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Program Empowers Parents Faced With
Autism
By Michael Lott
In a recent New York
Times Op-Ed piece by Cathryn Garland and Michael O’Hanlon (November 21,
2006) the authors painted a compelling picture of the challenges faced
today by families that deal with autism.
Undoubtedly, autism
spectrum disorders are increasing at alarming rates. Countless parents
and family members struggle with the daily effects of loving someone
with this disorder. Far too often parents are left to their own devices
and conclude they are powerless against this disorder.
The Guidance Center in
Southgate, Michigan – a provider of the Community Mental Health system –
recognizes the urgency and has taken charge in battling this disorder
with a cost-effective, intensive training program.
The Michigan P.L.A.Y.
Project, under the direction of Dr. Richard Solomon (based on Dr.
Stanley Greenspan’s Floortime Model) provides training to parents and
caregivers to engage with a child who has autism. This
interactive-based approach is individualized, developmental and
relationship based. It addresses the “trademark” characteristics of
autism by focusing on the social-emotional and developmental make-up of
a child. Additionally, this clinically effective program is replicable
in any setting including schools.
The thrust of the
program is to train families and caregivers to provide the recommended
intensive intervention (minimum of 25 hours per week) in a loving,
playful and relationship-oriented way. It teaches the child to
participate and engage in the world around them.
Moreover, the Michigan
P.L.A.Y. Project empowers the parents and caregivers to provide the
intensive intervention in a natural setting and throughout the day.
Parents often don’t feel they are capable of making a difference and
this training helps them make an impact on their own child. Caregivers
can implement this approach in their daily routines and it does not
require the high cost of having a therapist in the home on a daily
basis.
For nearly 50 years,
our mission at The Guidance Center has been to enhance the development
and mental well being of children, adults, families and communities
through the delivery of creative, innovative and quality programs.
Our team recognizes the
challenges faced by parents and caregivers who care for someone with
autism and we are working to make treatment more accessible and
affordable. The number of people seeking support for autism has
increased dramatically and through respectful programs like the Michigan
P.L.A.Y. project hundreds of families can learn and be inspired while
achieving results.
The Guidance Center is
committed to attack the devastating effects of autism within all
socioeconomic situations and most importantly to give families the tools
to make changes in the life of their loved one. The program is
expanding in southeast Michigan and has the potential to transform lives
across our nation.
Michael Lott is the
chief executive officer of The Guidance Center (www.guidance-center.org).
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