Behavioural Treatment for Autism

 

Behavioural methods of treating autism are the most important and significant, because deviations in the behaviour of an autistic child may attract unwanted attention and prevent normal socialisation. These methods are used separately in other clinics, but an integrated approach can provide the desired result. Not every centre specializing in autism treatment can ensure such an approach.

The Mardaleishvili Medical Centre is one of the best European medical institutions, where doctors use in their practice the most effective methods of treating autism spectrum disorder in childhood, including advanced methods of biocorrection with stem cells. This combination of traditional and innovative technologies allows us to achieve unprecedented success in patient treatment. It is also worth noting that the cost of medical services here is quite affordable for the average European.

Behavioural methods of treatment for childhood autism

• Applied Child Behaviour Analysis (ABA)

The primary goal is simultaneously stimulating the desired behaviour of an autistic child and reducing the intensity of problematic or even dangerous behaviour that causes difficulties in social interaction and learning.

This method is effective for improving the functions of speech, attention, and memory. It is based on the principle of positive support, using reinforcement of learning to overcome a child’s difficulties in assimilating new information or skills. The method also helps to prevent attempts to commit dangerous actions that pose a physical threat to the natural functioning of a child’s body.

• Verbal Behaviour therapy (VBA)

This method is designed to teach a child to express themselves verbally through intelligible speech. This therapy includes the following skills:

• Imitation, i.e. the ability to repeat a word by hearing it.
• Expressing simple requests as one of the most significant skills, because the child will be able to get what he/she wants with a certain motivation.
• Designation, i.e. the ability to name an object or phenomenon that he/she smells, touches, hears, feels, and sees.
• Intraverbality, i.e. the ability to answer questions.

Teaching key responses or basic skills (PRT)

This method develops social initiative, motivation, self-care, and the ability to respond to several signals simultaneously. The purpose of the method is to facilitate the perception of new information in the future.

The child’s parents also learn how to conduct therapy in natural home settings with the use of various rewards. It is very important that both therapists and parents interact with a child in a playful way, so the method is excellent for children of elementary-school age and preschoolers, and it is effective for patients with severe illness.

• TEACCH

This methodology is an integrated approach to teaching children, with special attention to the environment. Its main goals include:

• Development of independence as much as possible.
• Help in effective interaction with others.
• Development of intellectual abilities, skills to master new knowledge, and personal abilities.
• Stimulation of generalisation of existing and acquired skills.
• Development of self-awareness, understanding of own behaviour, thoughts, and feelings.

The optimal age group is from 3 to 14 years old. Therapists interact with patients in the following areas: fine and gross motor skills, perception of the surrounding reality, imitation, cognitive activity, hand-eye coordination, social adaptation, self-care, communication, etc.

You will find more detailed information on the clinic website.

Advantages of childhood autism correction at Mardaleishvili Medical Centre:

• Doctors of the highest qualification.
• Innovative equipment.
• Personalised approach to each patient.
• Individual drafting of a therapeutic protocol, with the selection of effective methods based on medical history.
• Organisational assistance with travel and arrival in Georgia, accommodation, city transportation, etc.
• Adequate pricing policy, affordable for the budget of most families.

Make an appointment with a doctor at the Mardaleishvili Medical Center and find out what techniques will be most effective.

Don’t miss a chance to give your child the opportunity to live a full life!