The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

The uniqueness of every person with ASD requires an individualized, multidisciplinary and family approach. The integration of multiple modalities results in a comprehensive strengths based intervention. Participants will explore techniques to get connection, communication and affect cooking. Sprinkle in some fun and laughter and watch the possibilities turn into realities. The uniqueness and complexity of every individual diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder requires an individualized and multidisciplinary approach to intervention, with an emphasis on family involvement and support. A basic review of the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as how the change is impacting individuals and families living Autism will be addressed. Interventions focusing on the individual needs of the family member with Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as the family unit, will be explored with a specific emphasis on the DIRFloortime intervention model, Animal Assisted Therapy, Feuerstein, sensory supports, and examples of effective multidisciplinary treatment and coordination of care. Payton, a certified therapy dog who is used in direct intervention supporting Autism Spectrum Disorder, will also help participants experience what it is like to have the comfort, support, and engagement in Animal Assisted Therapy.

Affect, regulation, individual sensory experiences, cognitive processing, and communication, both verbal and nonverbal, are integral components of a comprehensive approach and critical to the DIRFloortime model, specifically the Developmental, Individual differences, and Relationship based framework, which will be highlighted. Participants will learn how to determine these strengths and functioning areas in the individual with Autism Spectrum, as well as the family unit. There will be an emphasis on how to disseminate this information to other treatment providers and use this valuable and critical data to guide the intervention process. Being aware of these factors and experiences in ourselves as interventionists improves our capacity to reach individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder more effectively. Participants will learn the importance of this and how to apply this approach to themselves, processing it within the intervention experience. Examples of how to integrate Animal Assisted Therapy in a comprehensive therapeutic model to support Autism Spectrum Disorder will also be covered. The significance and efficacy of comprehensive supports and strengths based treatment will also be reviewed. Participants will be introduced to therapeutic techniques and intervention approaches to be used clinically and in the family, community, and schools. Those who join this session will participate in interactive experiences and dynamics in order to enhance the fun and engagement in the learning process, and get connection, communication, and affect cooking. This presentation emphasizes strengths and engaging individuals with Autism in a manner that will enhance strengths and help the individual and family to meet the beautiful and powerful potential within. Participants will learn to utilize a variety of strategies to implement in their own setting, engagement techniques, with a  focus of the importance of fun and laughter for everyone involved in the intervention journey.

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