Page 1 of 1 [ 3 posts ] 

Cece
Butterfly
Butterfly

User avatar

Joined: 17 Sep 2009
Gender: Female
Posts: 9

18 Sep 2009, 3:18 pm

I have a loved one with severe Autism. He is 7 and is in the Son Rise Program. I was wondering if anyone has experience with this therapy, and has opinions? I am having difficulty with the fact that they call it a "treatment center". Although it focuses on acceptance and love, it still has the idea behind it that something needs to be fixed. Another problem I have with it is the fact that he is not potty trained and does not speak, and I think he could benefit from work specific to that. It obsesses over eye contact which yes, would be nice if he could make more, but I know I can still interact with him without it. Ive also heard that eye contact can be almost painful for people who are on the spectrum. I guess Im just wondering your guys' take on it.



Aimless
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 1 Apr 2009
Age: 67
Gender: Female
Posts: 8,187

18 Sep 2009, 5:18 pm

I am only vaguely aware of it. It is Christian based, right?



Cece
Butterfly
Butterfly

User avatar

Joined: 17 Sep 2009
Gender: Female
Posts: 9

18 Sep 2009, 6:26 pm

no...it is an alternative therapy. they call themselves the "Autism Treatment Center of America" and focus primarily on interaction, but it doesnt have any physical therapy, nor is it instructive. I understand why his parents don't want him in school, because they were very understaffed and he really needs more one-on-one than in a big group. Basically what it is, is:

if he is stimming, we are supposed to join him in his stimming. Across the room, just do whatever he does. IT is meant to show acceptance. Then when he gives us a "green light" we must act upon it and build interactions. If he is very into a game, we can "request" and ask him to use his words, for example. The thing is it is not addressing things I believe could make him feel more independent. I get the idea that he feels very dependent on his family because he loves to help with chores, especially. For example, he isnt potty trained but the reason is because he holds it for weeks. So, when he goes it is extremely painful. He learned that poo equals pain, so he will hold it for weeks again. Its a rough cycle that I think should be addressed. I guess Im just asking what you guys think of this approach, and maybe incorperating some ABA would be helpful? Im not sure.