Choosing Effective Support for People on the Autism Spectrum: A Guide Based on Academic Perspectives and Lived Experience

by Matthew Bennett, Emma Goodall, Jane Nugent

Overview

This book is essential for anyone interested in learning about the therapeutic potential of orthodox and state-of-the-art supports for autistics. Using research evidence, supports are rated using a Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Tin category system. ‘Gold’ is extremely promising and use with confidence, whereas ‘Tin’ is extremely unsafe and potentially life threatening. This book, however, is more complex than just presenting literature reviews about supports for autistics and then rating the efficacy of the support. In addition to this, the insights and experiences of autistics about the autism supports examined are presented. Such testimonials provide an insider perspective from those who ultimately stand to benefit or suffer after receiving a support – namely autistics themselves.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780367421274
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	12/23/2020
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	6.88(w) x 9.69(h) x (d)

About the Author

Matthew Bennet is an Independent Researcher.

Emma Goodall is National Co-ordinator – Content & Resources at Positive Partnerships, and Consultant at Healthy Possibilities.

Jane Nugent was a qualified Medical Doctor and an experienced University Lecturer in Psychopharmacology, with diverse work experience in rural and remote health settings.

Table of Contents

List of tables xii

Acknowledgements xiv

1 Introduction 1

1.1 Introduction 1

1.2 The key features of this book 3

1.3 The intended audience for this book 8

2 Strategies involving social interactions 12

2.1 Introduction 12

2.2 Social skills groups (SSGs) 12

2.3 Peer-mediated activities 17

2.4 Conclusion 21

3 Developmental and behavioural supports and programs 23

3.1 Introduction 23

3.2 History of applied behaviour analysis (ABA) and the autism spectrum 23

3.3 The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) 27

3.4 Pivotal Response Training (PRT) 30

3.5 Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBl) 33

3.6 Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) 37

3.7 Conclusion 42

4 Assistive technology 47

4.1 Introduction 47

4.2 Portable devices 47

4.3 Robots 55

4.4 Video-modelling strategies 58

4.5 Conclusion 69

5 Therapeutic supports involving animals 73

5.1 Introduction 73

5.2 Dog therapy 73

5.3 Equine therapy 76

5.4 Autistic views about using other animal species 86

5.5 Conclusion 88

6 Sensory-based strategies 91

6.1 Introduction 91

6.2 Weighted blankets and vests 91

6.3 Aromatherapy massage 99

6.4 Acupuncture 101

6.5 Ho/ding therapy 104

6.6 Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT) 106

6.7 Conclusion 108

7 Dietary programs 111

7.1 Introduction 111

7.2 What are ketogenic, gluten free, and casein free diets? 111

7.3 Dietary programs and the autism spectrum 112

7.4 Directions for research in the future about dietary programs for autistics 121

7.5 Autistic perspectives about dietary programs 123

7.6 Conclusion 125

8 Physical activities 129

8.1 Introduction 129

8.2 Physical exercise programs 129

8.3 Dance and movement therapy (DMT) 132

8.4 Yoga activities 136

8.5 Autistic perspectives of physical exercise programs 137

8.6 Conclusion 139

9 Music and art therapy 143

9.1 Introduction 143

9.2 Music therapy 143

9.3 Art therapy 146

9.4 Conclusion 155

10 Psychotropic medications 159

10.1 Introduction 159

10.2 Literature review into studies about psychotropic medications for autistics 159

10.3 Depression 160

10.4 Insomnia 163

10.5 Irritability 166

10.6 Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) 178

10.7 Summary regarding psychotropic medications 180

10.8 Chelation: A dangerous and ineffective medications/treatment 181

10.9 Autistic views about medications 183

10.10 Conclusion 185

11 Cognitive-based strategies 195

11.1 Introduction 195

11.2 Mindfulness activities/interoception 195

11.3 Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) 204

11.4 Conclusion 209

12 Conclusion and final comments 214

Appendix 1 Researching autism program checklist from the National Autistic Society 216

Appendix 2 JBI critical appraisal checklist for systematic reviews and research syntheses 221

Appendix 3 McMaster critical review form - Quantitative Studies 222

Appendix 4 Survey questions 224

Index 238

Editorial Reviews

Over the years, appropriate supports for autistic individuals have been vigorously debated. Now, within the pages of this long-awaited guide, individuals, caregivers and professionals have an excellent, trustworthy reference that helps to guide these decisions. Evidence based support and how to find what's right for an individual, has been a treasure marked X, but without the map! This book provides the map and is an essential aid to eliminating potential hurdles along the way-Wenn B. Lawson, PhD

As autism experts on many levels, Dr Goodall, Dr Nugent and Dr Bennett utilise their professional standing and knowledge with the ‘insider experience’ in this long-awaited guide to navigating the minefield of purported autism supports. This book is sequential, logical and easily accessible for anyone who seeks to use current evidence and valuable autistic feedback as the basis for their decision making. In the style of the authors, I award this work a gold star! -Ms Judy Brewer, AO, former Chair Autism CRC and parent advocate

This volume provides a truly comprehensive overview of the range of treatments for individuals with ASD. In doing so it covers both well -established evidence-based treatments, treatments with a small but emerging evidence base, and some treatments with little to no evidence based (past the level of case report/anecdote). The system of rating the evidence available is in support of treatments is extremely helpful and can be used by parents, teachers, and others in making informed decisions about program and treatments. It also includes a summary of medications sometimes used for the treatment of associated problems like anxiety, depression, irritability, and sleep as well as other treatment approaches for these conditions. An invaluable guide for students, parents, and teachers this volume provides an extremely helpful overview of the current state of knowledge in treatments for autism -Fred Volkmar MD, Irving B. Harris Professor of Child Psychiatry, Pediatrics, and Psychology – Yale University School of Medicine and Dorothy Goodwin Family Professor of Special Education, Southern, Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT,USA

Over the years, appropriate supports for autistic individuals have been vigorously debated. Now, within the pages of this long-awaited guide, individuals, caregivers and professionals have an excellent, trustworthy reference that helps to guide these decisions. Evidence based support and how to find what's right for an individual, has been a treasure marked X, but without the map! This book provides the map and is an essential aid to eliminating potential hurdles along the way-Wenn B. Lawson, PhD

As autism experts on many levels, Dr Goodall, Dr Nugent and Dr Bennett utilise their professional standing and knowledge with the "insider experience" in this long-awaited guide to navigating the minefield of purported autism supports. This book is sequential, logical and easily accessible for anyone who seeks to use current evidence and valuable autistic feedback as the basis for their decision making. In the style of the authors, I award this work a gold star! -MS Judy Brewer AO, former Chair Autism CRC and parent advocate

This volume provides a truly comprehensive overview of the range of treatments for individuals with ASD. In doing so it covers both well -established evidence-based treatments, treatments with a small but emerging evidence base, and some treatments with little to no evidence base (past the level of case report/anecdote). The system of rating the evidence available in support of treatments is extremely helpful and can be used by parents, teachers, and others in making informed decisions about programs and treatments. It also includes a summary of medications sometimes used for the treatment of associated problems like anxiety, depression, irritability, and sleep as well as other treatment approaches for these conditions. An invaluable guide for students, parents, and teachers this volume provides an extremely helpful overview of the current state of knowledge in treatments for autism-Fred Volkmar MD, Irving B. Harris Professor of Child Psychiatry, Pediatrics, and Psychology – Yale University School of Medicine and Dorothy Goodwin Family Professor of Special Education, Southern, Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT, USA

From the Publisher