New Study Confirms EIBI Results in IQ Gains for Autistic Children

Yet another study has demonstrated the effectiveness of intensive early behavioural internvetion as both an educational AND a healh care intervention for autistic children, with signficant IQ gains for young autistic children who received intensive behavioural intervention. This study will make no difference to the mindsets of the anti-ABA crowd which is as vehement in their opposition to ABA as the mercury-vaccine causes autism crowd are in their opposition to “Big Pharma”. For parents of newly diagnosed autistic children though it will be important information for them to be aware of as they decide how to respond to their children’s autism.

Date: May 6, 2007

Science Daily — Intensive intervention given to toddlers with autism as young as three years old can significantly raise IQ levels, potentially allowing them to benefit from mainstream education, new research has revealed.

Researchers at the University of Southampton, led by Professor Bob Remington of the School of Psychology and Professor Richard Hastings (now at Bangor University), undertook a study into the impact of two years of Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI).

The results of the Southampton Childhood Autism programme (SCAmP) show that a group of children who received two years of intensive tutoring – or early intervention – had higher IQs, more advanced language and better daily living skills than similar children receiving standard educational provision.

IQ increased for two thirds of the children receiving the early intervention and ‘very substantially’ for more than a quarter of them. For example one child moved from an IQ of 30 up to 70; another from an IQ of 72 to 115. Most of the population of the UK has an IQ of between 85 and 115.

In what was a ‘tough test’ into whether EIBI could prove beneficial, specially trained staff and parents taught children with autism a wide range of skills in their own homes for 25 hours a week. Teaching was individualised to take full advantage of each child’s abilities and focus on areas of need; each lesson was carefully broken down into easy steps and children received constant praise and other rewards for their successes.

‘This form of teaching can, in many cases, lead to major change and enhance the life chances of children with autism,’ said Professor Remington. ‘In practice, the positive changes we see in IQ, language and daily living skills can make a real difference to the future lives of children with autism.

‘But those embarking on EIBI should prepare for some hard work. Twenty five hours of home therapy a week is a big commitment for children and parents alike. Before the research began we wondered if such intensive work would increase the emotional and psychological demands of childrearing, as teaching basic skills needs a lot of dedication and patience and family organisation has to adapt to the ever-present home tutors.

‘In fact most parents took this in their stride. The reasons are clear. It’s harder to be helpless than it is to get involved in teaching, and in most cases our parents saw rapid improvements in their children’s skills and behaviour.’

An estimated 535,000 people in the UK are living with a condition on the autism spectrum.

The SCAmP team is embarking on a follow-up study with those children who took part in the research to establish how long-lasting the effects of the treatment are and how benefits can be extended.

Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by University Of Southampton.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070506163608.htm

FEAT-BC Goes Coastal!!!

FEAT-BC is coming to Atlantic Canada.

FEAT and the families involved with FEAT have actively led the fight for autism treatment and services on the legal and political fronts in Canada. Atlantic Canadians with an autistic family member, autistic persons and persons with an interest in autism are encouraged to attend this event if at all possible.

This is huge folks. This is a great opportunity to thank political leaders like Shawn Murphy, Andy Scott, Peter Stoffer and Jim Munson who have cared; who have tried to help and are still trying to help persons with autism in Canada. Let’s greet the folks from BC and show them “the very best”. Lets thank Andy, Peter, Jim and Shawn. And let’s send a clear and strong message to Prime Minister Stephen Harper and federal Health Minister Tony Clement that their callous disregard for the health and well being of autistic Canadians will not go unchallenged.

I have already made my reservations at the Holiday Inn Dartmouth and I hope to see everyone there!!

“Families for Early Autism Treatment of BC Goes Coastal”

Vancouver……Ottawa……Toronto……Halifax

An Invitation to join Families for Early Autism Treatment of BC

(F.E.A.T. of BC) to say THANK YOU to:

Shawn Murphy, MP

Andy Scott, MP

Peter Stoffer, MP

Senator Jim Munson

For their dedication and commitment to improving the lives of
Canadians affected by autism…

….AND….

To hear about F.E.A.T. of BC’s exciting plans to “go coastal” with
our national political initiative to achieve universal health care
coverage for EVERY Canadian affected by autism.

Saturday, May 26, 2007

Holiday Inn, Harbourview

101 Wyse Rd.

Dartmouth, Nova Scotia,

B3A 1L9

2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

$25.00 per person – Refreshments will be served

Please make cheques payable to:

F.E.A.T. of BC, c/o Louise Witt, 2135 – 129th St., Surrey, BC, V4A 8H6

R.S.V.P. by May 20th. to Louise Witt, email: taylorwitt@shaw. ca or
call 604-538-1370.

For local enquiries: Luigi Rocca – luiroc@gmail. com 506 869-5444 (B) or
506 382-2239 (h)

*Donations are needed and welcomed! All donations will be used to
assist in F.E.A.T.’s national political initiative to achieve our
goal – universal health care coverage for EVERY Canadian affected by
autism.

Cheques should be payable to F.E.A.T. of BC, c/o the above address.

“We owe it to these families, to society and ourselves to share not
only the burden of autism, but also the collective responsibility to
act.”

- Senator Jim Munson

“The access Canadian children with autism have to the treatment they
need sould not depend on how much money their parents have, nor in
which province they live.”

- Shawn Murphy, MP

“We have the opportunity to positively change the lives of thousands
of autistic children and their families and ensure these Canadians
will achieve their potential.”

Andy Scott, MP

“In a caring and progressive Canada, children with autism have a
right to health care.”

- Peter Stoffer, MP

Conor and Dad Hit the Trail

Conor got his Dad out for some exercise on this beautiful Sunday afternoon.

On the walking trail, Conor munches on a favorite treat – orange peppers and takes a break on a comfy rock.

[Click on pics to enlarge]