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Autism/best treatment for austim

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Expert: - 1/15/2012


Question
Hello, my name is Janelle. I am working on a research project about art therapy as an intervention for autism. Many sources that I have read say that art therapy may be the best from of treatment because it increase communication skills, builds greater self-concept, and greater self esteem. I was wondering what you think is the from of treatment for autism and why.

Answer
Hi Janelle

There really isn't a best treatment for autism. There are so many options. Every child will need some speech and Occupational therapy as well as social skill pragmatic therapy. Art therapy certainly has its place in the treatment plan, but it isn't a formalized therapy program so therefore the methodologies can differ from therapist to therapist. I think it is wonderful, however, and I wrote an article about it in a past issue of the Autism Society's Advocate a few years back.  

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Valerie Herskowitz

Expertise

I am an autism expert and speech pathologist (for over 30 years). I am also the parent of a child with autism. I can answer any question on autism dealing with communication, education, behavior and diet. I cannot answer questions that are medical in nature or are dealing with medications.

Experience

I have run a therapy center for individuals with autism since 1981. I lecture all over the country. I also teach classes on autism on line.

Organizations
Vice President of Communications Florida Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Member American Speech and Hearing Association, MembernAutism Society of America, President of the National Autism Registry, Vice President of the Association for Developmentally Disabled Adults and Adolescents.

Publications
Autism Society of America's national publication (September 2008). Advance Magazine, South Florida Parenting, Spectrum Magazine, I am the author of: Autism and Computers: Maximizing Independence Through Technology (available:www.valerieherskowitz.com)

Education/Credentials
I have a masters degree in speech pathology

Awards and Honors
I won a Stevie Award in 2004: Lifetime Achievement Award for my work with individuals with autism. My therapy center won, Judge's Choice Award Best Center in South Florida by South Florida Parenting magazine 2005.

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