Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is a proven method to improve development progress in children with autism. It is more therapist-focussed, systematic and well-structured with lots of data gathering. Although it is believed to be effective and well recognised by stake holders of autism, it has been criticised for 'making a robot out of a child'. As a result another therapy method called Floortime came to being. Unlike ABA, Floortime is more child-centred. While the child takes the lead the therapist follows and engages with the child through fun and excitement.
Now we have Relationship Development Intervention (RDI). It is more focussed on improving interaction with the child through joint activities. If you wish to know more about this approach log onto http://www.rdiconnect.com/
Here are some videos http://www.rdiconnect.com/video/default.asp
On the left I've also included a link to a good website. There you can see how RDI is implemented by the parents as a lifestyle to encourage the child to interaction and respond more to them.
Please note that I do not imply that RDI is better than ABA or Floortime approach. For a good result I advise parents to use a combination of them while keeping in mind each child is different and a method which had worked on another child might not work for your child.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
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2 comments:
Can you give me a number of children diagnosed as having Autism in Maldives?
I'm sorry I don't have any accurate figure for you, as the local health institutions do not conduct any kind of formal diagnosis. Autism can only be diagnosed by a psychologist, psychiatrist or a developmental paedirician, but not every psychologist I have known is able to do it. I reckon you will also be aware that these professions are very rare in the Maldives. My estimated number for those who suffer from Autism in the Maldives is roughly 9,000 which is 3% of the entire population. It is also said autism affects 1 in 166 births. Of these only a small fraction must have been diagnosed, say less than 10 Maldivian children. The rest could have been wrongly labelled or just left as they are.
May I also emphasise one important point? Labelling a child as autistic or carrying out a diagnosis is not the important, as there is no ONE TABLET for it. in fact, the therapy/cure involves overcoming the concerns/symptoms in your child as each child on the spectrum is differnt. My advice is, if you suspect your child for any developmental problem (speech delay, no eye contact AND repetitive behaviour)at the age of 2 years seek consultation from a developmental paedirician and begin an early intervention program at the earliest possible.
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