THERAPEUTIC OPTIONS
Some Therapeutic Techniques (and there are many):
The following websites are not a definitive listing of available resources. Please email inquiries@riautism.org with your suggested additions.
As always, do your homework!
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ABA Local resources are: Perspectives Corporation, Adeline Laplante Memorial Center, Bradley Hospital Developmental Disabilities Program, The Groden Center, ABACS, Cranston ARC. Please refer to the bottom of this page for contact information.
Activity Schedules http://www.specialed.us/autism/assist/asst11.htm
Acupuncture and Acupressure Acupunture inserts and manipulates thin needles into different specific points on the body. Acupressure applies pressure on top of different specific points of the body.
Antifungal Treatment Anti-fungal therapies involve sugar-reduction, yeast-free diets, medications, and anti-fungal supplements.
Aquatic Therapy http://www.ucp.org/ucp_channeldoc.cfm/1/15/11500/11500-11500/3168
Art Therapy Making art as a communicative tool through a therapeutic process
Assistive Technology http://www.specialed.us/autism/assist/asst10.htm
Auditory Integration Training http://www.berardaitwebsite.com/
Body Ecology Diet
Chelation
Chiropractic
Cognitive Rehabilitation
Craniosacral Therapy http://www.craniosacraltherapy.org/Whatis.htm
Daily Life Therapy
Dance Therapy http://www.ridance.com/DanceNews/200707/20070710_DanceTherapySeminar.html
The Denver Model
DIR http://www.icdl.com/staging/dirFloortime/overview/index.shtml
Dolphin Therapy
Earobics
Facilitated Communication
Fast Forword
The Feingold Diet |
Floor-time http://www.floortime.org/index.php
Gentle Teaching
Gluten-free, casein-free diet
The Handle Institute
Hemi-sync
Holding Therapy
Homeopathy
Hyperbaric oxygen chamber http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002375.htm
Immunotherapy
Integrated Play Therapy
Intensive Interaction Therapy
The Irlen Lens System
Ketogenic Diet
Miller Method
Multi-sensory stimulation
Music Therapy
Neurofeedback http://www.eegspectrum.com/IntroToNeuro/
Occupational Therapy
PECS http://www.pecs.com/WhatsPECS.htm
Physical Therapy http://www.physicaltherapyri.com/pediatricservices.html
Pivotal Response Training
Play Therapy
Prayer
Prompt Speech Therapy |
Rapid Prompting
Pharmaceuticals
RDI http://www.rdiconnect.com/about/index.asp
Responsive Teaching
Rhythmic Entrainment Intervention
SAMONAS
SCERTS
Secretin
Sensory Integration Therapy http://www.therapediatricsri.com/10.html
Social Skills Groups http://www.theautismproject.org
Social Stories http://www.thegraycenter.org/socialstories.cfm
Son-rise http://www.autismtreatmentcenter.org/
Specific Carbohydrate Diet
Speech and Language Therapy
Therapeutic Horseback Riding http://www.turningpointeri.org/mission.shtml
Tomatis Method
TEACCH
Trained Dog Companion
Verbal Behavior
Video Modeling
Visual Therapy
Vitamins and Minerals
Yoga
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From the Cure Autism Now website:
Factors to Consider
Choosing A Treatment Approach
Some factors to consider when creating a treatment approach or an intervention plan for the first time:
the behaviors the person is exhibiting
the functioning level of the individual
whether or not the person is an auditory, visual or kinesthetic learner - that is, do they learn best by seeing how something is done, hearing how something is done or by doing it themselves
the person's strengths and weaknesses (e.g. are they persistent, or do they become frustrated easily even by simple tasks)
and any medical challenges the person may be facing.
Other factors to consider when analyzing treatment options are:
the risk to the individual
the overall effect of the treatment on family life
the financial cost
the research that the supports the treatment
how the effectiveness of the treatment will be measured
and what support the family will need to be able to consistently follow through on the treatment plan.
Difference between a "Research Evaluation" and a
"Clinical Evaluation"
By Catherine Lord, Ph.D.
In general, the difference between a research evaluation and a clinical evaluation is the goal of the evaluation.
Research Evaluation
A research evaluation uses specific assessment tools that are reliable and have been validated by other researchers to answer a scientific question that researchers are studying.
In order to collect data for a research evaluation, families undergo an assessment that may be extremely comprehensive, sometimes seeming more thorough than a clinical evaluation. This reflects the wide range of data that is needed to answer complicated research questions that will be pursued using the data. Many, but not all, research projects provide reports so that families can review the results. Sometimes these reports can be used in clinical situations, particularly if the clinical team is planning to use the same assessment tools as the research team.
The research staff collecting data for a research evaluation may be very knowledgeable about autism. They are often graduate students or research associates with a keen interest in autism research and tend to be very informed about the field in general. They are not licensed clinicians, however, and do not have the professional training and working knowledge of diagnosis and treatment planning.
Clinical Evaluation
A clinical evaluation is an assessment of a particular child with an autism spectrum disorder that is designed to assist the family in making treatment choices. A licensed clinician, such as a clinical psychologist, psychiatrist or speech-language pathologist, completes the assessment.
A clinical evaluation should be organized specifically around your child's needs or your family's concerns. There may be a standard evaluation that is used in each case, but the focus of that evaluation should be on your child's strengths, weaknesses, and the questions you have. The evaluation should be carried out (or at a minimum, supervised) by a licensed clinician who has experience in working with children/adults with autism. A clinical evaluation should result in a report. Typically, the clinician also provides an opportunity for the family to ask specific questions and learn about services that may be helpful to your child.
Participating in a research project can be a very positive experience, knowing that you are helping researchers better understand autism as well learning new information about your child’s development when you complete innovative research evaluations. Keep in mind, however, that research evaluations are not done for the purpose of educating you about your child or helping you to develop an intervention or educational plan -- if that is what you need, it is important to have a clinical evaluation done as well.
Catherine Lord, Ph.D. is the Director of the University of Michigan Autism and Communication Disorders Center (UMACC) and Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry, Research Professor, Center for Human Growth and Development (CHGD)
Social Development Coaching for Children with ASD
HOME CONNECTIONS
Children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) generally fail to develop important interaction skills on their own. Learning to connect with you provides the essential foundation for social growth and development. Our Home Connections program will help you learn how to involve your young child in social activities that he/she will enjoy and seek out, and how to organize daily life to maximize your child’s understanding of social experiences.
A FUNCTIONAL, DEVELOPMENTAL POINT OF VIEW
The Home Connections model builds on research in early childhood social development. Our approach incorporates techniques developed by autism specialists, including:
Greenspan’s Floor Time,
Gutstein’s Relationship Development approach,
Attwood’s Cognitive Behavior Therapy,
Schopler’s TEACCH program,
Prizant’s SCERTS model,
Gray’s Social Stories, and others.
Our staff are thoroughly trained in these approaches, and supervised by established experts. They serve as “connection coaches” to you, your child and family.
HOW WE WORK
Home Connections staff will collaborate with you to develop an individualized plan for your child. During the initial phase of the program, your Home Connections Coach will typically visit your home four times a week for 1½ hour sessions. Once your family’s initial goals have been met, your coach will begin reducing the frequency of visits until all goals have been attained. The months spent developing new skills will promote lifelong development.
WHAT COACHING MEANS
During home visits, your Home Connections Coach will help you understand your child’s unique profile of strengths and vulnerabilities.
Your coach will assist you in organizing daily home life to help your child understand or “map out” his/her experiences in the family. You will see your child become more relaxed and accessible to social connections as confusion and over-stimulation are reduced.
You will take part in activities and games with your child to stimulate social development. Your coach will guide you in these playful interactions, and help you make them a regular and enjoyable part of your daily home life.
You will learn ways to help your child deal productively with frustration, anger and fear, and to tolerate change.
With the assistance of your Home Connections Coach, you will shape a family lifestyle that helps your child learn to enjoy connecting with others.
EXPERT LEADERSHIP, HIGHLY-TRAINED STAFF
The Home Connections model was developed by Laurence Hirshberg, Ph.D. Dr. Hirshberg, a licensed clinical psychologist, is the Director of the NeuroDevelopmental Center in Providence, RI and Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Brown University Medical School. He has specialized in Autism Spectrum Disorders for over 19 years consulting to and training educators and mental health professionals across New England.
Home Connections Coaches are paraprofessionals who have established competencies in social development approaches to ASD. Clinical psychologists provide ongoing assessment and supervision to ensure the highest quality treatment.
Connecting starts at home. Start today… For more information, call our Home Connections program at (401) 722-5573.
Our most important
WHAT DOES THIS SERVICE COST?
The first step will be to schedule a screening and treatment planning session in which we determine if Home Connections is the best program to meet the child’s and family’s needs. We may agree that there are other interventions that may be a better fit, in which case we will facilitate those referrals. The cost of this session is $250.00. When training begins, the family will pay $100 for each session for an average of four, 1½ hour sessions per week during the first few months. Unfortunately, Medicaid or commercial insurance will not cover this treatment at this time, so families pay directly for the service. This investment, while significant, can have a lifelong impact on the child’s and family’s quality of life.
You may contact Susan Stevenson, Director of ASD Connections at Gateway Healthcare (401) 722-5573, ext. 246 for more information about the program and to coordinate the initial screening appointment.
ASSESSMENTS – Rhode Island
Childhood Communication Services
Barry M. Prizant, Director
Early Identification and assessment of young children, school consultation.
401.467.7008 www.barryprizant.com
Children's Neurodevelopmental Center, Hasbro Children’s Hospital/Rhode Island Hospital
Assessment, diagnosis and counseling.
401.444.5685 www.lifespan.org/hch/services/neuro_cntr/
Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island
Primary Care Center for Children with Special Needs
Serves as a medical home for children with special needs including autism.
401.729.2582 www.mhri.org
Neurodevelopmental Center
555 Prospect Street
Pawtucket, RI 02860
Assesses, treats and provides follow-up for children, including those with ASDs.
401.729.6200 www.mhri.org
The Neurodevelopment Center
Assessment, treatment and school consultation services for individuals with neurological disorders including ASDs.
401.351.7779 www.neurodevelopmentcenter.com
Psychologists
Dr. Patricia Meinhold
Licensed Psychologist
Treatment and Evaluation
401.491.9026
Therapeutic Service Programs
Therapeutic Child Care Services
This new service developed by the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) provides specialized services for children and youth with
special needs. This gives children and youth the opportunity to learn, play and socialize with their friends. Therapeutic Child Care Services (TCCS) supports children with special needs in a mainstream setting. Through an inclusive integrated environment, TCCS offers services by a specially trained staff that meets the needs of all children.
Who is Eligible?
• Medicaid eligible children who
have special needs.• Special needs include physical,
developmental, behavioral, and emotional.• Infant, toddler, preschool and
school age children• Referred by a CEDARR Family
CenterWhere can Therapeutic Child Care Services Be Located?
• Your child care center
• Your school age program
• Your summer camp
Who are the Therapeutic Child Care Services Professionals?
President:
Ed.D, Doctorate in Human Development and Leadership
Program Coordinator: Bachelor of Arts in Education
Clinician:
RI Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Therapeutic Integration Specialist: Associate Degree in Human Services. Previous training and experience with children of special needs
Registered Nurse: Healthcare consultant training
Early Childhood Consultant: Master of Science in Education
Family Advocate: Associate Degree in Human Services
Contact Information:
Home Office
462 Smithfield Ave
Pawtucket, RI 02860
1-877-333-1393 ext: 250
401475-4832 fax
TheraPediatrics Inc.
55 Village Square Drive, Suite #6
South Kingstown, RI 02879
Website: www.TheraPediatricsRI.com
Email: Info@TheraPediatricsRI.com
Office: 401-284-4357
Fax: 401-284-4358
We provide clinical and educational occupational therapy services to kids birth through 21 years of age. We offer comprehensive evaluation and state-of-the-art treatment programs and technologies to children demonstrating sensory, motor, behavior, and learning challenges. We offer a full service sensory gym and specialized treatment programs. We provide the following:
- Clinical Occupational Therapy Services
- Educational Occupational Therapy Services
- Comprehensive Evaluation
- Consultation Services with the schools and in the home
- Sensory Integration Therapy
- Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT)
- NeuroDevelopmental Treatment (NDT)
- Berard Auditory Integration Training (AIT)
- The Listening Program (TLP)
- CranioSacral Therapy (CST)
- Interactive Metronome (IM)
- Play Attention Biofeedback/Edufeedback Program
- Learning Programs
- Picky Eater Program
- Handwriting Without Tears Program
- Brain Gym
- And more...
Rehab. New England 1
Physiotherapy Associates
1160 Post Road
Suite # 8
Warwick, RI 0 2888
401.941.9111
Sargent Rehabilitation Center
800 Quaker Lane
East Greenwich, RI 02818-1698
401.886.6600
Meeting Street
1000 Eddy Street
Providence, RI 02905
Telephone: (401) 533.9100
Fax: (401) 533.9101
E-mail: info@meetingstreet.org
Perspectives Corporation
Main Office
1130 Ten Rod Road Building B
Suite 101 North Kingstown, RI 02852
Phone: 401.294.3990
Fax: 401.294.9879
Youth and Family Service
1130 Ten Rod Road Building C,
Suite 201
North Kingstown, RI 02852
Phone: 401.294.8181
Fax: 401.294.7773
Adeline Laplante Memorial Center
126 Willard Avenue
Wakefield, RI 02879
Edward F. McDermott, Executive Director
Phone: 401-789-3081 Fax: 401-782-8481
Bradley Hospital Developmental Disabilities Program
Contact by telephone: 401-432-1189 or by fax at 401-432-1500
Developmental Disabilities Program
Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital 1011
Veterans Memorial Parkway
East Providence, RI, 02915
The Groden Center
86 Mt. Hope Avenue
Providence, RI 02906
Phone: (401) 274-6310
RI Relay Service 1-800-745-5555
FAX: (401) 421-3280
E-mail: grodencenter@grodencenter.org
ABACS, LLC
(ABA Consultation and Services)
Brandon Herscovitch, MS, BCBA
53 North Brookfield Rd., Spencer MA, 01562
Telephone: 774-249-8403
Email:
info@abaconsultation.com
www.abaconsultation.com
Servicing RI, MA, CT
Please note: ABACS provides ABA services in the home exclusively. They currently do not have a center.