The cooperation of parents is crucial to the success of behavioral therapy for autism (328.4 kB)

Vince LaMarca, certified behavior analyst and editor at the Lovaas Institute - Indianapolis

As explained on our website, the program Lovaas behavioral analysis provides two general types of treatment. In both cases the family is assigned a counselor / supervisor experienced and highly trained our staff. While the consultant offers its experience in behavior therapy, parents play a vital role in the development of the therapy program.

Nobody knows a child better than his parents. You must log on to this level of knowledge and get used to the daily routine of the family to achieve the best possible treatment plan. Complete the program does not mean complete a checklist of skills, and for this reason that those opposed to behavioral therapy does not consider functional. If it were not for the many parents and consultants from the beginning give relevance to the treatment in family life and child, they would be right.

Below is a list of fundamental questions on which we believe that parents should always think in the course of treatment. Some questions may be more relevant depending on the age and the strengths and weaknesses of the child. The presence of a consultant during this exercise can actually help to create a program based behavioral analysis "applied" because the treatment that results is focused on teaching skills that the family considers important in life everyday.

What I would like my son to learn at times of leisure?

Consider:

• What activities are appropriate to their age
• What are the interests of the child
• What is the duration of the activities
• If among them there are some activities that keep your child physically active

What I would like my child communication deficiencies to overcome to improve the quality of his life and be happy?

Examples of need:

• Request specific objects or activities
• Ask them to stop or skip an activity
• Ask attention

What choices do I wish they were given to my son during the day? As the regular learn from him his life?

Examples of options:

• Choose a tea-time snacks
• Choose clothes
• Choose a video while watching TV
• Choose an entertainment from a list or a calendar

What did I want my son to be more independent at home during the day?

Possible examples of autonomy:

• Go to the bathroom alone
• Learn how to turn on the TV and change channels
• Dress himself
• Wash yourself
• Preparing a meal by itself

What did I want my son to help out at home?

Examples of possible activities:

• Setting the table
• Clean the table
• Empty the dishwasher
• Load the dishwasher
• Put away the their clothes
• Make her own bed

What I would like my son did for a living healthier?

Consider:

• How healthy child's diet
• As the child sleeps
• What type of exercise your child practice

What I would like my child behavior problems exceeded?

Consider:

• How these problems affect the behavior of the child's life and his family
• Because the child behaves well
• What are the most appropriate behavior to replace the existing ones.

What do I want my son to learn and show yourself in public with the whole family?

Consider:

• What are the most important social occasions for the family
• What are the difficulties that the child every time he shows himself in public

What do I want my son to learn to get more into the routine of daily and weekly family?

Consider:

• What kind of routine now has the family
• How do I change the routine to include the child

Original document from the site of ' Lovaas Institute Translation by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ?subject=Giorgio%20Antonioli>George Antonioli