How My Boy Kicked Autism
Chapter 6 : Research Supported Intervention
My Boy Blank-28 months
It is official, you have Autism. It is not like I didn’t already know. Well actually, it is your mother that knew, but we both get it now. Oh and it is written right here in this psycho-educational assessment report. Dr. Bank says that what you need right now is an in-home behavioral intervention program consisting of 20-25 hours per week of one-to-one behavioral intervention based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) procedures, to include discrete trial teaching.I am really glad that is what she is recommending for you because after researching what to look for in an ABA program http://www.centerforautism.com/aba/evaluating.asp and about different predictors for success, ABA is research-supported to have successful results.
Dr. Blank says that your brain is functioning at a high level, it is just that some of the signals have been crossed. Research shows that some kids who are rapid learners like you are recovery kids after ABA. I didn’t have a concrete idea as to the level of your functioning because we can’t communicate with each other. Dr. Blank was able to talk to you through all of the games and things that you did with her and then tell me exactly what your present level of ability is. Without having that bit of information, I was totally on the fence about appropriate intervention for you. I knew you needed behavior intervention, I just didn’t know what kind because the anecdotes and research articles and controversies are all over the map-not to mention another serving of alphabet acronym soup!
Dr. Bank also wants you to be evaluated by a speech therapist and an occupational therapist. I think I understand the need for speech therapy, although given that you don’t talk I think it should be anti-speech therapy but what is this occupational therapy? Are they going to put you to work? That would be cool, maybe we can get your sister into some underage work-environment as well. Dr. Blank didn’t get my joke. Anyways, she said that an occupational therapist will help you with the tasks that occupy your time so I guess that covers the whole enchilada. MMMM enchilada. She also recommended the same things Melanie did, that mom and I go to group, which we already do and that we apply for Early Intervention services. (SEE REGIONAL CENTER EARLY INTERVENTION TRANSCRIPT)
I finally feel like I get you and what you need Blank. Today is a day of hope. Tomorrow I hope to learn even more from the DAN Dr. http://autism.about.com/od/alternativetreatmens/f/dandoc.htm.
Regional Center Early Intervention Transcript
“The State Department of Developmental Services (DDS) http://www.dds.cahwnet.gov/DDSHomePage.cfm , and Regional
Centers (see below) are responsible for the provision of appropriate early intervention services in accordance with Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1431 as well as state regulations are found in Title 17, California Code of Regulations, Section 52000 through 52175.(Covered in Chapter ? Transition Preparation)
Regional centers are nonprofit private corporations that contract with the DDS to provide or coordinate services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities. They have 21 offices throughout California to provide resources to help find and access the many services available to individuals and their families.
Infants and toddlers (from birth through 2 years) with a developmental delay in one or more of the following 5 areas: cognitive development; physical and motor development, including vision and hearing; communication development; social or emotional development; or adaptive development are eligible for early intervention services.
History
The Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Act (AB 846), also known as the Lanterman Act http://www.dds.ca.gov/Statutes/Statutes_Home.cfm is a California law, initially proposed by Assembly member Frank D. Lanterman in 1973 and passed in 1977, that gives people with developmental disabilities (http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=wic&group=04001-05000&file=4500-4519.7 the right to services and supports that enable them to live a more independent life. The legislation significantly expanded upon its landmark predecessor, the Lanterman Mental Retardation Services Act (AB 225), initially proposed in 1969 to avoid institutionalization. The original act extended the state’s existing regional center network of services for the developmentally disabled, while mandating provision of services and supports that meet both the needs and the choices of each individual.
For more information see:
http://www.dds.cahwnet.gov/statutes/GOVSectionView.cfm?Section=95014.htm