Parent Choice in Autism Treatment - Day of Answers for Parents, Fun for Kids with Special Needs

March 26, 2011 - PRLog -- “Decisions being made at the State level will impact the lives of all families in California affected by autism spectrum disorders.  Families must join voices now to protect our right to informed consent and keep others from making our decisions."  Josh Feder, M.D. Parent and Autism Specialist.

Leading professionals in the treatment of Autism, concerned parents, and legislative activists from the DIR®/Floortime Coalition of California will host a day of answers for parents and fun activities for their children and teens at Griffith Park, Shane’s Inspiration Playground, 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, L.A. 90027, from 1 – 5pm on Sunday, April 10th.  The event is free and parking is free at Carousel Lot 3. The Coalition is a non-profit organization that advocates across the state for parent choice in the treatment of autism.  Currently treatment is often decided by regional centers, insurance companies, hearing boards, the legislature, or school boards, thereby denying parents a choice among treatment alternatives.

Leading local treating professionals as well as local parents who are authors, actors, and filmmakers will share information about innovative developmental treatment approaches, and will be available for question and answer sessions.  Activities for children and teens will include non-competitive games staffed by volunteers, music provided by Arrest My Sister and children’s musician Dave Taylor, and access to the nearby playground.  Food by Outback Steakhouse will be available for purchase. Funds for further state advocacy will be raised through raffle prizes and opportunities child sponsorships in the non-competitive games.  Register for the free event at http://floortimefamilyfunday.eventbrite.com.

“Watching a child struggle with symptoms of autism or other developmental challenges can be heartbreaking for parents”, said Andrea Davis, Ph.D.  “Grief and worry naturally follow.  Parents of special needs kids need their numerous questions answered and they need a community of support from understanding parents and informed professionals.  On April 10th, we aim to provide parents with hope and information about how to become an integral part of helping their child reach his or her highest potential.”

The Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-based (DIR®/Floortime) Model is an evidence-based treatment approach built upon decades of developmental psychology theory and research.  It helps clinicians, parents, and educators conduct a comprehensive assessment and develop a comprehensive intervention program tailored to the unique challenges and strengths of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) or other developmental challenges. The objectives of the DIR®/Floortime Model are to build healthy foundations for robust social, emotional, and intellectual capacities rather than focusing on isolated skills and problem behaviors.  

Dr. Diane Cullinane comments, “DIR®/Floortime provides a powerful approach for helping children to become curious, creative, and warmly engaged in the world.  It is important that parents have the opportunity to learn about this highly effective way to support their child’s development.”

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