Dolphin therapy?
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"Tom (2)" t...@sorry-toomuchspam.com
My apologies if this has been previously well covered.
My wife came home from work all fired up to fly across country for 5 or 10 days of "dolphin therapy." My son is autistic and at 3.5 years old has not spoken a word. (moans and babbles plenty though) My question: has anyone heard good or bad about this? thanks,
"Anna Hayward, Alien Visitor" A...@ratbag.demon.co.uk
Hi Tom, I've heard it's terrific fun and I've never met an autistic kid who didn't love it.
OTOH, it's incredibly expensive, it doesn't cure autism (or even change the child fundamentally in any way) and a similar effect can be found from other animal activities, such as Riding for the Disabled. Ponies aren't cheap either, but depending on where you are in the world, there are many charitable schemes to get autistic kids and ponies together ;o) It isn't actually unusual for an autistic kid not to say a word at that age - it doesn't mean he won't ever speak, however. The babbling and moaning are good signs - it means he is motivated to make sounds and is beginning to sense communication, in general terms. There are even adult autistics on this group who didn't speak until they were 5, 6, 7 or older. I recently met one guy who didn't speak until he was 14! (I've met others who never speak, as well, but even those people may surprise you with the sorts of things they've been able to do).
Also, have a look at PECS (Picture Exchange Communication Scheme). It's a fantastic first step to get the concept of communication into a kid.
You'll find links on the FAQ (see below).
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Anna Hayward, Alien Visitor
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The alt.support.autism FAQ is at http://www.ratbag.demon.co.uk/anna/asa/
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"Tom (2)" t...@sorry-toomuchspam.com
On Sun, 25 Aug 2002 19:51:36 +0100, "Anna Hayward, Alien Visitor" Yes we do PECS; and some sign language.
Thanks for the info
"Tamara Eddy" tame...@localnet.com
Another good way to get the child's brain focusing on language, and eliminating the frustration at not being able to communicate, is to start teaching them basic sign language. Things like 'more', 'juice', 'milk', 'food', 'toilet', etc.
It actually did help to jump start my son's verbal abilities, and eliminated the temper tantrums which he threw when he couldn't make me understand what he wanted.
Tamara
"SumBuny" sumb...@TAKETHISOUTcox.net
It can be--the last time I looked (which is about 4 years ago, when my son participated in it through the public school system-his former speech therapist is the one heading the dolphin therapy in our area), it was $75.00 a half-hour. BUT, if you are lucky enough to get it provided in an IEP.....
I am not as familiar with equine therapy, but I have heard that most animal therapies are somewhat similar in results.
One of the things that the pre-k early intervention program my son was in (he is now 12 and in 7th grade) was to use American Sign Language to help facilitate communication with non- and low-verbal students.
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Buny
-----" Nobody realizes that some people expend tremendous energy merely to be normal." ~ Albert Camus
----- One Size does NOT fit all; Heck, one size don't even fit MOST!
"Tamara Eddy" tame...@localnet.com
IEP.....
A bit offtopic here, but my son's CSE meeting is this Tuesday, and I was wondering just *how* do you get it included in the IEP that he *needs*, for example, horseback riding? My son is afraid of most animals, especially any bigger than a cat, including dogs, horses, sheep, cows, lizards (don't ask), etc. He *loves* to see them, but is afraid to get near them, and *terrified* of touching them or having them touch him. I really believe that he needs something to help desensitize this.
Tamara
"linda" clati...@worldnet.att.net
I found a horse therapy program quite close to us. I've been checking it out since our OT said it would help tremendously with the deep sensory needs and also gives them a sense of self-confidence and builds their self esteem.
linda
growingj ...@hotmail.com
Don't force him into a situation which will terrify him. We need to feel we have control over our environment to not be afraid of it.
Forcing us into a situation immediately removes that control, and makes it much harder to not be terrified. I don't know how you could show him where this fear isn't justified and where it is justified (I live in Wyoming and am constantly amazed at how many people think it is a good idea to aproach wild animals). If it is done very carefully, it might work, but I think he needs to be in complete control. Also do try to find out WHY he is scared - what does he think will happen?
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Joel
"dickinson" bid...@iprimus.com.au
My son Jake (9, ASD) loved "swimming with the dolphins" at Sea World, then, so did my wife. I was too broke to pay for myself though :) He loves all animals and since we got a border collie he now has at least one friend who doesn't mind his "eccentricities".
Other than being fun, I can't really see how dolphin therapy (as I have heard of it) is any different to say, pony trekking, and it's probably a damned sight more expensive. Good luck.
kev........now playing Allison Moorer - Let Go
"Tamara Eddy" tame...@localnet.com
I keep trying to find out the *why*, but there doesn't seem to be any rational reason for it. He's never been hurt by an animal (other than the cat's scratching him in self-defense - and he *loves* them). The only thing that springs to mind is the fact that dog barking seems to bother his ears (a totally sensory problem).
Also, I don't want to *force* him - in fact, he's the one who's been telling me for the past two months that *he* wants to go horseback riding. I only *just* found a stable that offers lessons, but they cost $15 an hour, which I can't afford right now. I think this could be a great way for him to learn that *big* animals are OK to like, too, and help him learn to relax more around them. He may freak, in which case I let it go. But I think that him *asking* to do it is a good sign.
(does any of this make sense? I'm not very coherent this morning.) Tamara
"Anna Hayward, Alien Visitor" A...@ratbag.demon.co.uk
Hi, If you take into account a trans-Atlantic plane ticket or three, that's expensive. We do have dolphins in our coastal waters, but you'd need a wetsuit at the very least, it would be *extremely* cold and extremely polluted. I don't actually know if they do "dolphin therapy" in UK - I am not sure since our dolphins are exceptionally rare, protected species.
I believe so. Ponies are great because they are big enough not to be easily hurt by a kid and don't involve risks like putting a non-swimming child in a lagoon (they are specially trained to be incredibly steady).
There are dog therapies as well, but they don't have quite the fun aspects of riding ponies.
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Anna Hayward, Alien Visitor
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The alt.support.autism FAQ is at http://www.ratbag.demon.co.uk/anna/asa/
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"SumBuny" sumb...@TAKETHISOUTcox.net
Actually...no, that doesn't seem very "off topic", since we are discussing animal therapy here.
In my son's case, the dolphin therapist was already working with the school system (she was my son's former speech therapist, who took a year off to finish her master's in this area. She then came back after her studies, and worked out a contract with the school system.
If you know of anyone in the area that does animal therapy-and it is not already "in the schools", perhaps you could contact the therapist, and ask him/her to attend the next IEP in his/her professional capacity? Have him/her talk with the occupational therapist (who should be knowledgeable about sensory issues). Granted, it might take a while, since contracts would have to be worked out, but "you don't ask, you don't get"....
--
Buny
-----" Nobody realizes that some people expend tremendous energy merely to be normal." ~ Albert Camus
----- One Size does NOT fit all; Heck, one size don't even fit MOST!
"Tamara Eddy" tame...@localnet.com
Thanks. I'll try that. It won't be in time for this meeting - it's tomorrow :-) But I'll make sure to find out, and if there is anyone that does it, I'll call a new meeting (I'm really good at that).
Tamara
growingj ...@hotmail.com
Yes, it makes sense. Since he wants to do it, then I do hope that he gets the chance. :)
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Joel
"Tamara Eddy" tame...@localnet.com
Wish me luck. The CSE meeting is tomorrow. We don't know yet if I'm going to have to homeschool, so this should be fun. I figure, I'm going to hit them with everything and maybe they'll compromise on *some* of it.
Tamara
"Sue" sjne...@bigpond.com
The unknown?
Try looking in your phone directory. In Oz, it is RDA (Riding for the disabled ***oc) and I think it is international. They cater for all disabilities. Try the yellow pages or whatever it is there where you can look up businesses by their services, rather than alphabetical.
My cousin has horses and Alex loves riding - albeit is balance etc is not good but they have a bulletproof welsh mountain pony that puts up with his fidgeting, arms flapping etc.
If it didn't make sense, I am in trouble as I understood it ;-) Sue
"Tamara Eddy" tame...@localnet.com
I'll make sure to look. The biggest problem around here is that the stables don't want to deal with the liability issues. It seems that even though they have really *big*, noticeable signs about 'riding at your own risk', people are quick to sue if they fall off a horse. When I was a teenager there were quite a few stables listed in the phone book. Now there's *one* (that has riding) - the rest are just for boarding horses.
Tamara
"Anna Hayward, Alien Visitor" A...@ratbag.demon.co.uk
Sue, Yes, it's worth getting RDA-trained ponies for your autistic child's first riding experiences. They are steady as a rock, totally reliable, used to "odd" riders and the human helpers are all trained and disability-aware. They also have helpful things like steps for mounting (which the ponies are trained to stand still for), special secure saddles and even velco "seat belts" for some children who need it. It is very safe, which might not be the case if you stick a child on a mate's pony and hope for the best!
With RDA, they first acclimate the child to the ponies by getting them to stroke them and observe them. For some children, the first couple of lessons consist of petting ponies. When the child is ready (and they are very, very patient), they get the child on the pony's back. Only when the child is happy and confident do they slowly lead the pony around the school.
It can be a very positive experience and is a great thing for self-
esteem - everybody needs challenges in their life and some of our children are so limited in their access to safe challenges. To be able to ride a pony, to be in control of another creature gives a child a sense of power that they don't have in everyday life. I think it is this feeling that gives the child the mental strength to tackle other challenges - like communication, or toiletting, or mobility or whatever challenges that child has. For autistic children particularly, it helps connect the wiring that says that a certain action has a certain consequence and teaches them that what they do affects other people (or ponies).
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Anna Hayward, Alien Visitor
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The alt.support.autism FAQ is at http://www.ratbag.demon.co.uk/anna/asa/
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"SumBuny" sumb...@TAKETHISOUTcox.net
LOLOLOL!!! We tend to get "really good at that" a lot around here, don't we???
Good luck,
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Buny
-----" Nobody realizes that some people expend tremendous energy merely to be normal." ~ Albert Camus
----- One Size does NOT fit all; Heck, one size don't even fit MOST!
"Tamara Eddy" tame...@localnet.com
During yesterday's meeting, they couldn't find my son's file (they're trying to move back into the Admin. building, and everyting is all over the place), so I handed my copy of of my son's IEP over to the chairperson. He made a comment about how he "knew that I would have it with me...Parents of children on the PDD/autism spectrum are *always* well prepared for meetings" (paraphrase). They were very supportive, for the most part (although they do not have animal therapy available in this district). They have even listened to the parents on the point of having to have some inclusion with NT kindergarteners (after a few weeks of transitioning to being in kindergarten).
Now, if we can only solve the question of whether or not he'll be able to attend :( As an aside, I have to say that I had serious reservations about the Pupil Personnel Services director, and still wonder about some of his motives, but he has gone above and beyond to help me in trying to get my son into the school.
Tamara (frustrated with the system, but glad to have some allies)
a ...@texis.com (Alun Jones)
:-) There's a few other things that we've heard, too: "You do have a computer, don't you?" "Do you have many engineers in the family?" "You seem to be completely unsurprised by this diagnosis." I suspect a lot of Aspies' parents these days hear similar things (or if they don't, perhaps they should be worried!) - peaches don't come from a lemon tree, generally speaking, so expect, as an Aspie parent, that at least one of you identifies with much of your child's diagnosis.
We were very pleased to find, about two years ago, that Colin's transition to kindergarten from the PPCD (Preschool Programme for Children with Disabilities) cl*** would involve him spending afternoons in a kindergarten cl*** before the summer vacation. This was great - not only did it mean that Colin got to experience what K was like, but the teachers got to figure out what kind of K-teacher he might need, and what were likely to be his main distractions. He even made a few friends in the older kids, who still talk to him today. Unlike many Aspies (and unlike my own experiences), he seems to be liked by most of the kids around him - they'll recognise him while we're out shopping, and go out of their way to say hello.
Good luck - we were dreadfully worried that the school would try to hold Colin back a year, when it was clear to us that he needed a lot more academic stimulation than was being provided in PPCD - I mean, the kid was bringing home grade 2 reading books from the library (thanks to an appropriately pushy librarian - he'd rather bring home "Hop On Pop" to read again, if he had his druthers).
Good luck, once again, in getting your child to where he deserves to be.
Alun.
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"Tamara Eddy" tame...@localnet.com
Thanks for the support. I'm trying to decide how long to give the superintendent before calling him to find out if he has made a decision. I have not been impressed with him so far. He was abrupt, cold (to the point of being rude), and I felt like he was *trying* to make things hard on me.
I spoke to a friend of mine about it yesterday - his father has worked as a teacher in the district for as long as I can remember - and he said that our school district is very hard on parents who try homeschooling. They are not at all supportive, and actually will do what they can to make it as difficult as possible (to get information on *how* to homeschool, to get the materials, etc.) Tamara (You're going to sense a theme with me - I *hate* politics and bureacracy)
"Bev" theoldtrac...@hotmail.com
Sounds like it is time for you to start reading the homeschooling rules/regulations of your education department, you should be able to do this on-line. I have waded my way through the ones for our state. No fun, but it can answer lots of questions.
Does your state offer Distant Education? If so they will set a curriculum and provide materials. If you plan to 'unschool' following your own curriculum you need to get in touch with a local support group or an on-line one, they will give you info on were to get materials.
I rang our Distant Ed school this morning as RA is now seriously considering homeschooling for the last term of this year to see if he likes it and to see if there is anything he will miss about going to school.
Guess what, now his ascertainment has been lifted to level 5 I have to seek special permission to enrol him from The Manager: Education Services in our district through a Review of Placement Meeting asking for a Parent Preferred Placement. If they accept the Preferred Placement RA gets free enrolment and retains Spec Ed Resources. If they reject the Preferred Placement then I can still enrol him but may lose the Spec Ed Resources + pay $250 per term to use their curriculum. The very same curriculum that is used in our public schools free. Grrrrr..... punishment for homeschooling ;o) If RA had still been ascertained at level 4 the principal of the Distant Ed would have been allowed to decide if he met the criteria to enrol for medical reasons, giving free enrolment plus Spec Ed Resources. Sometimes good turns out to be bad after all ;o) I'm waiting for our Guidance Officer to call me back as I need her to set up this Review of Placement Meeting. I would prefer to retain the Special Ed Resources as this will give us an ongoing history incase he needs Disability Allowance if he is unable to enter the workforce upon finishing his education.
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Bev -:?¦:- mother of RA (11) dx'ed ASD
"Tamara Eddy" tame...@localnet.com
No. Form what I have read they do not, and certainly not for kinder. Also, my district does not offer to give a copy of their curriculum to the parents. When asked if I could get one, the reply from the curriculum office was that a) I don't have to worry - my son is not six yrs. old yet, so no curriculum is required to be submitted by me. ( a complete dodge to the question) and b) starting at first grade *I* am required to submit a curriculum to *them* (not the other way around) - a completely antagonistic response, and thoroughly unhelpful(?).
It makes homeschooling a *toy* for the rich, rather than a necessity for people with religious, philisophical or disability issues which make them unable to send their children to public school. It is a form of "pressure to conform" by destroying the parents' options, thus forcing them to have their children educated the way the 'State' wants them to be.
(Sorry, I'll try to climb down off my soapbox now...It's awfully high up here, and I *am* afraid of heights) Tamara
"SumBuny" Sumb...@TAKE-THIS-OUTcox.net
One suggestion....when you talk to "The School" (a rep of the school system), write down what you say, and what he/she says-not necessarily verbatim, but the gist of what you understand the conversation to have been about. If there is specific info, write it down as best you can-if in person, actually ask him/her to wait a second to get it down correctly. (I have done this on the phone as well). Repeat it back, or "mirror" it back to that person in your own words, saying, "Is this what you meant?" If in person, have him/her sign or initial that your record of it is complete/correct. If on the phone, send a copy of your record to him/her with a letter saying, "This is my recollection of the conversation on ____ date, ___ time. Does this correspond to your recollection? If I receive no reply, I will consider that to be agreement." This does a few things. 1) It puts the other person on notice that you are listening, paying attention, and remembering/writing it all down. 2) That person will be held accountable for what he/she says, and does not say (it behooves him/her to be *right*). 3) It also gives you record of the info that he/she is giving you, that you may use (If I don't "write it down, it d on't get done"!). This may make the person(s) realize how he/she/they are actually coming across (abrupt/cold/rude/unsupportive), that is, if they are not doing so intentionally.
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Buny "One size does NOT fit all...heck, one size don't even fit MOST!!!
"Nobody realizes that some people expend tremendous energy merely to be 'normal' " ~ Albert Camus
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