Comments on: Alternative Therapies Emerge in Wake of Rising Autism by Gary M. Eisenberg, Ph.D.

By: Laurie

Laurie — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 20:05:02 +0000

Dr. Eisenberg’s claims are based on solid interventions, yet he’s suggesting he can accomplish too much with too little. He does an injustice to Sensory Integration therapy (as well as therapeutic listening) by implying that great things can be achieved in such a brief, pre-determined amt of time. How can he possibly know the nature, length, or intensity of interventions needed by unique, prospective clients thus far unknown to him? Where is his evidence? As a well trained psychotherapist, I am very disappointed that “Summit Professional Education” would endorse such claims without sufficient evidence supporting their validity. It’s a disservice to Occupational Therapist and Sensory Integration Therapists to “water down” their areas of expertise. It’s also a disservice to prospective “Summit Education” customers.

By: Lorri

Lorri — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 20:54:25 +0000

Christine,
The term “educational therapy” may be new to you but it has been around for quite a while, offering hope to struggling learners. This might be a new approach for you that might be worth looking into. In very simple terms, educational therapy offers intensive, individualized intervention techniques that actually help to retrain the brain. For many, the results have been amazing. While this type of therapy was not originally designed for students other than typical “learning disabled” (whatever that means!!), I believe there are students with autism and asperger’s that have had positive results. Check out http://www.nild.org for more information and to find an educational therapist in your area. There is a helpful “Commonly Asked Questions” page on the following website: lorriwilke.webs.com .

By: jim

jim — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 09:10:37 +0000

What a great feature. I am going to a conference this friday and will give my input. I wish others that offer training would offer a chance to post feedback

By: Susie

Susie — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:02:33 +0000

Always seems there are so many new and improved therapies, treatment for those with Asperger’s, but not for those truly in the lower to mid spectrum. It is quite frustrating.

By: von lee lewis

von lee lewis — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:51:17 +0000

hello
the issues is: you have fetal alcohol children, children who have experience chronic and recurrent trauma, children with pdd, you have children who have been neglected and traumatized to the degree they are feral: instinctive and reactive. they have symptom in common but; are diagnosis with all kind of disorders, multiple disorders. we focus on the symptom and not the source of the problem.
but insurence, manage care, state title xix will not pay for what is the needed for these child from a standard of practice focus. for you communist/ bolsheivik’s obama’s health plan will be no better than what we presently have until we promote and provide credible research and loble for the necessity of such techniques we will remain in the dark ages.

By: Sara

Sara — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 11:32:05 +0000

Hi Christine. I went to a sensory processing workshop that just briefly touched on bipolar disorder. One of the facts I found interesting was that linear movement is very calming for children with bipolar, while any up and down motion can increase “meltdowns”. It has something to do with the changes in the levels of neurotransmitters that are triggered during these motions. I hope this helps!

By: Sara

Sara — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 11:26:12 +0000

Hi Joan. I’m an occupational therapist that works with children on the Autism spectrum. I too have seen rhythm make a difference. For children who are deaf and hard of hearing, you might try rhythm using drumming (have the child touch the drum and feel the vibrations), or have use tactile input (touch) to let them feel the rhythm. Even babies, while they are in utero, can hear and “feel” their mothers heartbeat. They can experience this same calming effect using touch.

By: Christine Gromley

Christine Gromley — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:09:13 +0000

Hello,
I am a frustrated parent of an Aperger’s Syndrome child who is also a ” military brat” and I just want to know how I can get all the different helpful therapies that no school we’ve ever attended or been stationed at has ever mentioned or offered to help my struggling 5th grade son. He’s been tested every time we’ve moved and frankly Las Cruces PUBlic Schools SUCK when it comes to addressing Sensory, Academics or ” lost in thought ” processing that my ASperger is having difficulties with. Sincerely would love to get out of the “standardize Box education approach which rgith now after 7mths of IEP dicussions is a waste of a great childs mind though the teachers are happy.

By: Joan

Joan — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:52:46 +0000

I work with deaf children some of whom are diagnosed autistic and some others who are suspected to be on the autism spectrum. I’ve seen music and rhythm be successful for hearing children but what do you suggest for deaf children to replace music/rhythm input and still show improvements?

By: Taruna Patel

Taruna Patel — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:39:59 +0000

Anyone interested in alternative therapies to promote bilateral brain integration may wish to look into Bal-A-Vis-X..rhythmic balance/auditory/vision exercises for brain and brain-body integration by visiting http://www.bal-a-vis-x.com. This program has not only been used with children in the autistic spectrum but many other neurologically and physically impaired clients[children, adults and the elderly] this is an amazing tool allowing individual and partnering exercises with great potential for parental/caregiver involvement.