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Using Play and Child-centered Approaches in

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Gretchen Dahl Reeves, Ph.D., OT, FAOTA

Course Description

This course is designed for therapists, teachers and other professionals working in early intervention, preschool and early elementary school settings with children identified with autism. Parents may find some of the course content helpful in applying developmental approaches to a child’s needs.

A review of the developmental literature on the topics of regulation, reciprocal interactions and play will highlight what is understood about behaviors that are exhibited early in life and their importance to later functions in children and adults. A description of the obvious and subtle differences in awareness of and reactions to others that have been demonstrated in young children with autism will be included. An overview of the neurobiological differences in persons with autism spectrum disorders will describe the impact on behavior, particularly in the domains of socialization, communication, play and sensory reactivity.  

Models of intervention that capitalize on child-centered techniques will be emphasized, including floortime, sensory integration, interactive play groups and others.  The principles of these approaches and the benefits of using movement and play will be highlighted.  Note that there will be no attempt made to prescribe strict methods of intervention.  Research indicates that individualized programs are essential for persons with autism.  The use of child-centered models fits well within this philosophy.

Course Objectives

At the completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

1.         Recognize the interactive behaviors that occur in infants and young children as indicators of their cognitive, social and communicative capacities.

2.         Understand how the neurobiological differences in autism contribute to differences in learning and behavior.

3.         Describe the role of play in child development.

4.         Identify intervention strategies, using child-centered approaches, to promote positive outcomes and interactions in children with autism.

5.         Consider the importance of an individually-designed program for each person with autism spectrum disorders.

Faculty

Gretchen Dahl Reeves, Ph.D., OT, FAOTA is an Associate Professor in Occupational Therapy at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

Her extensive clinical experience has provided an opportunity to work with children with a variety of special needs and their families.  She has conducted research with children with autistic spectrum disorders, in addition to her clinical work with this population.  In 1994, Dr. Reeves was awarded a doctorate in Biopsychology from the University of Michigan.  She has lectured throughout the United States and the world on topics related to brain function, sensory and motor integration and program development for persons with special needs.  She was named to the Roster of Fellows of the American Occupational Therapy Association in 1987 and has received numerous teaching and professional awards, including the Dean’s Award for Teaching Excellence from the Medical College of Ohio at Toledo (now the University of Toledo) and the Jane Walter Award for Educational Excellence from Oakland University, Program in Physical Therapy, Rochester, Michigan.  In 2007, Dr. Reeves received the Marshall Award for Teaching Excellence at Eastern Michigan University.  She has taught Certification courses in sensory integration since 1980 and is currently an Instructor for the USC/WPS program series in Ayres’ Sensory Integration.

Dates of The Course:21st Jan,2009

Course Fee:Rs.2975/-

Demand Draft in Favor of "Hands On Therapy Concepts"

Last Date of SUbmission:17th January,2009

Venue:Hotel Tip Top Plaza