~~THIS IS A FUN VIDEO~~
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Friday, February 15, 2008
HEEEELP!
THIS IS A NOTE I WROTE TO KYLE'S FORMER TEACHER TODAY
Hi Christine!
Well I decided to try some new things with Kyle and I'm having a tough time. So is he! I put all of his Thomas train stuff in a big tub and put it up. He seems to be fine with the change. However, I intended to let him play with it once a day, supervised. So later today he guided me to the tub and so I thought it was a good time to play. We took the tub down and set up his circle track. All he wanted to do was lay on the floor and push the train back and forth on the track. I wouldn't let him lay down and said "sit up" everytime he tried to lay down. He didn't like this whatsoever and threw a big tantrum everytime I did it. So I kinda ignored his tantrum and pushed the train by myself and made sounds and stuff. We tried this same thing yesterday and didn't get to play more than 5 minutes. Same thing today....I was tired of all the tantrums so I just put it away and he threw one big one.
So we went straight to the legos and started building stuff and he did okay. He was real upset and was trying to lick things and put things in his mouth. This is something he's never really done before. I think it's from the overwhelming stress of not getting to play with his trains anymore. He focused on the legos for probably 15 minutes...stacking them as I handed them to him. These are the real small legos so he was doing quite well actually.
I don't know what to do about the train stuff though. He gets so upset....I'm not sure if I should just get rid of EVERYTHING we own with wheels...b/c he's been trying to find anything with a wheel on it....I've been keeping it all up. We went outside to play and he found a dumb little truck and was constantly moving it back and forth on his belly so I threw it over the fence hehehe.
Got any advice? I'm trying!! The last two days I've been by his side almost non-stop, playing with him and making sure he's not stimming with anything. It's real hard to do. The only time he's by himself is when he's watching his 2 hours of movies. That goes by real quick. I haven't been able to get much done around the house because I've been right there with him all day. I suppose that's a good thing...hopefully Kyle will make some big improvements. Just tell me if I'm doing the right thing, please!
Nate.
------------
Teacher's Response:
I think your on the right track (no pun intended) by putting up the trains for awhile. I would advise you to put them up somewhere that Kyle does not know about for about 2 weeks. While the trains are obsessive for him and he really stems off them, they are also very motivating. So - put the trains up to let him release his obsession a little bit. you don't have to remove everything with wheels in your home. The thing is to find a replacement for the action. Since Kyle enjoys the wheels and turning or pushing them, look for something that is appropriate for that action. A wind spinner, connects, ummmm something that is meant to spin. Let him play with it for 10-15 minutes throughout the day, getting the sensory need met. Pair the activity with words such as "Do you want to spin Kyle? Tell me you want to spin." Require an amount of requesting from him and then allow him to do for a short while. By teaching him to request it with functional communication it helps teach him self regulation. Your right about the licking and putting things in his mouth. He is trying to regulate himself in a different way then spinning. The behavior cannot be stopped right now, but directed to a more appropriate way. If he finds a truck and begins to over it back and forth on his belly then use that as a teaching moment. You could work on things such as " prepositions, Kyle you have the truck on your stomach! Lets put it on your leg! OR you could take turns pushing the truck on your stomach. "My turn Kyle!" Then you lay down like Kyle and put the truck on your stomach and make vroom vroom or beep sounds. Do that for a minute or two and then"Kyle's turn!" Has you imitate Kyle, he will begin to imitate you adding the sounds or different subtle actions. It may take a few times of pairing the activity, but you will be amazed at the result.
Kyle will not play functionally with toys very much right now because he sees them in a different way. Typical kids see the car or truck as a mini representation of daddy's truck, but Kyle sees the working of the wheels, the doors, etc. We can't change his way of looking at it very quickly without rocking his world. so we have to teach him subtle different functions of the toy. Unfortunately children don't always want us to "teach" them so we have to kind of trick them into learning.
I am not saying you should let Kyle lay down and push a car for hours, but start small with the demands. Sitting up might be too big of a step at first. Maybe lay down with him with another car and push the car up and down a small ramp or make sounds, crash them, hop them, etc. Once Kyle begins to imitate that then push to another level and have him push them on a table.
When Kyle comes up to you and gets close to your face to "twitter" his eye lashes on you then kiss his nose and say "kiss nose!" Turn his stems and obsessions into a learning experience pushing the envelope a little each time.
It is great that your ignoring the tantrums, we don't want him to think that is a functional way to communicate. Tell him No ___! Count to 10 out loud with your fingers visually seen by him. When you get to 10 then see if he has stopped. If not then say No ____! and repeat. As soon as after 10 he has stopped give him the item or activity. This will take a few times (like 20) but it will again help with self regulation. Letting Kyle know he needs to calm himself down - then he can request correctly to get the item.
Hi Christine!
Well I decided to try some new things with Kyle and I'm having a tough time. So is he! I put all of his Thomas train stuff in a big tub and put it up. He seems to be fine with the change. However, I intended to let him play with it once a day, supervised. So later today he guided me to the tub and so I thought it was a good time to play. We took the tub down and set up his circle track. All he wanted to do was lay on the floor and push the train back and forth on the track. I wouldn't let him lay down and said "sit up" everytime he tried to lay down. He didn't like this whatsoever and threw a big tantrum everytime I did it. So I kinda ignored his tantrum and pushed the train by myself and made sounds and stuff. We tried this same thing yesterday and didn't get to play more than 5 minutes. Same thing today....I was tired of all the tantrums so I just put it away and he threw one big one.
So we went straight to the legos and started building stuff and he did okay. He was real upset and was trying to lick things and put things in his mouth. This is something he's never really done before. I think it's from the overwhelming stress of not getting to play with his trains anymore. He focused on the legos for probably 15 minutes...stacking them as I handed them to him. These are the real small legos so he was doing quite well actually.
I don't know what to do about the train stuff though. He gets so upset....I'm not sure if I should just get rid of EVERYTHING we own with wheels...b/c he's been trying to find anything with a wheel on it....I've been keeping it all up. We went outside to play and he found a dumb little truck and was constantly moving it back and forth on his belly so I threw it over the fence hehehe.
Got any advice? I'm trying!! The last two days I've been by his side almost non-stop, playing with him and making sure he's not stimming with anything. It's real hard to do. The only time he's by himself is when he's watching his 2 hours of movies. That goes by real quick. I haven't been able to get much done around the house because I've been right there with him all day. I suppose that's a good thing...hopefully Kyle will make some big improvements. Just tell me if I'm doing the right thing, please!
Nate.
------------
Teacher's Response:
I think your on the right track (no pun intended) by putting up the trains for awhile. I would advise you to put them up somewhere that Kyle does not know about for about 2 weeks. While the trains are obsessive for him and he really stems off them, they are also very motivating. So - put the trains up to let him release his obsession a little bit. you don't have to remove everything with wheels in your home. The thing is to find a replacement for the action. Since Kyle enjoys the wheels and turning or pushing them, look for something that is appropriate for that action. A wind spinner, connects, ummmm something that is meant to spin. Let him play with it for 10-15 minutes throughout the day, getting the sensory need met. Pair the activity with words such as "Do you want to spin Kyle? Tell me you want to spin." Require an amount of requesting from him and then allow him to do for a short while. By teaching him to request it with functional communication it helps teach him self regulation. Your right about the licking and putting things in his mouth. He is trying to regulate himself in a different way then spinning. The behavior cannot be stopped right now, but directed to a more appropriate way. If he finds a truck and begins to over it back and forth on his belly then use that as a teaching moment. You could work on things such as " prepositions, Kyle you have the truck on your stomach! Lets put it on your leg! OR you could take turns pushing the truck on your stomach. "My turn Kyle!" Then you lay down like Kyle and put the truck on your stomach and make vroom vroom or beep sounds. Do that for a minute or two and then"Kyle's turn!" Has you imitate Kyle, he will begin to imitate you adding the sounds or different subtle actions. It may take a few times of pairing the activity, but you will be amazed at the result.
Kyle will not play functionally with toys very much right now because he sees them in a different way. Typical kids see the car or truck as a mini representation of daddy's truck, but Kyle sees the working of the wheels, the doors, etc. We can't change his way of looking at it very quickly without rocking his world. so we have to teach him subtle different functions of the toy. Unfortunately children don't always want us to "teach" them so we have to kind of trick them into learning.
I am not saying you should let Kyle lay down and push a car for hours, but start small with the demands. Sitting up might be too big of a step at first. Maybe lay down with him with another car and push the car up and down a small ramp or make sounds, crash them, hop them, etc. Once Kyle begins to imitate that then push to another level and have him push them on a table.
When Kyle comes up to you and gets close to your face to "twitter" his eye lashes on you then kiss his nose and say "kiss nose!" Turn his stems and obsessions into a learning experience pushing the envelope a little each time.
It is great that your ignoring the tantrums, we don't want him to think that is a functional way to communicate. Tell him No ___! Count to 10 out loud with your fingers visually seen by him. When you get to 10 then see if he has stopped. If not then say No ____! and repeat. As soon as after 10 he has stopped give him the item or activity. This will take a few times (like 20) but it will again help with self regulation. Letting Kyle know he needs to calm himself down - then he can request correctly to get the item.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Here you can see Kyle eating his gluten free, dairy free pizza. It was the first time we made something like this--it turned out very good! Jana used rice/sorghum flour and rice cheese (which doesn't taste too bad--but not really like cheese). My dad liked it better than Papa Murphy's haha! I think he was just being nice. Oh, can you see my new floor, trim and paint in the living room?? We just got all that done two weeks ago!! It's fancy schmancy.
SSSKOOL bus
Jana makes another birthday cake! She makes one for every birthday, based on whatever theme or interest one of our sons is into. She has lots of fun with it. I think it's cute. :)
Kyle Education
Kyle has now advanced to public education after turning 3 years old last Sunday. He has been attending Richland School District at Jefferson Elementary for about two weeks now. He attends 2.5 hours per day for 5 days per week. His transition went very smoothly. He just put up a short fuss on his first day, but quickly adapted to their plethora of toys and play-based style of teaching. His teacher's name is Karen King and came highly recommended to us by Kyle's former teacher. I didn't even have to ask for her--Kyle just ended up assigned to her. So I think God is definitely watching out for Kyle. Thank you all for your prayers.
I haven't had much reported on Kyle's progress there at the school, as things are still pretty fresh. But, we plan to get some kind of commitment from them to keep us up to date at least on a weekly basis.
Kyle rides the school bus to and from school--he just loves it! When he's dropped off at home, he says "byebye school bus."
Jana and I are starting to address the finer issues of Kyle's behavior. We are going to focus on minor and major problems that Kyle struggles with everyday. Some of those include:
--Escaping while eating (i.e. running around)
--Wiping his hands on his clothes during eating
--Attachment to specific toys--More specifically, his inappropriate use of those toys (laying on the floor "stimming" with them). An example of this would be pushing his trains back and forth while staring at the wheels while they turn. This may seem innocent but it's very obsessive for Kyle.
A big one we will take on soon: POTTY TRAINING!! AAAAAAAAAAAGH!
I haven't had much reported on Kyle's progress there at the school, as things are still pretty fresh. But, we plan to get some kind of commitment from them to keep us up to date at least on a weekly basis.
Kyle rides the school bus to and from school--he just loves it! When he's dropped off at home, he says "byebye school bus."
Jana and I are starting to address the finer issues of Kyle's behavior. We are going to focus on minor and major problems that Kyle struggles with everyday. Some of those include:
--Escaping while eating (i.e. running around)
--Wiping his hands on his clothes during eating
--Attachment to specific toys--More specifically, his inappropriate use of those toys (laying on the floor "stimming" with them). An example of this would be pushing his trains back and forth while staring at the wheels while they turn. This may seem innocent but it's very obsessive for Kyle.
A big one we will take on soon: POTTY TRAINING!! AAAAAAAAAAAGH!
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
More Blessings!
Great news from Dr. Grewe.....
He and several other doctors in the area with different specialties, including Kyle's teacher at the development center, are going to start doing assessments of kids as a team.
After seeing us for the initial consultation (Kyle was not there), the doctor said that Kyle would be a perfect patient to practice the new "team assessing" on, so that they can get a feel for working all together. So basically, Kyle will be able to get a very good assessment, buy a whole group of doctors, much sooner than expected, for Free! That will satisfy the school district, so that he will get all the services he needs. It's a real blessing.
Kyle keeps on doing terrific. It has been really exciting to see him start to initiate talking more. He's been saying short two or three word sentences, and definitely recognizes the meaning of most words he says. Just yesterday, he walked up to me with a teddy bear and showed it to me and said "Bear!" Not only did he say it without prompting, but he also wanted to show it to me, which is a great step in the social interacting and relationship building stuff. Sharing interests with others does not come naturally for him, but it's really important. After all, we don't just want him to be able to talk, we want him to be able to have relationships with people.
And another big step for Kyle.....he no longer sleeps in a crib! Isaac and Kyle got bunk beds for Christmas (and birthday :) ). He used to always roll around a lot at night and end up with his feet on his pillow and his head under his bead, or some other odd position, but he has been more normal lately, and last night he slept with his head on his pillow, under his blanket, in the middle of his new bed. It was pretty cute (I just had to peek in and see!).
He and several other doctors in the area with different specialties, including Kyle's teacher at the development center, are going to start doing assessments of kids as a team.
After seeing us for the initial consultation (Kyle was not there), the doctor said that Kyle would be a perfect patient to practice the new "team assessing" on, so that they can get a feel for working all together. So basically, Kyle will be able to get a very good assessment, buy a whole group of doctors, much sooner than expected, for Free! That will satisfy the school district, so that he will get all the services he needs. It's a real blessing.
Kyle keeps on doing terrific. It has been really exciting to see him start to initiate talking more. He's been saying short two or three word sentences, and definitely recognizes the meaning of most words he says. Just yesterday, he walked up to me with a teddy bear and showed it to me and said "Bear!" Not only did he say it without prompting, but he also wanted to show it to me, which is a great step in the social interacting and relationship building stuff. Sharing interests with others does not come naturally for him, but it's really important. After all, we don't just want him to be able to talk, we want him to be able to have relationships with people.
And another big step for Kyle.....he no longer sleeps in a crib! Isaac and Kyle got bunk beds for Christmas (and birthday :) ). He used to always roll around a lot at night and end up with his feet on his pillow and his head under his bead, or some other odd position, but he has been more normal lately, and last night he slept with his head on his pillow, under his blanket, in the middle of his new bed. It was pretty cute (I just had to peek in and see!).
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Jason McElwain (a must see)
This video tells a lot about the love of a community for their kids...especially their autistic ones.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
The Good Doctor
Jana and I have an appt. with Dr. Scott Grewe this November 19th. He will have an initial consultation with us regarding Kyle and make a determination of whether he needs to evaluate Kyle in order to obtain an "official" diagnosis. This first appt. is more or less a screening, to make sure we aren't wasting $1500 on an evaluation. Yes, he is expensive!! But, he's the best there is. And the school district needs a diagnosis from a neuropsychologist. I was going to take Kyle to Spokane, but I'm working out a deal with my insurance company to see Dr. Grewe.
However, things are going to get tricky. Jana is most likely going to take a new job next week. That means different insurance companies...yadda yadda..so we'll see.
However, things are going to get tricky. Jana is most likely going to take a new job next week. That means different insurance companies...yadda yadda..so we'll see.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Now I know my ABC's!
Kyle has been doing great!!
Just this week he has started singing quite a bit, including "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star".
And a big surprise (since no one had been trying to teach him this) Kyle suddenly sang the Alphabet! He's been doing it over and over again! Sometimes just "ABCDEFG", or "LMNOP" or the whole thing.
And if that wasn't enough...he counts to 10 too! This was another talent we didn't know he had. Almost every day he surprises us with what he can do and say.
It is really amazing how much progress he has made in the last 6 months. From his latest Personal/Social development assessment, his teacher reported that he can use one word phrases and gestures to make his needs known, imitate gestures in a song, orient to his name, follow the command "come here", imitate simple motor actions, drink from a cup and eat with a fork or spoon with minimal spilling, and more. He will repeat almost anything we say when we have his attention. And a huge step is that he is starting to label things he recognizes on his own. Like, when he sits down to breakfast, he says "eggs" without us saying it first. Today, he even played the little "where's your nose?" game and pointed to all his face parts and said them. I've been trying to get him to do that since he was 1. It is hard to believe it was only a few months ago that Kyle wouldn't say a single word, wouldn't respond to his name or obey any instruction.
He is still doing well with the gluten free, casein free diet. We have been slowly adding more things to his diet that he will accept. Unfortunately one of those things is suckers....he LOVES them. That's the only Halloween candy he wants. We took him to a little trick or treating thing at the child development center today, and whenever someone gave him anything that wasn't a sucker, he just threw it over his shoulder! That's ok, Isaac won't mind eating the rest.
~Kyle's Mommy.
Just this week he has started singing quite a bit, including "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star".
And a big surprise (since no one had been trying to teach him this) Kyle suddenly sang the Alphabet! He's been doing it over and over again! Sometimes just "ABCDEFG", or "LMNOP" or the whole thing.
And if that wasn't enough...he counts to 10 too! This was another talent we didn't know he had. Almost every day he surprises us with what he can do and say.
It is really amazing how much progress he has made in the last 6 months. From his latest Personal/Social development assessment, his teacher reported that he can use one word phrases and gestures to make his needs known, imitate gestures in a song, orient to his name, follow the command "come here", imitate simple motor actions, drink from a cup and eat with a fork or spoon with minimal spilling, and more. He will repeat almost anything we say when we have his attention. And a huge step is that he is starting to label things he recognizes on his own. Like, when he sits down to breakfast, he says "eggs" without us saying it first. Today, he even played the little "where's your nose?" game and pointed to all his face parts and said them. I've been trying to get him to do that since he was 1. It is hard to believe it was only a few months ago that Kyle wouldn't say a single word, wouldn't respond to his name or obey any instruction.
He is still doing well with the gluten free, casein free diet. We have been slowly adding more things to his diet that he will accept. Unfortunately one of those things is suckers....he LOVES them. That's the only Halloween candy he wants. We took him to a little trick or treating thing at the child development center today, and whenever someone gave him anything that wasn't a sucker, he just threw it over his shoulder! That's ok, Isaac won't mind eating the rest.
~Kyle's Mommy.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
What a Great Idea!
Families With Autistic Children Get A Break At Israeli Vacation Spot
http://tinyurl.com/369438
Upon first glance, Aluteva looks like another homey and quaint country
family resort in northern Israel, one of the country's most popular vacation
destinations. The campus is surrounded by forest trees at the edge of
Carmiel, families are lounging on plastic lounge chairs, and the green lawns
and playground are dotted with colorful picket fences. Only upon closer look
does it become apparent that Aluteva is highly different than any other
country resorts in the area.
Aluteva is the only vacation spot in Israel, and possibly in the
world, designed to cater to families with autistic children. The clues
quickly become obvious; the campus is enclosed by fences and a security
gate, the pool is raised instead of at ground level, and a young boy paces
in a repeated pattern along the cement paths, clapping his hands.
Aluteva doesn't have the funds or intention to offer five star
amenities, but it provides one amenity that makes some families feel like
it's a five star resort: sensitivity to the needs of children with autism.
The concept was devised in 2003 by Alut, the Israeli Society for
Autistic Children, to provide an innovative, permanent year-round solution
for families for whom vacation is an essential need, but one that is often
out of reach.
"We understand the complexity for families with autistic children to
go out on vacation," explained Aluteva's director Nechama Amidan. "Often
they don't take a vacation because it's difficult to go out on a vacation
with an autistic child given the behavior of the child and safety concerns.
The children are sometimes not aware of the dangers, and they can jump in a
pool, cross a red light. They require the parents' constant surveillance."
Vacation is particularly difficult for families of children diagnosed
with low-functioning autism since at times these children can exhibit
behaviors that deviate from what is socially acceptable in public places. At
one point during this reporter's tour at Aluteva, a 15-year old boy named
Ron repeatedly came up to smell my hair, a behavior which would have likely
startled any vacationer at a regular hotel.
"He seems to like certain smells, certain shampoo smells. You're not
the first one, but you can take it as a compliment," Ron's mother explained
on the lawns of Aluteva. Ron's parents and younger sister are regulars at
Aluteva. Ron cannot read, write, or speak, and smelling hair is likely a
form of self-stimulation and a means of social interaction.
"My son needs constant activity; it's hard taking care of him. He
likes going places, but it's hard to take him places because of the way he
behaves. He doesn't enjoy himself, and we have to run around after him."
http://tinyurl.com/369438
Upon first glance, Aluteva looks like another homey and quaint country
family resort in northern Israel, one of the country's most popular vacation
destinations. The campus is surrounded by forest trees at the edge of
Carmiel, families are lounging on plastic lounge chairs, and the green lawns
and playground are dotted with colorful picket fences. Only upon closer look
does it become apparent that Aluteva is highly different than any other
country resorts in the area.
Aluteva is the only vacation spot in Israel, and possibly in the
world, designed to cater to families with autistic children. The clues
quickly become obvious; the campus is enclosed by fences and a security
gate, the pool is raised instead of at ground level, and a young boy paces
in a repeated pattern along the cement paths, clapping his hands.
Aluteva doesn't have the funds or intention to offer five star
amenities, but it provides one amenity that makes some families feel like
it's a five star resort: sensitivity to the needs of children with autism.
The concept was devised in 2003 by Alut, the Israeli Society for
Autistic Children, to provide an innovative, permanent year-round solution
for families for whom vacation is an essential need, but one that is often
out of reach.
"We understand the complexity for families with autistic children to
go out on vacation," explained Aluteva's director Nechama Amidan. "Often
they don't take a vacation because it's difficult to go out on a vacation
with an autistic child given the behavior of the child and safety concerns.
The children are sometimes not aware of the dangers, and they can jump in a
pool, cross a red light. They require the parents' constant surveillance."
Vacation is particularly difficult for families of children diagnosed
with low-functioning autism since at times these children can exhibit
behaviors that deviate from what is socially acceptable in public places. At
one point during this reporter's tour at Aluteva, a 15-year old boy named
Ron repeatedly came up to smell my hair, a behavior which would have likely
startled any vacationer at a regular hotel.
"He seems to like certain smells, certain shampoo smells. You're not
the first one, but you can take it as a compliment," Ron's mother explained
on the lawns of Aluteva. Ron's parents and younger sister are regulars at
Aluteva. Ron cannot read, write, or speak, and smelling hair is likely a
form of self-stimulation and a means of social interaction.
"My son needs constant activity; it's hard taking care of him. He
likes going places, but it's hard to take him places because of the way he
behaves. He doesn't enjoy himself, and we have to run around after him."
I thought this was such a great idea...I want to start one here!! or maybe a not-for-profit Chuck-E-Cheese type after school center for autistic kids with lots of stuff to stim and play with!! With plenty of volunteers to play with the kids so the parents can sit back and relax hahahaha..anybody have a few million bucks to loan me?
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Update on Kyle
Kyle has been doing fantastic lately! He is really enjoying talking and tries his best to say anything. Yesterday, his therapist at the Dev. Center said he repeated over 30 words for her!! Some were well pronounced, most were not. But still- he's trying hard!! Jana and I are so proud of him...He's made this incredible improvement over the last week. Just two or three weeks ago he was tantruming whenever we wanted him to say "swing" before going.
Some things he's been saying:
Me
Me go
Cocoa (for choc. milk)
Me Cocoa
All Done
Up
Hello
Hello Hello
Hi
Car
House
Shoe
Switch
Light
Vroom Vroom
Choo Choo
Hot Dog
Swing
Cookie
Ball
Tickle
Ready, Set, Go
"Hi Ho Sliver, Away!" (His favorite Veggie Tales movie line)
Mama (the most important one)
Way to go Kyle!! Thank you Jesus
Some things he's been saying:
Me
Me go
Cocoa (for choc. milk)
Me Cocoa
All Done
Up
Hello
Hello Hello
Hi
Car
House
Shoe
Switch
Light
Vroom Vroom
Choo Choo
Hot Dog
Swing
Cookie
Ball
Tickle
Ready, Set, Go
"Hi Ho Sliver, Away!" (His favorite Veggie Tales movie line)
Mama (the most important one)
Way to go Kyle!! Thank you Jesus
This Girl Is Cute
I just had to upload this just in case you haven't seen it yet...makes me want a daughter!
Friday, September 14, 2007
Autistic Man Singing National Anthem at Fenway Park
You'll have mixed emotions with this one: you'll laugh...but at the same time, you'll be proud of this guy and the crowd for supporting him! He did a great job..
Sunday, September 9, 2007
More Info
Funding for treatment in Wisconsin
The state of Wisconsin currently offers funding for in home autism treatment through a waiver system. Children under the age of eight with a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder who demonstrate a medical need may be eligible to receive up to three years of funding for intensive autism treatment. Children older than eight may be eligible for reduced funding for a variety of services.
The waiver is offered state-wide and is administered by individual counties. County case managers work directly with families to complete the waiver application process. Some counties have chosen not to administer the waiver, and in these counties, the state has contracted with private agencies to assist families interested in securing funding.
Sometimes the Grass is Greener on the Other Side
| Wisconsin services |
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| Wisconsin Early Autism Project offers services to Wisconsin children through one of five clinics located in Madison, Brookfield (Milwaukee area), De Pere (Green Bay area), Onalaska (La Crosse area), and Eau Claire. Children are eligible for our program if they are under the age of eight and have a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Children without formal medical diagnosis may receive a diagnosis from our licensed Clinical Psychologists. All children must have an Initial Screening by one of our psychologists to ensure that our program is clinically appropriate for their needs. All children in our program receive individualized treatment in their homes to meet their needs under the supervision of experienced clinical staff, including a licensed Clinical Psychologist, Clinical Director, Clinical Supervisor and Senior Therapist. This team of professionals trains the family and therapy team to implement curriculum using behavioral interventions which form the basis of Lovaas' approach: the use of discrete trials, positive reinforcement, extinction, prompting, shaping and programming for generalization. In addition, a variety of other treatment approaches and strategies may be used to teach specific skills when appropriate for individual children. Children receiving our intensive services in the state of Wisconsin are able to receive up to 35 hours per week of treatment using funds from a children's waiver program that is administered by most counties on behalf of the state. Children in counties not participating in the waiver receive case management by a subcontracted private agency. These 35 hours include face-to-face treatment hours, a team meeting, supervision, and associated travel. In addition, each child sees a Clinical Psychologist on a regular basis to ensure program efficacy. Our Service Coordinators work closely with our clinical staff, county case managers and state personnel to ensure that each child receives therapy according to his or her own individual needs. While we recognize the need to contain costs, we continue to be committed to providing therapy programs that are proven through scientific research to be the most effective treatment available today for children with autism. All children in our program get the most therapy they possibly can up to the limit of their state funding. In some cases, families choose to purchase additional hours of therapy in order to more closely match the model proven by research to be most effective. Purchasing additional hours is strictly optional and is not requirement for participation in our program. It is important to remember that the window of opportunity for children to make significant outcome changes is limited. Each child gets on chance to change, grow and learn. The most critical choice that families will make in pursuing treatment is choosing a program with the expertise and staff to take their children to the best outcome they can achieve. These years cannot be recaptured. We remain committed to providing the highest quality therapy driven by scientific research that is currently available anywhere in the world, and will do our best to ensure that every child makes the best possible outcome. |
Saturday, September 8, 2007
In the News
Autistic children are immune to contagious yawns: The BPS Research Digest reports that children with autism are seemingly 'immune' to contagious yawning - perhaps as a result of their reduced social awareness.
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