AUTISM
SomaticWell has a special focus on supporting infants and children with neurodevelopmental conditions – especially autism, attention deficit disorders, and emotional dysregulation. The Clinical Phenomenological approach considers autism to be a generalized developmental disorder that occurs early in life due to an alteration in the neurobiological foundations of intercorporeality and intersubjectivity. In autism, the role of biological factors is already evident in early stages of development and has a direct impact on clinical conditions.
Sensory-Motor Development
Focusing on sensori-motor development is a key component of the SomaticWell therapeutic approach for autism.
The SomaticWell therapeutic approach emphasizes sensitivity to motivating intentionality
underlying a child's particular motor activity. Our therapeutic programs foster a child’s
inherent spontaneity and self-possibility – “I Can!”
We play close attention to a child’s non-verbal communication, subtle gestures,
and even repetitive behaviors. Somatic movement therapy provides a powerful therapeutic modality for reducing symptoms associated with autism and developing social interaction.
The Feldenkrais Method® and Play in particular helps children with autism develop their capacity to perceive and differentiate neural stimuli, helping them to develop their unique sense of self.
Play Environment
Focusing on sensori-motor development is a key component of the SomaticWell therapeutic approach for autism.
The SomaticWell play space is constantly changed according to the needs of the individual child. Our play environment is set up to foster a developing child’s self-awareness.
Play equipment used to stimulate different kinesthetic
and sensory perceptions includes, non-structured toys, jamboree equipment, balls, cloths and fabric,
and a hammock for vestibular stimulation.
The Prodrome of Autism
The prodrome of autism is characterized by impairments in the emergence of behavioral precursors associated with the later onset of autism. Assessment of the prodrome of autism
is based on a constellation of signs and symptoms,
including lack of eye contact and delayed sensory-motor development. The prodrome of autism may be assessed
from 12 months of age, and even sooner in severe instances.
While not every child with developmental delay will be diagnosed at a later point with autism; all infants and children with autism have complications in their sensory-motor development. Remedial therapies emphasizing sensory-motor development, such as the Feldenkrais Method and Play, provide important therapeutic strategies in helping infants and young children improve behaviors associated with autism and help stimulate their self-development. The first two years of life provide an important window of opportunity in providing therapeutic intervention for infants with the prodrome of autism. If your infant or toddler is showing behavioral signs and symptoms associated with the later diagnosis of autism, it is advisable not to wait till the age of 18 months or later when the diagnosis of ASD may be confirmed by a child developmental specialist. Rather, it is advisable to seek immediate neuro-developmental assessment and therapeutic intervention. SomaticWell provides a neuro-developmental somatic assessment of infants and young children, as well as therapeutic services for infants at risk of developing autism. Elements of the SomaticWell assessment and therapy may be conducted online as well as home-coaching in the therapeutic elements of the Feldenkrais Method and Play.
9 RED FLAGS:
-1-
Lack of Appropriate Gaze.
- 2 -
Lack of Warm, Joyful Expression with Gaze.
- 3 -
Lack of Sharing Enjoyment or Interest.
- 4 -
Lack of Response to Name.
- 5 -
Lack of Coordination of Gaze,
Facial Expression, Gesture, and Sound.
- 6 -
Lack of Showing Toys or Objects.
- 7 -
Unusual Prosody.
- 8 -
Repetitive Body Movement.
- 9 -
Repetitive Movement with Objects.
(Wetherby AM, Woods J, Allen L, et al. Early indicators
of autism spectrum disorders in the second year
of life. J Autism Dev Disord. 2004 (34:47)
Quiet Mind for feeling deeply connected with others is the perfect LotusWei flower essence to feel calm and deeply connected with others. Quiet Mind may help alleviate the symptoms of Autism together with other SomaticWell therapeutic modalities.