Autism and the Individual
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Autism and the Individual
Many of the interventions in cases of autism and related pervasive developmental disorders seem to communicate a "cookie cutter" approach to treatment. However, each case is unique and interventions and rewards should be catered to the individual. One important thing to remember is that each individual is unique. Interventions that work for one person within the autism spectrum of disorders might not work for another. Taking the individual's strengths, interests and needs into consideration will increase the probability that interventions will be successful. The individual with autism is not the only person to consider when using interventions and various treatment approaches. The person implementing the interventions should be considered as well. An individual who is analytical in nature might fair better beginning with play therapy while a person who is focused on cause and effect might fair better by using behavioral interventions from the start. The autism spectrum of disorders is vast and there are many different levels of abilities and needs among the autistic population. Interventions that are effective with one child might not be effective for another. What is motivating for one child may not be rewarding for another. For example, many children within the autism spectrum of disorders crave hugs and physical contact. Others may not be able to tolerate hugs and excessive physical contact because it is overwhelming to their sensory systems. Using a big hug as a reinforcing reward would be beneficial for some while it would be distracting and uncomfortable for others. Individuals with autism offer a wide variety of strengths and interests. Taking time to observe and consider these characters specific to the individual is crucial in determining which interventions to use.
Comments
2/12/2012 4:14:34 PMAnti-disintellectual said:
Autism isn't known to exist or be suspected to be a problem if you're not told about it. Therefore I don't have autism, the effect of my actions doesn't seem loopy except for the fact that I'm very weird and people think it gets weirder and more bizarre. So yes because of that I seem loopy, people think I'm crazy, but just because someone thinks you're stupid, it doesn't mean you can't enjoy yourself, that's the anti-intellectual part of the brain, the intellectual part is the fact that I educate myself trying my best to reject anti-intellectualism. This has the intended effect, i.e. people think my intelligence is superior to most people: most people are not as smart as me. A schizophrenic seems to be the only resident (one schizo in particular) putting emphasis on my intelligence. This is both weird and tremendous, because the effect of my weirdness has influenced human opinion to think I'm fascinating and awe-inspiring and brilliant. They more often say I'm a genius. :) That's why I'm an antidisintellectual.
