Autism / Autism Spectrum Support Group

Autism is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder which manifests itself in markedly abnormal social interaction, communication ability, patterns of interests, and patterns of behavior. Although the specific etiology of autism is unknown, many researchers suspect that autism results from genetically mediated vulnerabilities to environmental triggers.

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jordanc 09/19/2008

Harrison hs been to Hippo therapy (horse therapy) a few times now, and he loves it. He is giving the horse commands to "walk on" and "trot". His balance is improving, and they already moved him to a bigger, faster horse.

Harrison has also been "crashing" into his bed lately. He will run and jump onto it, sometimes face first, so I got a great idea. I blew up an air mattress and put it in the basement. As soon as he finishes three flash cards the speech therapist gave us, I let him run from across the room and crash into the air mattress once. Then we have to do three more flash cards. It's pretty amazing how simple activities can achieve so much sometimes!

Zophie 09/19/2008

Yay! I am so glad to hear he is doing well with the hippo therapy. How fun!

My K would crash in to the sofa when she was about his age. Brushing and compression really helped her. Now when she needs that feeling she will bounce on the yoga ball.

You are a great Dad! Keep up the good work.

deleted_user 09/19/2008

I wish julie could do hippo but with her hips she can not..

Yea julie likes to crash into her bean bag, we do alot of massage and joint compression to help with that...

hugs

deleted_user 09/19/2008

Actually that was one of the sensory things Pat Wilbarger mentioned in her Sensory Diet session I got to sit in on. She is the one who came up with the deep pressure, brushing technigue. She said that crashing onto a bed is the best over all sensory activity they can do. She recomended that they jump up and down five times on the bed and then crash onto it. Zach loves it, I have his mattress on the floor. Mainly because he broke the bed frame jumping off of a shelf to the bed, but it works. I use going outside to swing to get Zach to read his books for school. A NOW AND LATER candy works great too. just one is all it takes.

Glad you found something that works, keep up the good work.

deleted_user 09/20/2008

thats great that hes doing so good with hippo therapy. and the flash cards too. great idea-rewarding him with what he likes to do after 3 flash cards.

deleted_user 09/21/2008

Eddie has been using Joint compresions and deep message therapy even before i new he was Autistic because he hated to be toutch. The sensory diet works wonders for kids with sensory problems. My little Angel also loves jumping on the coutch and them dropping face first, with mommys help because he still can not jump. Well i would love to try Hippo therapy when he is a bit older because he has very poor balance still and he fall to easy.

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