Autism and Methods of Intervention

Paper Summary:

Autism refers to a complex brain disorder that impairs a person's ability to communicate, respond to surroundings or to form relationships with others. The paper discusses the characteristics of autism spectrum disorder and examines methods of treatment for each of the characteristics appearing in the paper. The specific characteristics explored in the paper are learning disabilities, communication disorders, social withdrawal, developmental delay and language disorders.

From the Paper:

"One of the obvious characteristics of autism spectrum disorder is learning disability. People with this disorder exhibit both verbal and non-verbal learning disabilities. The non-verbal learning disabilities are more marked than the verbal ones. Learning problems make it difficult for the children to benefit fully from the normal school educational programs. A number of intervention techniques can be taken to minimize learning handicaps for the autistic children. First, the parents of autistic children ought to understand their children's learning styles and strengths, and to reinforce them. They need also to teach them simple and practicable learning skills. According to Lovaas (1987), the children should be taught basic learning skills, language skills and skills for participation in Least Restrictive Environment. The schools with these children should set functional learning objectives for them. They must not set targets that are too high for them, since this will discourage them from learning. Another intervention technique is motivating the children to learn. Both parents and teachers should pay attention to motivational factors that give impetus to these children, to learn, and reinforce those factors. They must also recognize factors that interfere with learning, and try to eliminate them. Parents must be equipped with behaviour management techniques and Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) to promote learning (Bloch, 2005)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Zagger, Dianne. (2005) Spectrum Disorders: Identification, Education and treatment. Lawrence Elbaum Associates Publishers. New Jersey.
• Filipek et al. (1999) The Screening and Diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorders. Journal of Autism & Developmental Disorders. Cambridge Press, London.
• Lovaas, O.I. (1987). Behavioral Treatment and Normal Educational and Intellectual Functioning in Young Autistic Children. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology Irvington. New York.
• Bloch, S.J (2005). School and Parent Partnership in the Preschool Years. Autism Spectrum Disorders (PP229-269).
• Baumgart, D. (1990). Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems for Persons with Moderate and Severe Disabilities. Baltimore

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