Friday, 22 June 2012
For locals
Early Intensive Behaviour Intervention (EIBI) has developed from Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) research over the last five decades and has been rated as an empirically-supported efficacious comprehensive behavioural treatment for young children with autism (e.g., National Autism Center, 20091; New Zealand Ministries of Education and Health, 20102). Therefore we support and encourage its use provided that the treatment is conducted with sufficient expertise, fidelity, and with adherence to the relevant codes of conduct and ethics. EIBI is definitely not a cook-book approach, but requires extensive education, training and supervision for effective application for children and their families. Appropriate standards for EIBI programmes have been defined by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Autism Special Interest Group (2007)3 . We agree with these recommendations. 1 Available from http://www.nationalautismcenter.org/affiliates/reports.php 2 "Early intensive behavioural intervention (EIBI) should be considered as a treatment of value for young children with ASD to improve outcomes such as cognitive ability, language skills, and adaptive behaviour" (May 2010, p.12, http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/pagesmh/7561/$File/asd-guideline-supplementary-paper.pdf ). 3 http://www.abainternational.org/Special_Interests/AutGuidelines.pdf. 4 www.BACB.com 5 http://www.psychologistsboard.org.nz/ With respect to services offering support and intervention programmes for families with young children with autism,
Commissioner’s Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rightswe consider that directors of EIBI programmes should have obtained a master’s degree specializing in ABA, followed by achievement of the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential4, and a significant period of experience supervised by behaviour analysts who are expert in EIBI. Furthermore, we consider that directors of EIBI programmes should be registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board. This offers protection to consumers (e.g., children, families, employers, employees) in that Psychologists, as healthcare providers, are bound by the provisions of the Health Practitioner Competence Assurance Act 2003, which requires that psychologists adhere to the Code of Ethics for Psychologists Working in Aotearoa New Zealand5 and to the Health and Disabilities 6. Registration requires Psychologists to provide ongoing evidence of competence and there is a robust mechanism for dealing with any complaints about competence or conduct. 6 http://www.hdc.org.nz/the-act--code/the-code-of-rights With respect to students seeking experience in working with children and their families in a behaviour analytic way, we agree that working in well-run (professionally directed and closely supervised) EIBI programmes provides an excellent introduction. However, we cannot recommend our students or graduates work in EIBI programmes that do not adhere to the standards outlined above. If interested in pursuing such work, we suggest that students who are interested in obtaining such experience first talk with our ABA staff members. Oliver Mudford, PhD, BCBA-D, Registered Psychologist
Angela Arnold-Saritepe, PhD, BCBA-D, MNZPsS, Registered Psychologist
Katrina Phillips, MSc, PGDipAppPsych, BCBA, Registered Psychologist
Rebecca Sharp, MSc, PGDipAppPsych, BCBA, Registered Psychologist Doc is "aba & eibi. docx
I'M OBSESSED WITH EIBI
Martin, G. & Pear, J. (20XX). Behaviour Modification: What It Is And How To Do It (9th ed.). Pearson Education Inc, Boston, MA.
Autistic Disorder, often referred to as autism, is characterised as a Pervasive Developmental Disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Test Revision (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is not officially defined in the DSM-IV-TR or in any other international classification code. According to Fombonne (2007), the prevalence of ASDs is now approximately 1 in 150 children.
Children diagnosed with autism are likely to show somecombination of impaired social behaviour, impaired communication, abnormal play behaviours, and repetitive self-stimulatory behaviours. They are also likely to show some behavours similar to those of children diagnosed with intellectual disabilities by scoring much below average on variety of self-care tasks, such as dressing, grooming, and feeding.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Ivar Lovaas developed behavioural tratments for children with autism. Using an approach he called early intensive behavioural internetion (EIBI), Lovaas (1966, 1977) focused on strategies to teach social behaviours,elimiate self-stimulatory behaviours, and develop language skills.
And another bIow to the bank
http://www.amazon.com/Practice-Assessment-Intervention-Asperger-Syndrome/dp/1849058113
http://www.amazon.com/Practice-Assessment-Intervention-Asperger-Syndrome/dp/1849058113
Monday, 11 June 2012
Hmmmmm..
http://www.otrs.co.nz/fundamentals.php
It is strange to see a lecturer working in an organisation. I may include this place as part of my walk tomorrow? IDEA first...
ps. I'm picking up my new computer tomorrow. This means no more lower case letters or missing spaces.
pps. My ma is getting me the Early Dectection ASD Kit from USA - Hooray!!!!!!
It is strange to see a lecturer working in an organisation. I may include this place as part of my walk tomorrow? IDEA first...
ps. I'm picking up my new computer tomorrow. This means no more lower case letters or missing spaces.
pps. My ma is getting me the Early Dectection ASD Kit from USA - Hooray!!!!!!
exploring my new books webpages
www.moh.govt.nz/autismspectrumdisorder
this is interesting - they are just down the road from me. I'm going for a walk tomorrow to find out more.
here we go - http://www.ihc.org.nz/our-services/autism-programmes/register-for-the-asp-plus-programme/
Dang I need a asd child!!!! oh pooh.
http://www.nzgg.org.nz/
I am now registered... with NZGG
The Ministries of Health and Education wish to advise that from 1 May 2012, IDEA Services will be the government funded provider of the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) parent education programme.
this is interesting - they are just down the road from me. I'm going for a walk tomorrow to find out more.
here we go - http://www.ihc.org.nz/our-services/autism-programmes/register-for-the-asp-plus-programme/
ASD Plus: Expression of interest form
Please note that the completion of this form signals your interest in the programme. A member of the ASD Plus team will contact you to discuss the programme and your participation. You can also download the ASD Plus - Expression of interest form in PDF format.Dang I need a asd child!!!! oh pooh.
http://www.nzgg.org.nz/
I am now registered... with NZGG
Sunday, 10 June 2012
It's here!!!
Hooray!!! It has arrived. A free book written in New Zealand about ASD!!!! Admittedly, I have only read 12 of the massive 305 pages. What I have read is inspiring. The disclaimer and caveat speak of ABA and highlight GUIDELINE. On close inspection the book was publised in March 2008 and the $18.16 million that the NZ Government allocated has expired. Which means that there really should be a renewed version with results from the research. I shall keep reading however and update as I go.
Wednesday, 6 June 2012
This one is neat!
Tuesday, 5 June 2012
A little about autism
http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/history-of-autism
From the early 1900s, autism has referred to a range of psychological conditions. But where did the term come from, and how has knowledge about autism changed? Read on to learn about the history and the current understanding of this challenging condition.
Eugen Bleuler, a Swiss psychiatrist, was the first person to use the term. He started using it around 1911 to refer to one group of symptoms of schizophrenia.
In the 1940s, researchers in the United States began to use the term "autism" to describe children with emotional or social problems. Leo Kanner, a doctor from Johns Hopkins University, used it to describe the withdrawn behavior of several children he studied. At about the same time, Hans Asperger, a scientist in Germany, identified a similar condition that’s now called Asperger’s syndrome.
Autism and schizophrenia remained linked in many researchers’ minds until the 1960s. It was only then that medical professionals began to have a separate understanding of autism in children.
From the 1960s through the 1970s, research into treatments for autism focused on medications such as LSD, electric shock, and behavioral change techniques. The latter relied on pain and punishment.
During the 1980s and 1990s, the role of behavioral therapy and the use of highly controlled learning environments emerged as the primary treatments for many forms of autism and related conditions. Currently, the cornerstone of autism therapy is behavioral therapy. Other treatments are added as needed.
Other symptoms linked to autism may include unusual behaviors in any of these areas:
Autistic disorder: Children with autistic disorder cannot use verbal or non-verbal communication to interact effectively with others. Usually, children with autistic disorder have severe delays in learning language. They may have obsessive interest in certain objects or information. They may perform certain behaviors repeatedly. To be diagnosed with autistic disorder, symptoms must have been noted before age 3.
Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDDNOS): Children diagnosed with "atypical autism" are included in this group. Children with PDDNOS have symptoms that do not exactly fit those of autistic disorder or any other ASD. For example, the symptoms may have developed after age 3. Or the symptoms may not be severe enough to be considered autistic disorder.
Asperger's syndrome: Children with Asperger's syndrome may display many of the same symptoms as children with autistic disorder. However, they usually have average or above-average intelligence. They often want to be social with others but don’t know how to go about it. They may not be able to understand others' emotions. They may not read facial expressions or body language well. Their symptoms may not become apparent until school, when behavior and communication with peers become more important.
Other conditions share symptoms with PDDs and ASDs. These conditions include the following:
Rett syndrome: Children with this severe, rare condition begin with normal development from birth through about 5 months of age. However, from about 5 to 48 months of age, head circumference development slows. Children lose motor skills and social interaction and language development become impaired.
Childhood disintegrative disorder: Like Rett syndrome, children begin developing normally. However, from about age 2 to age 10, children are increasingly less able to interact and communicate with others. At the same time, they develop repetitive movements and obsessive behaviors and interests. They lose motor skills, too. This usually leads to them becoming disabled. This autism-like condition is the rarest and most severe in autism spectrum disorder.
There is some evidence that people with autism may have certain deficiencies in vitamins and minerals. These deficiencies don’t cause autism. Supplements, though, may be recommended to improve nutrition. Vitamin B and magnesium are two of the most frequent supplements used for people with autism.
Diet changes may also help with some symptoms of autism. Food allergies, for example, may make behavior problems worse. Removing the allergen from the diet may improve behavior issues.
No matter what the view toward the future, many techniques and treatments exist now that can help relieve the pain and suffering of autism. These treatments offer many options for improving quality of life of people with autism.
From the early 1900s, autism has referred to a range of psychological conditions. But where did the term come from, and how has knowledge about autism changed? Read on to learn about the history and the current understanding of this challenging condition.
Where Did the Term "Autism" Come From?
The word "autism," which has been in use for about 100 years, comes from the Greek word "autos," meaning "self." The term describes conditions in which a person is removed from social interaction -- hence, an isolated self.Eugen Bleuler, a Swiss psychiatrist, was the first person to use the term. He started using it around 1911 to refer to one group of symptoms of schizophrenia.
In the 1940s, researchers in the United States began to use the term "autism" to describe children with emotional or social problems. Leo Kanner, a doctor from Johns Hopkins University, used it to describe the withdrawn behavior of several children he studied. At about the same time, Hans Asperger, a scientist in Germany, identified a similar condition that’s now called Asperger’s syndrome.
Autism and schizophrenia remained linked in many researchers’ minds until the 1960s. It was only then that medical professionals began to have a separate understanding of autism in children.
From the 1960s through the 1970s, research into treatments for autism focused on medications such as LSD, electric shock, and behavioral change techniques. The latter relied on pain and punishment.
During the 1980s and 1990s, the role of behavioral therapy and the use of highly controlled learning environments emerged as the primary treatments for many forms of autism and related conditions. Currently, the cornerstone of autism therapy is behavioral therapy. Other treatments are added as needed.
What Are the Symptoms of Autism?
One symptom common to all types of autism is an inability to easily communicate and interact with others. In fact, some people with autism are unable to communicate at all. Others may have difficulty interpreting body language or holding a conversation.Other symptoms linked to autism may include unusual behaviors in any of these areas:
- Interest in objects or specialized information
- Reactions to sensations
What Are the Types of Autism?
Over time, psychiatrists have developed a systematic way of describing autism and related conditions. All of these conditions are placed within a group of conditions called pervasive developmental disorders (PDD). Within PDDs, the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) category includes the following:Autistic disorder: Children with autistic disorder cannot use verbal or non-verbal communication to interact effectively with others. Usually, children with autistic disorder have severe delays in learning language. They may have obsessive interest in certain objects or information. They may perform certain behaviors repeatedly. To be diagnosed with autistic disorder, symptoms must have been noted before age 3.
Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDDNOS): Children diagnosed with "atypical autism" are included in this group. Children with PDDNOS have symptoms that do not exactly fit those of autistic disorder or any other ASD. For example, the symptoms may have developed after age 3. Or the symptoms may not be severe enough to be considered autistic disorder.
Asperger's syndrome: Children with Asperger's syndrome may display many of the same symptoms as children with autistic disorder. However, they usually have average or above-average intelligence. They often want to be social with others but don’t know how to go about it. They may not be able to understand others' emotions. They may not read facial expressions or body language well. Their symptoms may not become apparent until school, when behavior and communication with peers become more important.
Other conditions share symptoms with PDDs and ASDs. These conditions include the following:
Rett syndrome: Children with this severe, rare condition begin with normal development from birth through about 5 months of age. However, from about 5 to 48 months of age, head circumference development slows. Children lose motor skills and social interaction and language development become impaired.
Childhood disintegrative disorder: Like Rett syndrome, children begin developing normally. However, from about age 2 to age 10, children are increasingly less able to interact and communicate with others. At the same time, they develop repetitive movements and obsessive behaviors and interests. They lose motor skills, too. This usually leads to them becoming disabled. This autism-like condition is the rarest and most severe in autism spectrum disorder.
What Causes Autism?
Autism runs in families. The underlying causes, however, are unknown. Most researchers agree that the causes are likely to be genetic. Others also believe that environmental factors may be involved.How Is Autism Treated?
Treatments for autism vary depending on the needs of the individual. In general, treatments fall into three categories:- Behavioral and communication therapy
- Medical and dietary therapy
- Complementary therapy (music or art therapy, for example)
What Are Behavioral and Communication Therapies for Autism?
The primary treatment for autism includes programs that address several key areas. Those areas are behavior, communication, sensory integration, and social skill development. Addressing these areas requires close coordination between parents, teachers, special education professionals, and mental health professionals.How Do Medical and Dietary Therapies Treat Autism?
The goal of medication is to make it easier for the person with autism to participate in activities such as learning and behavioral therapy. Drugs used to treat anxiety, attention problems, depression, hyperactivity, and impulsivity may be recommended.There is some evidence that people with autism may have certain deficiencies in vitamins and minerals. These deficiencies don’t cause autism. Supplements, though, may be recommended to improve nutrition. Vitamin B and magnesium are two of the most frequent supplements used for people with autism.
Diet changes may also help with some symptoms of autism. Food allergies, for example, may make behavior problems worse. Removing the allergen from the diet may improve behavior issues.
How Are Complementary Therapies Used to Treat Autism?
These treatments may help increase learning and communications skills in some people with autism. Complementary therapies include music, art, or animal therapy, such as horseback riding or swimming with dolphins.Future Research and Treatment of Autism
Researchers, health professionals, parents, and persons with autism all have strong opinions about the direction future autism research should take. Everyone would like to find a cure for autism. However, many feel that finding a cure is unlikely. Instead, scarce resources should be devoted toward helping people with autism find better ways to live with the condition.No matter what the view toward the future, many techniques and treatments exist now that can help relieve the pain and suffering of autism. These treatments offer many options for improving quality of life of people with autism.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)