Our
Program
Autism is a very complex condition that is observed in the early growing-up years of some children. Its characteristics are evident by age three and the disability is life-long. Autism affects the way the person communicates and relates to other people. Children with autism have difficulties with everyday.
Therapies
Various teaching techniques are used to help the behaviour, language and communication skills of children with autism. They include :
Behavioral therapy
Early intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has proven to be a successful strategy for remediating many difficulties experienced by children with autism. A lot of progress is observed if the intervention is started at an early stage. As a result, accurate diagnosis at a young age is essential. Also, the particular pattern of symptoms that are seen in a 2-year-old with ASD may differ from that seen at the age of 4 or 5 years. The use of standardized assessment instruments proved to be very beneficial to help assess autism spectrum disorder in children.
At Prasanna Autism Centre, a range of diagnostic tools like Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) are used for diagnosis of children. The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) is a standardized assessment of communication, social interaction, play and restricted and repetitive behaviours in children. During an ADOS-2 assessment, therapist interacts directly with the child in social and play activities.
Therapist sees whether the child responds to his or her name and how he or she performs in imaginary play. Therapist observes verbal and nonverbal communication and looks for specific characteristics that are hallmarks of autism spectrum disorder, such as difficulty with age-appropriate social interaction, circumscribed interests, or repetitive speech or behaviour. Following the assessment, therapist completes a scoring process and results are summarized accordingly.
Speech Therapy
Children with ASD have major problems with both speech and non-verbal communication. They also find it very hard to interact socially. For these
reasons, speech therapy is a central part of treatment for autism. It helps children to communicate and interact with others. It involves
non-verbal skills like making eye contact, taking turns in a conversation and using and understanding gestures. It also teach kids to express themselves using picture symbols or sign language. At PAC, Speech therapy in Language and Communication is given to the children in the Early Intervention group i.e. those below 8 years of age. Following methods are adopted in this therapy:
- Assistive technologies like Avaz AAC (Augmentative Alternative
Communication) full-featured app been developed for children who are non-verbal and it helps in tracking therapy sessions and measure the child’s progress as well. - iPAD apps are very helpful to our kids as its easy-to-use, and allow the children to put words and symbols together.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
Occupational therapy (OT) helps autistic kids to improve cognitive, physical, social, and motor skills. The goal is to improve everyday skills which allows them to become more independent and participate in
a wide range of activities. For children with autism, OT programs often focus on play skills, learning strategies, and self-care. OT strategies can also help to manage sensory issues.
In Prasanna Autism Centre, Occupational Therapist evaluates the child’s current level of ability. The evaluation looks at several areas, including how the child learns, plays, cares for themselves and interacts with the environment. Based on this evaluation, the therapist creates goals and strategies that allows the child to work on key skills. Some examples of common goals include independent dressing, eating, grooming, using the
washroom, gross motor activities like Run/walk, Walk backwards, Tricycles, Turn around, Vestibular movements on Trampoline, Swing, Slide and fine motor skills like balancing on a ball can help a child sit properly in a chair while attending to a task.
Remedial Teaching
Remedial Teaching puts an emphasis on building basic interaction skills and pre-academic skills. Concepts are taught in one-on-one sessions, while group activities are used to develop social and communication skills.
Gradually children learn independent work, behaviours that enable them to learn vocational skills. Remedial class combines group activities and one-on
one teaching, as well as, music therapy, computer and sensory integration.
Extra-Curricular
Prasanna has a dedicated team of specialists in fields like art, music and dance. They work towards enhancing the extra-curricular skills of the students. These activities are also a means of alternate therapies with important health benefits viz:
Music, Tabla and Dance therapy
Due to reduced communication, autistic children need an emotional outlet. These therapies are initiated by teaching children to play an instrument like drums or tabla. Once the child develops an interest and become more accustomed to human contact, singing and dancing lessons are introduced. These therapies has helped many children gain a sense of fulfilment. Dance therapy is the psychotherapeutic use of movement that furthers emotional and physical integration. Dance therapy include activities like mirroring, improvisation, body rhymes and hand gestures. These exercises help in building self-confidence, enable the children to share thoughts and ideas through movement and encourage the kids to express their imagination.
Exercise on treadmill, trainer cycle and Yoga
These exercises are essential and integral part of the daily curriculum at Prasanna as it not only helps autistic children better engage in the environment, but it also helps promote weight loss and leads to better overall health. Full-body exercises are best for autistic kids to increase coordination, strength, endurance, and body awareness. Gross motor skills development, improve visual-motor skills, postural control and strength is aimed at with the help of physical exercise at Prasanna.
Sensory Garden at Prasanna Autism Centre
Sensory garden is designed with purpose of stimulating all senses : sight, touch, smell, taste and sound all through the use of different plants and materials. These gardens allow autistic kids to explore their senses in a safe and stimulating environment.
Remedial Teaching
Remedial Teaching puts an emphasis on building basic interaction skills and pre-academic skills. Concepts are taught in one-on-one sessions, while group activities are used to develop social and communication skills.
Gradually children learn independent work, behaviours that enable them to learn vocational skills. Remedial class combines group activities and one-on
one teaching, as well as, music therapy, computer and sensory integration.
Field trips
Arranged at regular intervals for Prasanna kids. Field trips teach students about what goes on in the world outside the classroom. Outdoor activities can bridge the gaps in communication, social skills and sensory processing in children with autism. They can be enriching and engaging experiences for all children.
“One of the best centers for kids on Autism spectrum”
Arya Gai
“Definitely a one stop solution for Autism!
Highly recommended.”