Autism

[natty23]

Has anyone had experience of alternative therapies to help autism (specifically aspergers)?

a relative is having 'brush therapy' now with very surprising results.

[boobesque]

if you dont mind me asking what is brush therapy?

i have a disabled child and am interested in new therapies

[natty23]

don't know too much about it, but its a technique of brushing the child with somthing similar to a paintbrush on various regions of their body depending on their condition.

for example in this very mild case of aspergers, the childs face and hands are brushed/sroked gently every day in a certain manner. for more severe behavioural forms etc the limbs can be brushed.

i was very skeptical about this, but there has been a marked improvement in the child, in terms of ability to do things they previously weren't so good at and it appears to have reduced her allegies.

i'm still trying to work out the physiology behind it, but here's a  useful link http://www.autism-pdd.net/testdump/test386.htm   

[boobesque]

thank you, my little boy is physically disabled, but i am interested in all sorts of therapies in case one is suitable for him, thanks.

i will ask my sons school if they know of any alternative therapies and let you know

[rampart]

I've heard that horseback riding is wonderful therapy for many children and adults with disabilities (and without disabilities for that matter).

http://www.ability.org.uk/pets_handicapped_and_therapeutic.html

It really boosts their spirits and gives them successes that help the heart.

[catra1]

would agree with rampart's post.
For Aspergers have you seen the book by Carol Gary available on amazon called social stories- it's not an alternative therapy but many of the parents of Asperger's children I work with are very positive about it!

CAtra

[natty23]

agree with horseriding, i've seen it work so many times with ill or disabled children or those lacking enthusiasm, but unfortunately is not an option here.

i can't seem to find the book on amazon catra1. is it definately there?

[catra1]

3. My Social Stories Book
~Carol Gray, Sean McAndrew (Illustrator)
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Paperback - February 1, 2001

yes it's there

[natty23]

thanks

[catra1]

dont know if you are still reading this but i went to the south-west conferesnce at the Aztec Hotel in Bristol on Autism- the national autistic society were there and loads of speakers. There was a work shop on Aeromatherapty and autism- I couldn't go to it as i was at another workshop BUT you could call the national autisitc society and quote the conference location etc and see if they can track down the info for you or at least give you the name of the presenter so you can contact them!

CATRA