Impact of Inclusion on Autistic Children - Article Example

Impact of Inclusion on Autistic Children Though autism is incurable and usually results in social isolation to varying degrees, various forms of treatment have proven to make a decidedly positive impact in the way autistics interact with others. Though differing theories have been postulated, none have stood up to intense scientific scrutiny and analysis. Many variables are present when attempting to specifically define the source although autism unquestionably does not originate from how a child is nurtured, it is a genetic disorder. Treatments involving autistic children geared to include them in 'normal' activities such as appropriate sports and physical touching therapy may be counterintuitive but have been shown to be effective. Of course, because of many possible causes varying severities of the disorder, there is no one definitive type of treatment. Autism and other neurological disorders are defined by characteristics of behavior and are commonly considered to be biological in origin and not caused by improper parenting or by varying social situations a young child may have experienced. The precise fundamental neurological causes have not been identified but remain the source of the condition. Autistic children frequently experience difficulty when faced with a change in everyday surroundings or routine. Behavioral issues often arise when exposed to unfamiliar settings. Public outbursts justifiably cause family members to become uncomfortable in social situations therefore most avoid placing their autistic child in organized sporting activities. Seemingly, it is the worst possible set of circumstances for the child to be. Sports are played in an unfamiliar place; touching and social interactions are generally required as is a fair amount of coordination. Until relatively recently, the vast majority of parents and health care professional did not believe that autistic children were not capable of playing any type of sport. Autism experts such as Yale University professor Fred Volkmar agree that autistic children are ill-suited for athletic activities involving team play such as basketball, soccer and baseball. Volkmar suggests that autistic children "have trouble making social connections or engaging in the kind of thinking required in team play" (Manning, 2005). However, that misconception is evaporating. Experts today widely acknowledge that Autistic children are able to master other physical endeavors such as running, swimming and the martial arts, etc. These are activities that do not require the child to understand nuances of the game such as where to pass the ball or when in given situations and social signals such as clapping ones hands together is the universal sign for 'give me the ball.' There are barriers to overcome in that autistic children are often resistant to physical training and motivating them can prove difficult but increasingly they are being encouraged to participate in challenging athletic programs suited to their particular degree of ability. Sports are known to be of great social value for children afflicted with autism. Studies conducted for the past quarter century have overwhelmingly demonstrated that vigorous physical exercise diminishes the frequency of repetitive actions and enhances the child's attention span. For exercise to be effective, however, at least moderate effort should be exerted. For example, a study demonstrated that when autistic children jogged for 15 minutes without rest resulted in a noticeable reduction of the characteristic repetitive behaviors. This same study examined the results of another group that exercised passively by playing with a ball by themselves for 15 minutes. This resulted in no perceptible changes in these behaviors.' Exercise regiments that mimic rhythmic, repetitive movements typical to autism, the way the motions of swimming are similar to hand-flapping for instance, may actually serve to help focus autistic children's attention on the task at hand. "People with autism experience levels of sensory perception that most of us wouldn't know or understand," according to professor of adapted physical education at Montana State University-Northern, Dr. O'Connor. "It overloads them, so they engage in behaviors that distract them. Exercise gives them the same benefits but it doesn't have the negative social connotations."'(O'Connor, 2006) 'The National Institute of Mental Health reports that about half of those children afflicted with autism cannot and will never learn to speak. Those who have the ability to communicate verbally exhibit only limited language skills, speaking in incomplete, sometimes one-word sentences and tend to replicate sounds they hear. Autistic children do not possess sufficient means to effectively communicate their thoughts which is a great hindrance to forming personal attachments. 'It had long been theorized that autistic children did not have the capability of developing attachments.' Of course, parents have always known that this is untrue and recent studies have confirmed this. Autistic children do feel and show an emotional attach to close family members yet are not able to demonstrate these feelings adequately. "Many autistic children have sensory malfunction and dysfunction of the tactile system making them averse to certain sights, sounds, smells or touch"'(Allen, 2007) Autistic children do not normally demonstratively share feelings of affection. They shy away from hugs and show little if any noticeable response when experiencing pleasure.' This emotional disconnection, or more precisely, the inability to show appropriate emotions, is the most difficult aspect of this affliction for parents. The use of massage therapy has proved beneficial for autistic children who typically dislike being touched. Following massage techniques a lesser degree of autistic mannerisms are discernable. Studies have shown that autistic children become more attentive, socially aware, are less averse to touch and not as likely to withdraw after receiving a massage treatment from their parents. Massage therapy offers the nurturing all children crave and is perceived by the autistic child as non-threatening. "Given that autistic children have been reported to be opposed to physical contact, it is interesting that many massage therapists, and parents, are finding great success in the use of massage therapy with autistic children"'(Allen, 2007) The nervous system and skin emanate from the same component of the embryonic tissue. Because of this, those with an underdeveloped nervous system such as autistics, have an extreme sensitivity to even gentle touching. "A properly functioning tactile system accurately transmits information from the skin's receptors to the central nervous system. When the tactile system is immature and working improperly, neural signals sent to the brain's cortex interfere with other brain processes. This interference causes over-stimulation of the brain, making it difficult to both organize behavior and concentrate and can cause a negative emotional response to touch" (Cutler, 2007) A typical indication of autism is a child who will band their head on the wall without feeling apparent pain but recoils sharply when lightly touched. Massage therapy applied to autistic children should take this into account. "Since light touch is over-stimulating to those with autism, deeper massage techniques and joint compression are better tolerated. Utilizing methods of sustained moderate pressure can help dampen the nervous system's over-reactivity" (Cutler, 2007) Effective massage techniques have been designed specifically for those with an immature nervous system such as autistic children. The session should begin in a relaxed, quiet environment with deep massaging strokes, not light touches so that the child accepts the nurturing contact. Background music of the child's choosing often helps to create a suitable atmosphere. Initiating the massage requires performing a task previously not considered by either the parent or child and should be approached with great care and forethought. After explaining in calm, sure voice what is about to occur then "place your hands on his/her upper back or back of the head for as long as they allow. If no resistance is met, proceed and do a back or head massage using deeper strokes. If there is resistance, remove your hand, wait a few seconds, and then return your hand to its original position" (Regina-Whiteley, 2005) Some children will refuse to accept touching of any kind at first. Asking them to use their own hand to massage their leg, other hand, arm, etc. will act to reassure and calm them. The message sessions should be kept short in the beginning and slowly expanded over time. Only touch the parts of the body that the child considers comfortable and by incorporating breathing exercises helps them to relax. The principal objective in the treatment of autism is to enhance the overall capacity of a child to function in society at the highest level possible given the unique circumstances for each individual. The most important factor in the treatment of autistic children and ensuring they reach their optimum potential is identifying the developmental disorder as early as possible. The behaviors and symptoms of autism are many, varied and are capable of intertwining in a countless number of ways including different levels of severity. Additionally, an individual's behaviors and symptoms frequently change with time. Autistic children are most responsive to treatment that is specialized, amply structured and custom tailored to suit the individual's needs. Treatment programs that focus on assisting parents in improving behavioral, social, adaptive and communicative skills collectively in a positive, customized learning environment will ensure that the autistic child will be able to make the most out of their life. At the most basic level, everyone wants to feel included in social activities. Works Cited Allen, Tina August. (2007). "Massage Therapy for Children with Autism Healing Hands." March 26, 2009 Cutler, Nicole "Autistic Clients and the Value of Touch Therapy" Institute for Integrated Healthcare Studies (August 22, 2007). March 26, 2009 Manning, Anita USA Today. (October 3, 2005) "Autistic children find healing in waves" March 26, 2009 O'Connor, Anahad "A Can-Do Approach to Autistic Children and Athletics" (August 3, 2006). March 26, 2009 Read More