Growing Minds
The Growing Minds Autism Program works with families with children who have Autism, Pervasive Developmental Delay, Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) and Asperger's Syndrome.
It's principles include the belief that:
- Recovery is possible for many children with autism-spectrum disorders
- Children who are unable to recover fully can make substantial progress
- Children are more motivated to learn when the teaching style is dynamic and playful
- The program must be tailored to fit the child (and family), rather than trying to fit the child (or family) to the program
- Parents and teachers are most effective when they feel optimistic, comfortable, empowered and healthy
The program teaches reciprocal relationships: - there are times when the teacher has the lead and directs the child, and there are times when the child has the lead and can draw the adult into directions they would like to take.
It also assesses the child for a number of factors beyond a simple diagnosis - sensory problems, movement disorders, speech dyspraxia, etc. and designs a program to specifically meet the needs of each child.
It is not wedded to one particular teaching method or therapeutic modality, but combines methods that have been researched and found to be effective to create personalized programs for children with special needs.
For more information please go to the Growing minds website or the website of the National Autistic Society.