Autism 911 and missing gaps
February 7, 2009
A piece running on CNN this week details the 13-year-old Marissa Bilson’s autism and the family’s “transformation” after undergoing a 5-day intensive in-home ABA therapy program provided by Autism Partnership (and paid for by CNN, in exchange for taping the family).
As those of us who live with autism in their lives, the familiar scene of tantrums and repetitive behaviors strikes a chord. But the piece misses some key take aways.
Firstly, Marissa was diagnosed “as a toddler” as documented by CNN, but roamed without any boundaries or limitations around her home. She had free reign for her thirteen years – which of course severely impacted the family’s dynamics, from her parents to her two siblings. It was only recently, during the CNN-sponsored week-long therapy session, that Marissa underwent intensive ABA therapy during which time the therapist established ground-rules and initial performance incentives.
It is well documented that early therapeutic intervention plays a key role in helping build the tools for children with autism to interact more fluidly in mainstream society. But one must wonder, what kind of guidance did the family pursue over these years to inform the parent’s decision to “let her do whatever she wants”?
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See the rest of the original article here.
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