Autism: A Holistic Approach

by Marga Hogenboom

Overview

Educating and caring for an autistic child is a severely difficult task, too often associated with frustration and disappointment. As a result, the inner development of children with autism is at times considered to be beyond the reach of parents and carers. This book challenges that assumption, exploring case studies where therapy based on a holistic approach has resulted in marked improvements in the autistic child's behaviour and social integration. With an extended holistic programme, autistic children discover inner self-awareness and self-recognition, leading to first steps in relationships and social skills. The authors describe in detail their own practical experiences, as well as the findings of other experts in the field. This new third edition covers recent developments in diagnostic methods and approaches to treatment, including new case studies and a new chapter looking at the sensory aspect of autism and Sensory Integration Therapy. Well-researched and movingly written, this book has an essential, positive message for all those involved in the care and education of autistic children.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781782500261
Publisher:	Floris Books
Publication date:	08/22/2013
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	352
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Dr Marga Hogenboom lives and works at the Camphill Rudolf Steiner School near Aberdeen in Scotland, and is one of the directors of the Camphill Medical Practice. Bob Woodward, MEd, MPhil has lived with and taught children with severe learning difficulties, including children with autism, since 1970. He works at the Sheiling School in Gloucestershire, England.

Table of Contents

Contributors 9

Foreword 11

Preface 19

Acknowledgments 21

I Background and Medical Research 23

1 What is Autism? 25

2 Possible Causes 37

II An Anthroposophic Understanding of Autism 57

3 Anthroposophy and Child Development 59

4 Autism seen Anthroposophically 77

III Interventions and Alleviation 97

5 Some More Mainstream Interventions 99

6 The Curative Educational Approach 109

7 A Curative Educational Case Study: James Bob Woodward 127

8 Autism and the Senses Mari Sterten 157

9 Intensive Interaction Case Study: Anna Paula Jacobs 179

10 Art Club Case Study: Ralph, Mark and Oliver Réka Tóth 189

11 Ways Forward 197

IV Source Material from Hans Müller-Wiedemann 207

12 Early Diagnosis and Practical Advice for Parents 209

13 The Topsy-Turvy World: An Anthroposophic Understanding of Autism in Early Childhood 227

14 The Curative Educational School: Observations and Aims 243

15 Curative Educational Therapy: Exercises in the Realm of the Four Body Senses 263

Appendix 273

1 Additional Anthroposophic Background 275

2 Further Therapies and Medical Treatments 285

3 Useful Organisations 289

Bibliography 293

Index 309

Editorial Reviews

'This is a very encouraging book for those dealing with autism, and though written for parents, caretakers and educators of the autistic child, there is much in it of importance for how we approach the needs of young children with even minor developmental difficulties.'
– Light Magazine

'Well organized and clearly written. This book draws on the rich experience and insights of doctors gained over decades as well as individuals who experience autism themselves.'
– Ingelore Maier, Journey for Anthroposophy

'Bob Woodward sets out clearly and in a lively, readable style his ideas, methods and results. This book could form the basis of some lively discussion at parents meeting.'
– Anthea Hailey, Camphill Pages

'We have much to learn from the teachings of Rudolf Steiner and Bob Woodward's application of them to working with children with autism. This book is an excellent introduction to the ideas and practice as they relate to autism.'
– Dr Lorna Wing, Camphill Correspondence

'I would recommend this excellent well-researched book be on the bookshelf of every curative educator, therapist and doctor who is attempting to understand and care for those individuals who suffer from autism.'
– Jean Brown, Anthroposophical Medical Newsletter

From the Publisher