Improving Connectivity - Reducing Symptoms
Research on autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) has shown related symptoms to be the result of brain dysfunction in multiple brain regions. Neuroimaging technologies and research has shown that autism is related to abnormal neural connectivity problems. There is a combination of over and under connectivity at the heart of this multifaceted disorder.
Rates of Autism
Case Study 1:
Ben a 15 year old boy, with a severe Asperger’s symptoms and with a low IQ, has had well over 100 training sessions. Ben had hydrocephalus as an infant and, though treated remained a child with some cognitive deficits. His symptoms included extreme hyperactivity and impulsivity, his attention span was very short. He would burst into each person’s office regardless of who was in there, and he asked incessant often inappropriate questions in a loud voice. He was overly formal, pedantic and precise and his vocal tone was rather flat. He was oblivious to his effect on others.
After 40 sessions he would walk calmly into the office and wait for his therapist. He could ask a sensible question and wait for an answer. As training progressed, Ben was learning through observation and copying how to behave appropriately. After Ben had completed over 100 sessions he still continued to attend sessions as he was continuing to improve. He was behaving in a more mature manner and was far less egocentric. He was also making good eye contact and was appropriate in conversation with adults. (Thompson, M., & Thompson, L. (2003) p.139).
Case Study 2:
A 5 year, 11 month-old boy with a diagnosis of pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified. According to his parents, he showed regression at the age of 18months, became echolaliac with flapping hands and did not develop speech utterances until the age of 4 years. Symptom presentation included problems with attention, communication, pragmatics, social skills, eye contact, hyperfocusing, and poor transitioning. Neuropsychological testing resulted in average intelligence and cognitive impairments related to attention, comprehension, and executive functions. Autistic rating scales were elevated consistent with his diagnosis and related symptoms. After 20 sessions (twice weekly) the parent ratings on the autistic rating scales showed a 45% reduction in such symptoms. Neuropsychological testing showed improvements on tests of attention, comprehension, and sequencing/motor planning to average levels for his age group. (Coben, 2007, p.134)
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Please feel free to call for a friendly chat about your current situation and learn how we can help.
We offer a private one on one consultation service at our practice located in Rockhampton, Central Queensland.
Psychology & Neurotherapy Services
15 Norman Street,
Rockhampton, Queensland 4700