Communication impairments are one of the core symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). People with ASD can be slow to begin talking, or may not learn to talk at all; others may learn to produce words and sentences but have difficulty using them effectively to accomplish social interactive goals. At the beginning, many families do not fully grasp that communication is much more than being able to understand and use spoken language as communication begins with non-verbal communication. Also joint attention and sharing experiences through looks and gestures are key parts of early communication. Most children on the spectrum will learn to talk, but how well they can understand and use spoken language varies
TTherefore, at Oasis children are provided with one to one speech and communication therapy using SCERTS framework. The basic aim is to develop spontaneous, functional communication abilities along with emotional regulatory capabilities in children on ASD.
A high percentage of children with autism demonstrate difficulty coordinating visual and vestibular responses i.e. they may have problems in orienting and attending to relevant visual stimuli
Therefore, at Oasis our certified occupational therapist assesses and focuses on the core learning needs of these children whi ch include fine and gross motor skills, self help skills, and organizational skills. Our occupational therapists takes into account the physical, social, emotional, sensory and cognitive abilities of the child and accordingly provide one to one therapy sessions based on child’s needs.
Children on Autism Spectrum Disorder tend to exhibit significantly different patterns of sensory processing. Sensory processing is the ability of the brain to take in and make sense of information received through our senses of: touch (tactile); hearing (auditory); taste (gustatory); smell (olfactory); sight (visual); proprioceptive (body position) and vestibular (balance). It allows us to make sense of the world around us and how to respond to it.
Children with ASD are either oversensitive or under-sensitive to that information and therefore can become easily upset by noises, lights or touch or they feel the need to bite, smell or fiddle. These difficulties in the modulation of sensory input cause problems in their ability to make social relations.
Thus, in order to regulate the sensory processing balance, we at Oasis assess their sensitivities and provide them with activities to address their sensory needs. Some children are often prescribed a sensory diet plan based on their gustatory sensitivities. Along with this children also visit our specially equipped sensory room where they engage in various sensory activities.
Children on Autism Spectrum are often delayed in acquiring motor (movement) skills and may have difficulty with motor coordination, postural control, and imitating the movements of other people. At Oasis our certified physiotherapists provide our students with individual physiotherapy sessions. The aim is to develop gross and fine motor skills, eye, hand, foot coordination and address issues concerning movement, balance and stability. These sessions are conducted on a daily basis.
For typically developing children, engaging in pleasurable, imaginative and socially interactive activity is a natural part of life. In contrast, many children with autism spectrum disorders do not play in a manner that is beneficial to development. Skill deficits and interfering problem behaviors often inhibit productive play in children with autism spectrum disorders; therefore, this crucial aspect of development is the target of our Play skills therapy.In addition to addressing skill deficits, at Oasis we also emphasize on developing the intrinsic desire to play in the child.
Many additional studies have found that children and adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) respond well to music. Often, children with autism respond positively to music when little else is able to get their attention, which makes music a potential therapeutic tool. Therefore, at Oasis children are provided with group and individualized music therapy sessions on a daily basis. Also keeping in view their sensitivity to anxiety they are provided with classical music therapy sessions on daily basis to alleviate their anxiety and to keep them calm.
Sometimes the difficulties faced by children with ASD can lead to feelings of confusion, anxiety or lack of control, resulting in behavioral responses. Using TEACCH framework we at Oasis manage these behaviors by providing these children predictability, choices and a safe environment based on their individual needs.
People with ASD are often visual thinkers. Expressing feelings and ideas through images is very natural for such children and can be a relief from the daily struggle to use words effectively. Art being a form of expression that requires little or no verbal interaction opens doors to communication for such children. Thus, at Oasis we provide our children with individualized art therapy sessions based on child’s interests to help them process their memories and express themselves through drawings.
Gardening is the practice of growing and cultivating plants as part of horticulture. In gardens, ornamental plants are often grown for their flowers, foliage, or overall appearance; useful plants, such as root vegetables, leaf vegetables, fruits, and herbs, are grown for consumption, for use as dyes, or for medicinal or cosmetic use. Gardening is considered to be a relaxing activity for many people.
Vocational education can take place at the secondary, post-secondary, further education, and higher education level; and can interact with the apprenticeship system. At the post-secondary level, vocational education is often provided by a highly specialized institute of technology/polytechnic, or by a university, or by a local community college.