Autism Treatment Program Getting Positive Results
NOTE: The following is a feature story on the training being undertaken as part of the Department of Health's Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention treatment for children with autism.
"Mommy, it's like magic!" That's how Jennifer Caplin's 7-year-old daughter described the progress being made by her 5-year-old brother, Jesse -- one of the first children in the province to receive Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI) treatment for autism.
Before receiving treatment, Jesse had little meaningful interaction with his family. His behaviour was frequently unmanageable. Tantrums were commonplace. Jesse didn't understand how to use the handful of words that made up his vocabulary.
Just three short months later, this little boy understands how to use more than 60 words to communicate. The dramatic improvement in how he can express himself has resulted in significant improvements in his behaviour and his ability to interact with his family.
Jesse is one of the children receiving this "magic" as part of the training process for the new $4-million provincial EIBI treatment program announced in December of 2004.
The program is delivered by a specialized treatment team consisting of EIBI support workers and a supervisor. Teams may also include psychologists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists and/or social workers.
In July, treatment team members and families in Halifax were the first to receive training. Sessions for similar groups were given in October in Sydney, for the Cape Breton area, and in Kentville, for Annapolis Valley, South Shore and Cumberland areas.
When the program is fully operational, it will be offered in regions served by nine district health authorities, at the IWK Health Centre, and at Nova Scotia hearing and speech centres.
EIBI treatment helps develop communication, play and other functional skills. It helps children learn how to relate to others and to function more effectively in family and community life.
EIBI may be provided in a variety of settings, including in the home, at day care centres and preschools, and in other community environments. It enhances other services already available for children with autism and their families across the province.
"It's so impressive to see the difference this treatment makes to the lives of these children and their families," Health Minister Angus MacIsaac says. "It's also great to see that some children can receive treatment through the training process."
For participants the results are speaking for themselves.
"As parents involved in the new program, we feel confident that our children will be receiving top-quality treatment," say Tracey and Gerard Avery, parents of two five-year-old children with autism who participated in the EIBI training in Halifax. "In just a few weeks we have noticed positive changes in both of our sons. We are excited to be a part of this program and anticipate endless possibilities for our boys."