our intensive programme | working in partnership
Our Intensive Programme
An intensive "Special Child Focus" programme of treatment has been designed for those infants exhibiting pre-autistic behaviours...and the intensive treatment includes the whole family. This three-phase treatment is underpinned by psychoanalysis and neurobiology and it aims to assist parents and babies in finding a new way of relating to one another.
-- Phase I -- Assessment and Formulation
• We carefully observe and identify what physical, environmental, relational or emotional obstacles may be hindering an infant's willingness to communicate.
• We carefully observe and explore interfamily patterns of relating and of managing emotions which may impact upon parents' ability to attune to their child in a way which they can receive. Such exploration is done by inviting parents to tell us narratives of their own childhood as well to discuss their hopes and expectations on becoming the parents of this, and any other, child they may have (or want to have). The arts are used at times as a way to facilitate self-expression. Observations of siblings and family relationships are also crucial.
• We carefully observe and investigate the whole spectrum of child development to see what areas may be lagging behind, to identify sticking points and to ensure the integrated approach we put together properly addresses bottle-necks in communication, behaviour and emotional development.
-- Phase II -- Therapeutic Intervention
• We work with infants to both understand their avoidant or repetitious behaviours and expand their
repertoire of skills, their motivation to communicate and their expression of will and needs.
• We work with the parents and child together to identify and build upon close and sensitive ways of being together with one other and to expand these "relating" skills.
• We work with parents individually to explore any learned patterns of managing emotions which may stem from their own childhood and hinder their being fully available to their infant in a way which the infant can best respond to.
• We work with the couple to explore any current or past relationship issues which may have a bearing on their ability to co-parent as effectively as necessary.
• We work with siblings to explore their emotional needs, and the particular difficulties that can be caused by having a younger sibling with percieved special needs. They expand upon the siblings' strengths in managing their own difficult feelings and frustrations effectively and to model new ways of relating with their sensitive younger sibling and other family members.
-- Phase III -- Integration
By it's very nature, this intensive therapeutic process brings out waves of emotions...from sorrow and despair to frustration and anger to hope and joy.
• We accompany the family on this journey, supporting them through the transitions.
• We document the progress made in this final phase.
• We map out the challenges that may lay ahead.
The intensive programme involves a strong commitment from the family.
• Families must attend the clinic almost daily for approxiamately three weeks.
• Families may have to stay in nearby accommodations.
• Families will open their lives to the therapists, receiving six hours of therapeutic intervention each day, usually from 8:30 am to 4 pm (including breaks and lunch) five days a week, for three weeks. An additional day each week will be spent observing the family as they go about their daily routine.
The family's trust will be rewarded by the experience of being with their infant in a new more meaningful way, by the creation of new patterns of relating, by the infants clear developmental progress and by the creation of a more hopeful prognosis for the future. Our tailor-made treatment includes:
• Family meetings and training of siblings.
• Therapist and parents weekly evaluation meetings.
• Help with the choice of school and further support.
• Follow-up of family every 3 months for the first 2 years.
• Follow-up as necessary with the child’s school.
Working in Partnership
--We Work with the Family
A baby is born ready to communicate. Even if they don’t show it, their senses and capacities of mind are prepared to receive and give communication using their eyes, mouth, hands and body. At the same time, parents expect and gear themselves to protect, love and understand the needs of each child they bring into the world. Some parents, though, have to go a long way in order to reach their child. Normal feelings of despair, confusion and guilt interfere in this reaching process. But even though hope & trust may weaken, there are resources parents can tap to help them contact and build a relationship with children who prefer isolation. Once the child and the parents start this process, new ways of listening, holding and talking slowly unfold.
• We believe parents and caregivers are the best resource to help to create an emotional environment conductive to mutual contact.
• We work with the parents and the entire family, examining their feelings and reactions to the child and understanding their communication patterns and dynamics with the child.
• We create an atmosphere of exploration & wonder similar to discovering a hidden treasure.
--We Work with the Child
• We take the time to explore patiently the characteristics and meanings of the child’s world.
• We look for particular deficits or sensitivities, likings or needs that -- although they may be uncommon -- they are certainly felt and expressed non-verbally.
• We wait for the child to indicate the way.
• We trust the subtle communications of non-verbal and body communication, minimal movements, and even the smallest contact initiation coming from the child.
• We don’t teach through conventional methods of punishment & reward, attracting and forcing. Instead, we motivate and encourage interpersonal contact by starting where the child is and observing continually.
• We help to start, develop & maintain basic instruments of the mind important for thinking. Attention is given to help the baby or child pay attention, focus, concentrate for a while, pair, classify, analyse, explore their curiosity, reciprocate, tune and attune with people, and have thoughts & feelings that they can share with others.
--We Work Together
It is possible to build on a child’s particular flirting contact with reality and people, increasing self-awareness when the eyes finally meet or the touch reaches and the motivation appears. Children with who display preautistic behaviours may be particularly sensitive and the spectrum of their perceptions may be far different from our own. The professionals working with us are specially trained to intensify processes of awareness, curiosity, reciprocity contact and development within themselves and in the surroundings. Parents also receive this training in order that they may have tools that they can use in creative ways in the future, modelling for the siblings a clear way of family living.