Amongst many other things this autism expert talked about was behavior management as treatment. He said early behavior management is so important for people with autism to "keep their behaviors similar to the rest of the community" and so other children won't think they are "weird". My heart was breaking for all the children out there who are tortured (I know its a strong word) by their therapists so that they can appear "normal". The lecturer talked about one of the first things he teaches kids is to kiss and hug their parents because "parents need to be rewarded... even if their kids don't mean it."
I could go on and on picking apart his lecture, but I will stop there. Parents you need to know that spontaneous hugs and kisses are possible, and when they happen you will know your kids mean it, and I think that is soooo much more powerful! And, they can happen while you are having fun rejoicing in who your child really is without having to make them someone else society will like. And they can happen while you are helping your child develop the social skills he or she needs to make friends and thrive in the world!
I am so grateful to know of the Son-Rise program. I have seen and tried other therapies and while I know those people who do them are doing the best they can with the information they have, I have never seen the results and happiness from the children with autism as I have with this program. I want to help the world learn what I know. If any of you would like help please contact me at katrina.kramlich@gmail.com