Alternative Ways for Treating the Characteristics of Autism Without the Use of Medication

Autism is a neurological disorder that affects one out of 66 children worldwide (Autism Speaks, 2015). Although, some people feel that medication is a benefit for treating individuals with autism, nevertheless, there can be alternative methods in the treatment of how the brain develops that does not include medication: such as brain based exercises, reducing primitive reflexes, and using a holistic approach. Through a series of extensive brain based exercises, in conjunction with reducing the primitive reflexes, as well as incorporating natural vitamins, minerals and essential oils, parents may able to see the brain grow in unison. Once the brain is balanced, there could be a reduction in the characteristics of autism

PARENT-IMPLEMENTED COMMUNICATION INTERVENTION FOR PRESCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

Exploring the interventions that promote expressive, verbal language for preschool-aged children with autism is essential. When a child is lacking the ability to communicate, parents express that they would like their child to speak. B.F. Skinner (1957) proposed that the mand repertoire (communicative requests) should be an initial focus of language training. Mand training has been shown to be effective for teaching children with autism to communicate. However, many studies exploring mand training utilize highly trained instructors for intervention implementation. Early childhood best practices recommend the use of family-centered interventions and teaching within the natural environment. This study followed these recommendations. This research utilized a single subject multiple baseline across participants design with two parents and their preschool aged children with autism. The purpose of this dissertation study was two fold: (1) to examine the effects of a verbal mand with direct trial instruction intervention on the verbal communication skills for children with autism, and (2) to investigate if a parent can reliably implement the intervention. Using written instructions, role play, video models, and performance feedback, the researcher taught parents how to implement the intervention with their child. The goal of the intervention was to increase verbal communication skills, specifically the production of independent verbal mands. The intervention under question involved verbal mand training using direct trial instruction (DTI). During DTI the parent taught the child to use mands utilizing a time delay, verbal prompting, and sign language. The researcher collected data during the baseline, intervention, and maintenance phases. In addition to the intervention results, the researcher collected and analyzed social validity, treatment fidelity, and parent competence data. Results from the intervention effects did not show a functional relation between the treatment and the target behavior. However, both participants increased their ability to use verbal and sign language communication. The parents were able to implement the intervention with fidelity and gained high competence scores related to intervention delivery expertise and behavioral responsiveness. The parents also reported that the intervention was extremely useful for their family. The parents generalized the intervention procedures and their children communicated more throughout their daily routines

Technology in Social Work Education: Are We Practising What We Preach?

Research on the use of technology in social work education is underdeveloped and neither well designed nor comprehensive. Assertions about its effectiveness are premature. More critical analyses and rigorous research needs to be conducted on the use of technology in social work education to determine what kind of technology works best with what kind of student and what kind of course. This article presents and evaluates the existing research on the use of technology in social work education. An appendix at the end of the article summarizes the studies in this review, illustrating the type of technology, research design, study limitations, courses offered and conclusions of the researchers

Inhalant Use by Canadian Aboriginal Youth

While inhalant abuse is a significant problem among Canada’s Aboriginal (indigenous) people, it is poorly understood. This study was conducted in response to these issues. The authors followed 78 Aboriginal young people who received treatment for inhalant abuse in a program established by the federal government. Data were based on a secondary analysis of case files as well as follow-up information from community workers. Seventy-four percent of the 78 young people tracked during follow- up relapsed after discharge from treatment. Many of the young people came from backgrounds marked by isolation, poverty, family violence and substance abuse. The average age these young people started using solvents was 9.72 years. Gasoline was the most common inhalant used. Inhalant use was often accompanied by alcohol and drug abuse. A logistic regression model predicting who would relapse indicated that young people who abused inhalants immediately before admission, those who were described as unmotivated in treatment and those who were hospitalized during treatment had the greatest risk of relapsing during follow-up. Implications are discussed

Big Changes with Little ¢hange: How to Renovate on a Tight Budget

Public Libraries are often faced with the challenge of updating facilities to keep pace with customer preferences with limited funding. Based upon experience with bond funded renovations to multiple Richland Library locations from 2014-2020, this article shares strategies and case studies on how to make high impact changes while being sensitive to minimizing construction. Strategies include a customer experience design focus, reallocation of staff office space, use of color, selection of flexible furnishings, and integration of public art

Predictors of family burden in families caring for children with special needs

Having a child with special needs has a significant impact on family life. While adapting to this new situation, parents often face difficulties related to the care of their children, family relations, and financial situation. The present study examined differences between family burden and spousal support perceived by mothers and fathers of children with special needs and investigated predictors of perceived family burden and spousal support. A total of 394 parents of children with disabilities (197 couples) from a large urban city in Northern Turkey participated in this survey study. Results showed the perceived family burden and spousal support differed significantly between couples. Mothers of children with special needs had significantly higher perceived family burden and significantly lower perceived spousal support in comparison to fathers. Moreover, perceived spousal support significantly predicted family burden perceived by mothers and fathers. Implications in relation to services offered to families of children with disabilities along with the recommendations for future research in this area are discussed