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NEW: The Tomatis Method for Treatment of Children with Autism and PDD NEW:Treatment of Autism Series The Tomatis Method of Auditory Stimulation - An Overview Dyspraxia-Motor Planning Disorder Sensory Integration Dysfunction |
| When symptoms are
absent or minimal in the first year, families report significant changes
in behavior during the second year. Language that was developing, suddenly
or gradually stops. Parents report they will hear a word, never to hear
it again. Words and phrases that were well established fade away. There
is often a change in eye contact and level of engagement. Play becomes
aimless or repetitive in nature. Often sensory sensitivities emerge or
become more severe. Behavior often becomes more rigid or inflexible. The
children may become very upset if there is a change in routine. Temper
tantrums often become more frequent and severe in nature as the child has
no language to communicate their needs. There is often a change in eating
habits as the children become increasingly picky and limited in what they
will eat.
Another significant history is of frequent ear infections and antibiotic use. Although this is observed in a majority of the children, there are children who present with the above disorder without any history of ear infections or antibiotic use. Next page: SENSORY HISTORY OF AUTISM AND PDD |
Motor Planning Functions: During an initial assessment motor planning problems are observed in a child's gross motor skills, as well as her fine motor skills, and self help skills. Sometimes a child does not display the elaborate gestural communication that would be expected for a child her age. This does not serve as a way to compensate for her delayed language. It might be reported during an assessment that your child seems mostly eats with her fingers. However she used to eat with a spoon, but stopped because most of the foods she will now eat are finger foods. However, her attempts with utensils are not well organized and not at an age appropriate level. It might also be noted that the child has difficulty initiating and imitating play. Then it will be clear from the evaluation that fine motor skills and play skills that involve complex sequence movements are difficult for your child. This is indicative of the presence of a motor planning disorder, or apraxia. |
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