SON-RISE PROGRAMAn intervention for children with autism

Sarah Jane CalubOT 3210

HISTORY• created by the Kaufmans when son

Raun was diagnosed with severe autism

• Raun was considered incurable; had an IQ of less than 30

• Raun’s parents were told he would never speak or learn to communicate

• In an effort to reach out to their son, the Kaufmans created the Son-Rise Program

• As the first beneficiary of the program, Raun completely ‘recovered’ from autism and went on to graduate at an Ivy League university. He now trains and teaches families about SRP at the Autism Treatment Center of America (ATCA).

WHAT IS THE SRP?• system of treatment designed to help parents and caregivers enable

their children to improve in all areas of learning, development, communication, and skill acquisition

• techniques and principles for implementing a stimulating, high-energy, one-on one, home-based, child-centered program

• first to suggest that children on the autism spectrum had the potential for ‘extraordinary healing and growth’

• unlocks mystery behind behavior• facilitates eye contact• displays appreciation of behaviors, thus discouraging ‘-isms’ by

teaching the child that ‘-ism’ is no longer effective way to shut out the world

• inclusion of others at play• once child is engaged, child is celebrated, then taught a new skill or

word

JOINING

PARENT-FACILITATED• SRP places parents in the ‘therapist’ and ‘managerial’ role

• parents are trained at the ATCA, Option Institute, or Start-Up program to learn the skills needed to implement the SRP in their own home

• parents recruit a team of volunteers to help with one-on-one interactive play

• parents hold team meetings to track the child’s progress

• home is used as most nurturing environment for the child

• one room in the house is converted into a playroom

• specifically designed to minimize distractions

• key objects: mirror, trampoline, yoga ball, toys out of child’s direct reach

PLAYROOM

KEY PHILOSOPHIES

• respect and deep caring are most impacting factors in a child’s motivation to learn

• love and acceptance are meaningful parts of the teaching process

• using a child’s motivation prepares them for education and skill acquisition

• teaching through interactive play leads to meaningful socialization and communication