Top Developmental Therapies for Autism Spectrum Disorders
While there are quite a few variations on "play therapy" available, there are really only three well-known developmental therapies available. The differences among them are more related to style and approach than to content.Floortime/DIR (Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship Based Therapy Floortime/DIR was developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan and associates. Its basic premise is that autistic individuals learn to communicate when they are engaged at their own level, and by things that interest them. Whether a child is lining up cars, flapping their hands or reading Harry Potter, there is a way to connect. As the therapist begins to establish a relationship with the child, the child begins to respond -- whether verbally or non-verbally. Over time, the child starts to open and close "circles of communication" -- at first by knocking the parent's hand away, or by leading the parent to a favored toy that's out of reach; later through words and multiple exchanges.
Pros: By reading the book "The Child with Special Needs" or "Engaging Autism," most parents can begin to use use floortime on their own. Other free and low-cost resources include floortime videos and listservs.
Cons: It is tough to be a floortime parent. It requires a lot of patience, imagination, and stamina. In addition, since there is very little in the way of specific direction (each child is different) it can be hard to know if you're doing it right. There are floortime trained therapists, but they're tough to find -- and expensive when you find them. And Greenspan and associates recommend hours of therapy a day -- difficult to achieve if you're working, coping with several children, or otherwise engaged in life!
RDI(Relationship Development Intervention)
RDI is similar to floortime in that addresses "core deficits" through individualized therapy -- and the parent is the primary therapist. Some of the most important differences appear to be the level of support and clarity of direction provided by the RDI organization. Dr. Steven Gutstein, creator of RDI, has established a formal organization which trains consultants. Consultants work with parents to evaluate children and create personalized therapeutic programs. They also put together concrete benchmarks, so that parents know they have reached their goals.
Pros: The RDI organization offers books, consultants, and even products to support parents in their therapeutic efforts. Clear guidelines provide a sense of direction and a feeling of accomplishment for hard-working parent therapists. RDI is flexible enough to meet the needs of autistic children across the spectrum.
Cons: Like floortime, RDI is very demanding. Unlike floortime, RDI is likely to be extremely expensive. Parents are encouraged to attend multi-day training programs, hire pricey consultants, and purchase expensive products sold on the RDI website.
