Therapies for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
by
Barrie Silberberg 
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Besides putting a child on a GFCF (Gluten Free-Casein Free…and often Soy free, too) diet many parents turn to a variety of therapies to help their child with ASD and ADHD to overcome sensory overload, behavioral challenges, focusing issues, speech/language problems, motor difficulties, visual and auditory processing difficulties and much more.
There are a variety of therapies that many families choose to incorporate into their child’s daily or weekly living. Some of these therapies can be obtained at their school, whereas others are provided privately, Often agencies that are vendored with organizations (often government run) can provide free or low cost therapy for your child. New laws are now allowing medical insurance to cover many therapies for children with ASD.
I will provide a list and explanation of many of the most popular therapies that have been proven to provide the most benefit.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Occupational therapists (O.T.) assist clients with daily life skills such as: dressing oneself, motor skills (gross and fine), visual skills, oral motor skills, other learning skills, sensory processing skills, handwriting skills, food/texture assistance and learning how to play and interact with other children.
An OT will evaluate the child for difficulties or delays. The OT will then assist the child, utilizing their hands, wrists, legs, arms or other parts of their body to improve their skills and abilities They will help with coordination, strength and dexterity.
For more information:
VISION THERAPY
Vision therapy improves a child’s visual efficiently, helping to correct visual-motor or perceptual-cognitive deficiencies or both. Vision therapy can help to treat learning-related visual problems, lazy eyes, computer vision syndrome, double vision or convergence insufficiency. Optometrists who are board certified in vision therapy have successfully helped many children with special needs. These Optometrists utilize computer equipment and optical devices, such as therapeutic lenses, prisms and filters, as well as games and activities to help children focus better, assist their eyes to work together better (teaming), to read more effectively and sometimes allowing the child enough improvement that glasses will no longer be needed.
For more information:
www.children-special-needs.org/
ART THERAPY
Art therapy combines psychological therapy and art to assist clients with anxiety, depression and other mental and emotional problems, as well as addictions, family issues, social problems, trauma and loss. Art therapists help the child to assist them in finding meaning through his or her perceptions and imagination through drawings. Often, feelings and thoughts that cannot be expressed verbally can often be conveyed in drawings.
For more information:
LISTENING THERAPY
Names synonymous with Listening Therapy include Drs. Tomatis, Berard, Porges, and Steinback. Other words for Listening Therapy might be auditory training, auditory stimulation, auditory integration training (AIT) or audio-psycho-phonology (APP).
Children listen to guided music to improve the way they listen and learn. It can assist with language abilities, communication skills, creativity and social behavior. It can assist with distractibility, focus, attention, and concentration. Some programs can be performed at home, with the use of a computer, headphones and a CD.
For more information:
NEUROFEEDBACK
Another name for Neurofeedback is EEG (electroencephalogram) biofeedback or neurotherapy. This form of therapy assists with exercising the brain or training in self-regulation. Brain waves are recorded after attaching special sensors to the child’s scalp with EEG paste. There is no voltage or current used, so it is painless and noninvasive. The child’s hair remains in place. The child watches something similar to a video game and plays it with his or her brain waves. Neurofeedback assists with focus, sleep problems, anxiety, nightmares, bedwetting, migraines, headaches, stress, depression, attention, and more.
For more information:
SOCIAL SKILLS TRAINING
Individuals who exhibit remarked challenges with social interaction can be assisted in developing, sustaining and fulfilling meaningful peer relationships. Issues such as poor eye contact, reciprocity, initiating interactions and conversations, enjoying appropriate activities, understanding social cues and understanding empathy can be taught to the child by therapists and psychologists who specialize in social skill training. Often social skills stories are utilized to show typical social situations. Playing games and other activities are also utilized to assist with these skills. This type of training assists with reducing anxiety and negative behaviors.
For more information:
www.nationalautismresources.com/
These are only a handful of available therapies. Consult with your child’s doctor, other therapists or look online at the multitude of autism related web sites and blogs. Also consult with the library and bookstore for other resources available.
Barrie Silberberg is the author of The Autism & ADHD Diet: A Step-by-Step Guide To Hope and Healing by Living Gluten Free and Casein Free (GFCF) And Others Interventions. Her web site is: www.puttingyourkidsfirst.com
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This post originally appeared on our July/August 2013 Magazine
