Autism
Autism is a brain development disorder that varies in expression but is characterized by impaired social interaction, expressive and receptive communication disturbances, and repetitive behaviors and mannerisms. There are two primary theories regarding the causes of autism. The first is that it is developmental and derives from genetic and neurobiological anomalies. The second understands autism as being a relational disorder with sensory-motor, speech and language and emotional disturbances as additional challenges facing the child. The developmental treatment protocol is directed at behavior modification techniques to help the child learn motor, verbal and reasoning skills. The relational treatment protocol involves the child in the context of his or her family, therefore requiring a family therapeutic intervention along with the child's multi-disciplinary treatments. Both models take into consideration the sensory-motor integration challenges that usually accompany a child diagnosed with autism. In addition, both models of treatment acknowledge the importance of parent training and, in particular, supporting the mother-child relationship, especially when the treatment involves infants and toddlers 3 years old and younger.
The intervention modalities for a child who is diagnosed with autism, including cognitive-behavioral, biomedical, sensory-motor, and relationship, therapy-based treatments are determined both by the age and the specific needs of the child and his family and the theoretical orientation of the service providers the family choose to work with.
Infant brain research indicates that in the first three years of life, the wiring of brain circuits responsible for social interaction and affect-regulation are optimally malleable (neuro-plasticity). This line of thinking supports the need for intervention before impairments in language and social interactions have manifested into fixed patterns.
Ultimately, a treatment plan must include support and education for the whole family to ensure optimal success in the generalization of the skills gained. Successful treatment strives toward normalized development and meaningful social interaction and well-being in the child and within the family.
See also:
Attachment
Asperger's Syndrome
For further reading:
www.mifne-autism.com
Acquarone, Stella. Signs of Autism in Infancy. Karnac Books
Brazelton, M.D, T.B., and Sparrow, M.D., J.D. Touchpoints. Da Capo Press
Tammet, Daniel. Born On A Blue Day: Inside the Extraordinary Mind of an Autistic Savant. Simon and Schuster