Methods of treatment in the development of communicative skills of children diagnosed within autism spectrum disorders

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this paper is to present the methods used by speech – language pathologists in the treatment of children diagnosed within ASD implemented in BDORT Center. Method: Since children within this spectrum significantly differ regarding their communicative, cognitive, motor and adaptive skills, the focus is on making individual plan of treatment. The program of treatment and the development of the child is evaluated periodically, by psychological testing, so the correction and needed adjustments to the program could be conducted. The method of work is heavily related to the core principles of behavioral therapy, augmentative and alternative communication, and sensory integration, which we adapt to local circumstances. After the initial evaluation in BDORT Center, we suggest intensive treatment, between 15 and 18 hours per week. During the process of treatment great attention is dedicated to the education of parents about the way their children learn and about their role in helping their children learn. This is because we consider parents as co – therapists whose role in helping their children to generalize and apply learned kills in everyday life is of crucial importance. This is also due to the fact that many children upon entering primary school are not able to continue with an intensive treatment which further underline the role of a parent for continuing the work with a child. Conclusion: The goal of this practice is to develop a maximum of child’s biological potential in the critical period of its development and to enable the child to be as independent as possible. Dislosure: Author of abstracts, with publication of this abstract, hereby claims that is not a plagiarism and that it is not related with any commercial, propaganda or advertising purposes.