Responsive Communication
The Caldwell Autism Foundation is building a network of skilled practitioners across the UK to provide Responsive Communication support. Click icon for the website. It seeks to address the needs of hard to reach individuals. 
Click red play button for a list of video clips. They offer detailed insights into the way the autistic mind works. The Caldwell Medical Centre is also listed on the NHS website.
Food Challenges
Click icon to view helpsheet, Facing food challenges for those with autism & sensory processing differences.
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Can autism be cured?
No — autism is a life-long condition. But there are a range of methods of enabling and assisting learning and development.
- If you are contemplating alternative medicine please click on A Cautionary Tale.
- For information see: Causes & ‘cures’ treatments strategies & approaches
- Click for the video The Forgotton History of Autism
- See also SEN support CAMHS in Resources The science
Rapid Prompting Method
Establishing the effectiveness of an approach to helping children with autism can be vexing. The Rapid Prompting Method (RPM) is a relatively new communication technique developed for people with severe autism. It is controversial and is, at best, only applicable in a minority of cases. See What is RPM?.
Here is an intelligent Critique. The author believes that the method is still at an exploratory stage. He is, at time of writing, sceptical about its potential.
Asperger Experts
Danny Raede has discovered for himself ways of understanding and coping with the difficulties he experiences as someone on the spectrum. He has formed Asperger Experts to guide and support others in the same boat.
See: website basics blog e.g. Be with that is a handy idea and technique to help to cope when feeling overwhelmed.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
People with high functioning Asperger’s syndrome may well have well developed rational skills. This can be valuable to help cope with the challenges of life, such as not having a good feel for emotional issues. It may be, though, that they could benefit from a bit of guidance to fill in gaps in their understanding of some things. This is where Cognitive Behavioural Therapy could come in.
Experience may have taught them, though, that very few professionals understand where they are coming from, so it could be difficult to establish the credibility of this approach. It may also take a while to find a therapist that can connect effectively.
Steps2change is a free and confidential NHS service for anyone in Lincolnshire over the age of 16 who is feeling stressed, unhappy, depressed, sad, worried or anxious. For more information see Steps 2 change. For access information see: Grantham, Sleaford, Spalding, Boston, Skegness, Stamford or search Family Services Directory.
Counselling
The Counseling Directory can put you in touch will qualified counselors in the Grantham area with expertise in Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Aroma-theapy & reflexology
To ease symptoms of stress, you might consider aroma-therapy or reflexology – pictured.
Mindfulness
A lot of people are talking about Mindfulness these days.
- It offers a gentle and persistent approach towards a more balanced way of functioning.
- It achieves this through well established techniques that have been honed for today’s way of
thinking. - It is backed up by recent scientific research, which can help the reader to understand how and why it works.
You might not want to follow all the instructions slavishly in order to make it work for you. Also, after an initial beneficial phase it may become less effective and more frustrating. In that case persistence may pay off, or you might come back to it again at a later date.
There are many books on the subject. Look for one with a CD included to guide meditation, e.g. Mark Williams & Danny Penman, Mindfulness. A programme of cognitive therapy developed by Oxford University psychologist Professor Mark Williams with
colleagues around the world. Find out more at: Good Reads Amazon (See reviews) Library record (Should have a CD).
There are More books from the library on Mindfulness with accompanying CDs. Mindfulness events are also put on by Now Unlimited.
Sensory rooms
Where funds allow it may be possible to adapt a room in your own home. GAIN cannot recommend any items of equipment or their use. An occupational therapist is needed to advise on what would be safe and effective. Just to give you an idea of what is available, here is one source of sensory equipment. Here are some ideas of who might benefit and what could be selected.
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Please be aware that we, at GAIN, are not qualified to give advice. See disclaimer.