Improving intervention strategies for autism spectrum disorders by altering the design of the diagnostic procedure

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Rosalie Elizabeth Seymour

ABC Learning Options, South Africa

: Int J Ment Health Psychiatry

Abstract

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Statement of the Problem: Since the identification of the childhood disorder now named Autism Spectrum Disorder by Dr Kanner in 1943 and Dr Asperger in 1944, our understanding of this condition has evolved. At first it was described as an attachment disorder, then it was described as a psycho-social-educational disorder, which is largely where our thinking on the topic remains. This construct determines the interventions used, and there remains little expectation of significant emergence from ASD by physicians, parents or educators. It is still common for parents to report that they receive no real advice as to what to do after the diagnosis other than placement of the child in a special school and to start Speech Therapy. The increasing incidence of ASD (1 in 44 births:CDC) means unmanageable pressure is mounting on services. However there have been changes that brought some promise of brighter outcomes. For example since the 1990’s there has been increasing appreciation of the role of the biome, with reports of positive outcomes following metabolic interventions. There have been other therapies that have shown positive outcomes, and have brought a greater understanding of the nature of ASD. This presentation will propose a change to the way the diagnostic protocol is performed, in keeping with a more pervasive view of ASD in line with research and new developments, so that when the diagnosis of ASD is given parents also get pointers for actions to follow that can greatly benefit the child, since all agree that early intervention brings better outcomes.

Biography

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Rosalie qualified as SLP/A at the University of Pretoria, and spent most of her working career in the field of ASD and related conditions. She has pursued various new developments in the USA, Canada, Ireland, Hungary, Bahrain, Indonesia and the UK. Rosalie believes it important to follow up on approaches that parents report to be effective. She has compiled a ‘desk directory’ of information for parents and professionals entitled ‘Autism, Options Galore’, and has been active in research in Bérard Auditory Integration Training. She designed a pervasive approach to intervention named Neuro-Cognitive Mobilisation. She has presented at many international Conferences in Europe, Ireland and the UK, and South Africa.