have difficulty processing all of the different directions, or the child has difficulty processing visual information). This frequently involves hypersensitivity to light and/or sound or learning disabilities which are potentially secondary to the visual and/or auditory processing problems. A child with autism or autistic-like behaviors may present with any number of these behaviors and in any varying degree.
Functional vs. Structural Rehabilitation and Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT)
The road to recovery from Autism involves multiple interven-
tions. More commonly known interventions for Autism fall into the category of functional rehabilitation, such as ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) therapy. This approach utilizes behavioral modification and repetitive teaching strategies to change autistic behaviors. Another ex- ample of functional rehabilitation for Autism is Auditory Integration Therapy (AIT). This approach uses various functional strategies to de- crease sensory dysfunction, including self-stimulatory behaviors and hypersensitivity to sound. What is less commonly known in the field of Autism intervention is structural rehabilitation. The best example of structural rehabilitation is Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT). IMT is a manual/hands-on approach developed over the last thirty years by Sharon Weiselfish-Giammatteo, PhD, PT, IMT,C. This approach is gentle and non-invasive. An IMT practitioner, typically a physical therapist, occupational therapist, massage therapist, or chiropractor, uses their hands to assess, diagnose, and treat structural dysfunc- tion in the body that may be contributing to these functional deficits.
IMT for Hypersensitivity to Sound
Let’s illustrate the difference between functional and structural reha- bilitation with the following analogy: imagine a young child sitting at
a piano. The child does not know how to play the piano and requires a piano teacher to teach the child how to play. Consider the piano teacher as the functional therapist. The child is taught how to play the piano and now can play beautiful music. But what if there was something wrong with the piano? What if the piano was out of tune or one of the strings was broken? The potential for beautiful music would be lost. Regardless of how skilled the child was at playing the piano, the music would not sound good. Now imagine that the piano was fixed by a ‘piano technician’ or a structural therapist. Once the piano was fixed, the child would have a new potential for playing beautiful music. The two go hand in hand. Let’s take this analogy one step further… imagine that a child has hypersensitivity to sound, auditory processing issues, and stimminess. Often in this situation, AIT is recommended. AIT is a phenomenal functional treat- ment approach. But what if the child suffered from severe compres- sion of their inner ear? This is a very common ‘structural’ problem found in children with Autism. This dysfunction often is correlated
Taking Care with Cynthia Ebanks, R.N.
providing support, guidance and inspiration for families challenged by illness, injury and dementia.
Signs of Change
Sometimes the decline is so gradual, the signs so random, we question what we know in our hearts to be true: our once strong, independent parents are less able to take care of their daily needs. Here are some tell-tale signs that your parents need help staying safe in their home:
• Unexplained weight loss; disinterest in eating.
• Decline in housekeeping: Are dishes piling up in the sink, spoiled food in the fridge? Soiled bed linens?
• Changes in dressing and personal hygiene. Are their clothes dirty? Is your parent inappropriately dressed?
• Decrease in mental agility: confused; forgetting to take or refill medications; missing appointments.
• Changes in moods and relationships: Too loud or suddenly reclusive? Paranoid or easily agitated?
Watch for these and other red flags. Next month, we’ll explore how to voice your concerns in a loving way that honors your loved one’s independence while addressing changing needs.
Assisted Living In Te Home
A registered nurse, trained in dementia and Alzheimer’s, Cynthia Ebanks founded New England Nightingales to help families in the Farmington Valley area provide for loved ones at home. Call, click, or scan icon with your smart phone for information, or to arrange for a free home assessment.
860-676-7786
www.newenglandnightingales.com
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