The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive



8758 When ABA Is Not an Option: Other Treatments to Consider


Thursday, July 14, 2016: 4:00 PM-5:15 PM
Studio 8 (New Orleans Marriott)
Many times, due to a lack of insurance coverage or geographical limitations, a family cannot access services such as Applied Behavior Analysis. This conversation will explore alternative options for these children and their families as they seek treatment of the difficult behaviors and other challenges of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Many times, due to a lack of insurance coverage or geographical limitations, a family cannot access services such as Applied Behavior Analysis. This conversation will explore alternative options for these children and their families as they seek treatment of the difficult behaviors and other challenges of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Research suggests that early intervention is essential in the treatment of the developmental delays and behaviors associated with ASD. While there are many options for treatments and therapies available for families, our responsibility as professionals is to guide them to services that have a foundation of research supporting their effectiveness. Some of these treatments include the Early Start Denver Model, Floortime, SCERTS model, and interventions with medications. Our discussion will highlight the benefits of these treatments and explore behaviors and ages in which they may be most effective. Occupational therapy, speech therapy, and behavioral/social skills therapies will be discussed in the context of areas of particular need including communication, sensory integration, attention, hyperactivity, peer relationships, aggression and sleep difficulties. This conversation is relevant for professionals working with children with ASD, families, and consumers who wish to learn more about treatment options.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Participants will gain an understanding of research-supported treatments other than ABA that are available.
  2. Participants will gain an understanding of how behavioral treatments and medication can work in a synergistic way.

Learning Objectives:

  • Participants review research-supported treatments other than ABA that are available
  • Participants explore how behavioral treatments and medication can work in a synergistic way.

Track: Lifespan 1 - Birth to 5

Content Area: â€‹Long Term Services and Support​

Presenters:

Christine Raches, Psy.D.
Riley Child Development Center - LEND program

Dr. Raches is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at Riley Child Development Center-LEND Program at Indiana University School of Medicine. She also has her BCBA and provides consultative services. She provides clinical services to families with children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, supervises graduate trainees and presents on ASD and behaviors.

Bill Beechler, M.D., FAAP
Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician
Riley Child Development Center - LEND program

Bill Beechler is a board certified developmental-behavioral pediatrician working in the Riley Child Development Center-LEND Program. He began working there following his residency in 2006. He works as part of a neurodevelopmental disorders interdisciplinary team. Working with the Indiana University School of Medicine, he trains pediatrics, internal-medicine and psychiatry residents.