New research shows play-based therapy in small doses is positive for children with autism
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New research conducted by Victoria University shows even less than the recommended 20 hours a week is effective.
"As little as three hours a week of therapist delivered intervention was leading to really positive results," says Victoria University researcher Hannah Waddington.
"There are some really positive results from the slow intensity approach."
"I used to live in guilt all the time that I wasn't doing enough, I didn't have the money to do enough, should we be moving overseas? And now I feel like I'm really helping and teaching my kids everyday," says mum Tabitha Harlow.
The early start Early Start Denver Model is a type of play based therapy, used to boost language, social and cognitive skills for young children.
My mom and my psycholgist had this concept figured out in the 1960s. I had a few hours a week of play therapy for my undiagnosed autism for a couple of years and it seemed to have worked. Kids autistic or not have limited attention spans and get bored easy. They need as much freedom as possible to figure who they are. The sad part is these concepts are completely foreign to todays helicopter parents who need to plan and follow their kids 24/7.
Unfortunately the Early Start Denver Model is ABA based. Play therapy in the 60’s was used to have children communicate thier feelings and emotions to the therapist not to teach specific behaviors. I do not expect this “low intensity” method to be adoped, too much money at stake.
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Professionally Identified and joined WP August 26, 2013
DSM 5: Autism Spectrum Disorder, DSM IV: Aspergers Moderate Severity.
“My autism is not a superpower. It also isn’t some kind of god-forsaken, endless fountain of suffering inflicted on my family. It’s just part of who I am as a person”. - Sara Luterman
07 Oct 2018, 2:37 am
