Autism is on the rise, dramatically!
Some research indicates that numbers will only continue to grow. For the moment, let’s bypass the how and why questions regarding that assumption, and focus on what we need to do in response. What does the therapeutic community need to know to support those who are struggling with life as a result of having autism?
It is often said that “…if you meet one person with autism, you have met one person with autism….” Every individual with autism is as unique as every individual without autism.
However, there are very clear patterns of thinking, ways of approaching the world and world views that are common and even predictable in individuals with autism. There are predictable life skill challenges, as well as predictable emotional challenges.
Knowing those patterns, approaches and views changes the game when dealing with someone on the spectrum. This guide is designed to be an adjunct to the National Autism Academy’s basic Professional training which focuses primarily on developing functional skills. It sets the stage for the more complicated discussion of the emotional struggles that are common to those with autism.
A therapist armed with understanding of both the functional and emotional realities of autism can treat an individual far more successfully than a therapist who is not able to use the knowledge as a key to deciphering issues. Individuals with ASD often cannot verbalize or even recognize the emotional difficulties they face. Anger, fear and frustration frequently build up and may appear to be the primary issue, when in reality they are a by-product of the functional difficulties, disappointments and inaccurate view those with ASD have of how the world works (or should work).
Learning both the functional and emotional patterns, common world views, and autistic approaches to life is not rocket science. It is however, nearly impossible to do on your own in a short period of time. To learn to identify these patterns on your own, without the guidance provided by 25+ years of therapeutic experience, would take years of single-minded dedication, experience and trial and error.
That is the reason that Dr Wahlberg’s Linear Autism Method has been captured by the National Autism Academy, who has developed a body of knowledge to support those who want to ramp up their success at autism treatment quickly.
There are still far too few good diagnosticians and quality therapeutic resources available!
A therapist who is not trained may provide some support for the symptoms an individual on the spectrum is experiencing, such as anger, anxiety, or lack of motivation, but without the ability to uncover and recognize the true pathology of autism, any treatment is like a band aid on a broken leg. It simply does not address the real issue.
Individuals with ASD and their families are hurting. They need qualified, committed professionals to guide them, instruct them and support them with the schools, the community, and their extended families. And the numbers are growing every day.
This course is designed as a deeper dive to the NAA’s Training for Professionals Treating ASD clients and their Families; as additional support for the therapist in diagnosing and treating individuals with autism more effectively, focusing on the emotional aspects that accompany the functional difficulties.
While Finding the Gray detailed very specific thinking patterns and gave interventions to address them, this book is designed to identify and describe three things:
- The emotional experience of someone with ASD
- The general patterns of the maturation process in those with ASD
- The chronic issues that develop and how treating them is different than treating the same issue in someone without ASD.
Dr. Wahlberg’s 30 years of clinical experience is the foundation of this material and is presented in conjunction with the National Autism Academy who delivers trainings designed to teach this material in a practical and applicable way for therapists, teachers and family members.
