effects
• Target Symptoms
 SPECIFIC MEDICATION

AUTISM

Risperidone

Aripriprazole

Sertraline (Zoloft)
selective serotonin
reuptake inhibitors Fluoxetine (Prozac)
(SSRIs)