#4C – INTRODUCTION to COMPLEMENTARY & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE (CAMs) with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker
The following programs, therapies & interventions are described in alphabetical order, without intent or suggestion of status or effectiveness –
< My Thoughts >
**NOTE: Approach all of these Complementary & Alternative Medicine treatments with CAUTION. None have been approved for use for children and/or adults with Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder and could be life threatening. I offer this only as an attempt to give you some information as to what you may hear or see when investigating Programs, Therapies & Interventions. A tip of the iceberg, so to speak. Now it’s up to you to investigate them thoroughly, before you move forward with a plan.
Protect your child and your wallet. And remember… that as well as creating a Therapy Program, the principal of the program has created a business which is bound by city, county, state, and/or federal business restrictions. This means that they must meet all professional standards, certification, and licensing requirements. It’s up to you to find out if they do. And… you are bound by any contractual agreements that you sign. Just saying… S.
COMPLEMENTARY & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE (CAMs);
Such as –
POST (1-2) Acupuncture, Animal Assisted Therapy
POST (3-4) Auditory Integration Therapy, Chelation Therapy
POST (5-6) Creative Therapy (art & music & dance & theatre),
Facilitated Communication,
POST (7-9) Hyperbaric Therapy, Immunoglobulin Infusions, Massage Therapy,
POST (10-12) Physical Activity Program, Stem Cell Therapy, Vitamin Supplement Therapy
ALSO, PROCEED WITH CAUTION. Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAMs) treatments are still very controversial and may even be very dangerous. Before starting any treatment program, investigate thoroughly, and ALWAYS, ALWAYS talk to your child’s doctor first.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Definition –
According to Senel (2009) Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) term is being used for defining health-related products and practices which are NOT part of conventional medicine. For example, herbal supplements, acupuncture, chiropractic manipulation; and more recently biofeedback and chelation.
Senel thinks that possibly disappointments with conventional medicine motivates people to try CAMs. Among the believers, she feels are those who ignore contradictive beliefs and lack of scientific inquiry. She thought the study reflected that the parents’ personal experience may have simply been about a change in diet, and/or increased exercise and/or relaxation. In other words, a more positive lifestyle change.
In the study mentioned here, parents reported that they were overall, very optimistic about this intervention. In study surveys, parents rated CAMs as either ‘improving their child dramatically’ or, ‘improving their child somewhat’. It was also stated that many of the requested parent surveys were not returned to the study, for whatever reason.
To learn more about CAM therapies, go to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; https://nccih.nih.gov.
< My Thoughts > **Remember… As well as creating a practice or program, the principal must meet all professional standards, certification, and licensing. It’s up to you to find out if they do. Smiles.
Reference used:
Senel, H. (2009). Parents’ Views & Experiences About Complementary & Alternative Medicine Treatments for Their Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Springer Science & Business Media; Novemer 2009.
================
Additional Treatment Resources
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders has a website to help individuals with an ASD who have communication challenges.
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research has a website to help health professionals with the oral health care needs of patients with an ASD.
Clinical Trials.Gov lists federally funded clinical trials that are looking for participants. If you or someone you know would like to take part in an autism study, go to the website and search “autism.”
The Autism Treatment Network (ATN) seeks to create standards of medical treatment that will be made broadly available to physicians, researchers, parents, policy makers, and others who want to improve the care of individuals with autism. ATN is also developing a shared national medical database to record the results of treatments and studies at any of their five established regional treatment centers.
The following programs, therapies & interventions are described in alphabetical order, without intent or suggestion of status or effectiveness –
< My Thoughts >
**NOTE: Approach all of these Complementary & Alternative Medicine treatments with CAUTION. None have been approved for use for children and/or adults with Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder and could be life threatening. I offer this only as an attempt to give you some information as to what you may hear or see when investigating Programs, Therapies & Interventions. A tip of the iceberg, so to speak. Now it’s up to you to investigate them thoroughly, before you move forward with a plan.
Protect your child and your wallet. And remember… that as well as creating a Therapy Program, the principal of the program has created a business which is bound by city, county, state, and/or federal business restrictions. This means that they must meet all professional standards, certification, and licensing requirements. It’s up to you to find out if they do. And… you are bound by any contractual agreements that you sign. Just saying… S.
COMPLEMENTARY & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE (CAMs);
Such as –
- acupuncture
- animal assisted therapy
- auditory integration therapy
- chelation therapy
- creative therapy (art & music & dance)
- facilitated communication
- hyperbaric oxygen therapy
- immunoglobulin infusions
- massage therapy
- physical activity program
- stem cell therapy
- vitamin supplements
POST (1-2) Acupuncture, Animal Assisted Therapy
POST (3-4) Auditory Integration Therapy, Chelation Therapy
POST (5-6) Creative Therapy (art & music & dance & theatre),
Facilitated Communication,
POST (7-9) Hyperbaric Therapy, Immunoglobulin Infusions, Massage Therapy,
POST (10-12) Physical Activity Program, Stem Cell Therapy, Vitamin Supplement Therapy
ALSO, PROCEED WITH CAUTION. Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAMs) treatments are still very controversial and may even be very dangerous. Before starting any treatment program, investigate thoroughly, and ALWAYS, ALWAYS talk to your child’s doctor first.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Definition –
According to Senel (2009) Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) term is being used for defining health-related products and practices which are NOT part of conventional medicine. For example, herbal supplements, acupuncture, chiropractic manipulation; and more recently biofeedback and chelation.
Senel thinks that possibly disappointments with conventional medicine motivates people to try CAMs. Among the believers, she feels are those who ignore contradictive beliefs and lack of scientific inquiry. She thought the study reflected that the parents’ personal experience may have simply been about a change in diet, and/or increased exercise and/or relaxation. In other words, a more positive lifestyle change.
In the study mentioned here, parents reported that they were overall, very optimistic about this intervention. In study surveys, parents rated CAMs as either ‘improving their child dramatically’ or, ‘improving their child somewhat’. It was also stated that many of the requested parent surveys were not returned to the study, for whatever reason.
To learn more about CAM therapies, go to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; https://nccih.nih.gov.
< My Thoughts > **Remember… As well as creating a practice or program, the principal must meet all professional standards, certification, and licensing. It’s up to you to find out if they do. Smiles.
Reference used:
Senel, H. (2009). Parents’ Views & Experiences About Complementary & Alternative Medicine Treatments for Their Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Springer Science & Business Media; Novemer 2009.
================
Additional Treatment Resources
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders has a website to help individuals with an ASD who have communication challenges.
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research has a website to help health professionals with the oral health care needs of patients with an ASD.
Clinical Trials.Gov lists federally funded clinical trials that are looking for participants. If you or someone you know would like to take part in an autism study, go to the website and search “autism.”
The Autism Treatment Network (ATN) seeks to create standards of medical treatment that will be made broadly available to physicians, researchers, parents, policy makers, and others who want to improve the care of individuals with autism. ATN is also developing a shared national medical database to record the results of treatments and studies at any of their five established regional treatment centers.
Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAMs 1 - 12) with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker will be presented in separate posts, as follows –
POST (1-2) Acupuncture, Animal Assisted Therapy
POST (3-4) Auditory Integration Therapy, Chelation Therapy
POST (5-6) Creative Therapy (art & music & dance & theatre),
Facilitated Communication,
POST (7-9) Hyperbaric Therapy, Immunoglobulin Infusions, Massage Therapy,
POST (10-12) Physical Activity Program, Stem Cell Therapy, Vitamin Supplement Therapy
Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAMs 1 - 12) with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker
BEGINS HERE! At any time... PLEASE USE BACK ARROW (<----) TO RETURN TO MAIN PAGE...
POST (1-2) Acupuncture, Animal Assisted Therapy
POST (1-2) Acupuncture, Animal Assisted Therapy
POST (3-4) Auditory Integration Therapy, Chelation Therapy
POST (5-6) Creative Therapy (art & music & dance & theatre),
Facilitated Communication,
POST (7-9) Hyperbaric Therapy, Immunoglobulin Infusions, Massage Therapy,
POST (10-12) Physical Activity Program, Stem Cell Therapy, Vitamin Supplement Therapy
Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAMs 1 - 12) with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker
BEGINS HERE! At any time... PLEASE USE BACK ARROW (<----) TO RETURN TO MAIN PAGE...
POST (1-2) Acupuncture, Animal Assisted Therapy
1. Acupuncture
Retrieved from: https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2014/09/17/autism
Autism Treatment through Traditional Chinese Medicine –
The acupuncturist must meet national and state standards through examination and certification process, according to the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
Tongue diagnosis is a central piece of the Chinese medical diagnostic system because the tongue is the only organ that can be seen externally. Its condition - color, thickness, dryness, smell and superficial growth reflects the condition of the heart and helps doctors determine treatment. Autism has been treated with acupuncture and massage. These two methods can be a difficult undertaking. It can take time for a child to adjust to touch treatments.
Wong (2009) tells us that Chinese Herbal Medicine has been used throughout the ages as a complement to acupuncture in order to balance the body’s opposite forces of Ying & Yang to interconnect them. Many parents, Wong says, have taken herbal medicines themselves and don’t believe them to be dangerous. However, studies show there are many contaminants in botanicals and without professional knowledge of the plants, severe complications, even death can occur. He states that while many Western doctors are well-trained in acupuncture and herbal medicine, this therapy is still considered ‘unconventional’.
< My Thoughts > **Remember… As well as creating a practice or program, the principal must meet all qualifying professional standards, certification, and licensing. It’s up to you to find out if they do. Smiles.
References used:
Wong, V. (2009). Use of Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM) in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Comparison of Chinese & Western Culture; Journal of Autism Developmental Disorders; V43, p.2720 – 2725.
==============
Retrieved from: https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2014/09/17/autism
Autism Treatment through Traditional Chinese Medicine –
The acupuncturist must meet national and state standards through examination and certification process, according to the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
Tongue diagnosis is a central piece of the Chinese medical diagnostic system because the tongue is the only organ that can be seen externally. Its condition - color, thickness, dryness, smell and superficial growth reflects the condition of the heart and helps doctors determine treatment. Autism has been treated with acupuncture and massage. These two methods can be a difficult undertaking. It can take time for a child to adjust to touch treatments.
Wong (2009) tells us that Chinese Herbal Medicine has been used throughout the ages as a complement to acupuncture in order to balance the body’s opposite forces of Ying & Yang to interconnect them. Many parents, Wong says, have taken herbal medicines themselves and don’t believe them to be dangerous. However, studies show there are many contaminants in botanicals and without professional knowledge of the plants, severe complications, even death can occur. He states that while many Western doctors are well-trained in acupuncture and herbal medicine, this therapy is still considered ‘unconventional’.
< My Thoughts > **Remember… As well as creating a practice or program, the principal must meet all qualifying professional standards, certification, and licensing. It’s up to you to find out if they do. Smiles.
References used:
Wong, V. (2009). Use of Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM) in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Comparison of Chinese & Western Culture; Journal of Autism Developmental Disorders; V43, p.2720 – 2725.
==============
2. Animal Assisted Therapy
In studies where children with autism are shown pictures of humans and pictures of animals in order to see which group they reacted to most; overall the children respond more to the pictures of animals.
The animals used widely in therapy with the child were the following –
- dogs
- dolphins
- horses
< My Thoughts > It’s hard to know whether or not the animal is the determining factor in the child’s behavioral change. Reviews showed increased social interaction and reported attempted communication, during the presence of an animal. But, this was not supported with any empirical study that I could find.
About Dog Assisted Therapy, Butterly, et al. (2013) interviewed “five providers who prepared dogs to work with a wide range of conditions and behaviors, mainly Asperger’s syndrome, autism and communication disorders. The majority felt that after placement of the service dog the recipient had improved attention span, communication skills, and increased familial cohesion.”
They established that “the parent was to be the primary handler of the dog, to maintain the training of the dog and to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both the dog and the child.” They also found in their inquiry that recipients “tended to overestimate the gains” expected from the dog placement. But they also said that there were unexpected gains in the reduced anxiety, increased empathy, and increased activities as a family.
Grandgeorge and her colleagues (2012), did a study that “evaluated the association between the presence or the arrival of pets in families with an individual with autism and the changes in his or her prosocial behaviors.” This was a rather large study of 260 individuals with autism who had the ability to engage in pro-social behavior. Two groups were assessed (through a parent questionnaire) about the presence or absence of pets in the household and whether or not new pro-social behavior occurred in the child with autism.
In one group the children had been born into a household with a pet. In the other group, called the ‘pet arrival’ group, 5-year-old children were given a new pet. The results showed that the pet-child relationship was more qualitative (quality of pro-social behavior… ‘offering to share’ and ‘offering comfort’) than quantitative (number of times this behavior occurred). The conclusion was that more related studies were needed to better understand how the ‘pet-child’ relationship might improve pro-social behavior in the ASD child.
< My Thoughts > Just so you know… The field of Animal Therapy is relatively new, therefore licensing and credentials may not be standard throughout the nation. Look under Animal Assisted Therapy, as an Animal Therapist works on animals, not humans. Smiles. It seems that there are several degrees available, those who are Human Service Specialists already, who want to incorporate the use of an animal as part of their therapy program. And, those who can help a family obtain a service animal for their child for support and comfort.
And, just a little background in this area – My husband and I trained assistance dogs for handicapped children, for several years. For our program candidates to receive the dog we interviewed the families several times and we made home visits to assess the appropriateness of the setting the dog would be living in.
We also had a strict ‘follow-up’ procedure where we made ‘surprise’ visits to the home to evaluate how the placement was succeeding. There have been cases where we found the dog chained-up in the backyard, or sharing space with other family dogs; instead of staying by the side of the child it was intended to serve and protect. At that point, contractually we had the right to remove the dog. Just saying.
< My Thoughts > **Remember… As well as creating a practice or program, the principal must meet all qualifying professional standards, certification, and licensing. It’s up to you to find out if they do. Smiles.
=============
About Dolphin Assisted Therapy, Rollins (2010) reveals that according to legends from around the world, the fascination and enchantment with dolphins goes back to time immemorial. Part of this euphoric and joyful experience could be based on the dolphins’ gentle behavior toward humans, she says.
She continues that although some research is available, most claims of the healing power of dolphins are anecdotal. And that the environment in which these interactions take place may also hold a key to the impact of freedom from gravity. Or, it’s because of the affect that the buoyant force of flotation and immersion in water is known to have in releasing certain brain chemicals.
The programs she talks about involve both dolphins in captivity and in the wild. Therapy includes interactions at poolside – such as a swim offered as a reward for the completion of a task or a dorsal fin ride. More structured interactions are the activities where the participant is made to feel s/he is ‘looking after’ the dolphin by feeding or grooming it.
< My Thoughts > Finding and visiting dolphins near you, let alone Dolphin Assisted Therapy near you… could be tough! One U.S. program that I found was named for, and continued in the name of, a deceased person. No one else in the organization had his necessary credentials. The principal was there in ‘name’ only. Remember, you can only put your child in the most qualified hands when perusing any program. Just saying.
A European therapy program offered these qualifications for the professional staff, in their Dolphin Assisted Therapy program. This is just to use for comparison, unless of course you find yourself in this exotic place.
This program offers all of these professionals on staff during therapy times –
< My Thoughts > **Remember… As well as creating a practice or program, the principal must meet all qualifying professional standards, certification, and licensing. It’s up to you to find out if they do. Smiles.
She continues that although some research is available, most claims of the healing power of dolphins are anecdotal. And that the environment in which these interactions take place may also hold a key to the impact of freedom from gravity. Or, it’s because of the affect that the buoyant force of flotation and immersion in water is known to have in releasing certain brain chemicals.
The programs she talks about involve both dolphins in captivity and in the wild. Therapy includes interactions at poolside – such as a swim offered as a reward for the completion of a task or a dorsal fin ride. More structured interactions are the activities where the participant is made to feel s/he is ‘looking after’ the dolphin by feeding or grooming it.
< My Thoughts > Finding and visiting dolphins near you, let alone Dolphin Assisted Therapy near you… could be tough! One U.S. program that I found was named for, and continued in the name of, a deceased person. No one else in the organization had his necessary credentials. The principal was there in ‘name’ only. Remember, you can only put your child in the most qualified hands when perusing any program. Just saying.
A European therapy program offered these qualifications for the professional staff, in their Dolphin Assisted Therapy program. This is just to use for comparison, unless of course you find yourself in this exotic place.
This program offers all of these professionals on staff during therapy times –
- zoologist/trainer with a specialty in dolphin behavior
- physical therapist who works with special needs children on both land and water
- speech development specialist/therapist qualified to use ‘earphone’ equipment.
- massage therapist trained in ‘aqua healing’ massage
- psychological consulting for both parents & children, by a trained professional
- registered nurse trained in water rescue and fist aid
< My Thoughts > **Remember… As well as creating a practice or program, the principal must meet all qualifying professional standards, certification, and licensing. It’s up to you to find out if they do. Smiles.
About Horse Assisted Therapy, O’Haire (2013) says that animals have helped many kids with autism improve their speech and social skills, but these case studies have been largely isolated. Now, the first scientific study of horse therapy finds its many benefits may have had to do with the rhythm of the ride. A study of 42 children with autism, 6 to 16 years old, found that riding and grooming horses significantly bettered behavioral symptoms. The author says she always speculated that the many behavior benefits of horse therapy were due to the child experiencing the simple rhythmic motion of riding on a horse.
Compared with kids who had participated in non-animal therapy those exposed to horses showed more improvement in social skills and motor skills. O’Haire continues, "I think the horse might serve as a surrogate motor system for individuals with autism." As well, rhythmic coordination issues underlie many of the symptoms of autism, including repetitive behaviors and difficulty in communicating. These impairments affect the unconscious social behaviors that most of us take for granted. Such as the rhythmic coordination of pausing after questions, or walking in step with others while talking.
< My Thoughts > The Equine Assisted Therapist requires and understanding of both horses and humans. The horse itself must complete and rigorous training program and be battle tested. Some of the therapist competency requirements are listed here –
**Remember… As well as creating a practice or program, the principal must meet all qualifying professional standards, certification, and licensing. It’s up to you to find out if they do. Smiles.
References used:
Butterly, F., Percy, C., Ward, G. (2013). Brief Report: Do Service Dog Providers Placing Dogs with Children with Developmental Disabilities Use Outcome Measures and, if so, What Are They?; Journal of Autism Developmental Disorders; V43, p.2720 – 2725.
Grandgeorge, M. (2012). Does Pet Arrival Trigger Prosocial Behaviors in Individuals with Autism?; Public Library of Science: San Francisco, CA.
Raj, A. (2012). Horses Soothe Kids with Autism; Scientific American Mind; Vol. 23, Issue 3
Rollins, J. (2010). Swimming with the Dolphins; Letter to the Editor; Pediatric Nursing; Vol. 36 Issue 5, p234-234.
Additional Resource: From the author of The Horse Boy: A Father’s Quest to Heal His Son, by Rupert Isaacson; eBook Edition 2009 & The Long Ride Home: The Extraordinary Journey of Healing That Changed a Child's Life by Rupert Isaacson; eBook Edition 2015 (Extended Reviews with < My Thoughts > on my website www.sarasautismsite.com).
NOTE:
Rupert’s Horse Therapy Program HORSE WORLD can be found Online: horseboyworld.com and kidsmustmove.com
END of POST (1-2) Acupuncture, Animal Assisted Therapy with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker
NEXT, find POST (3-4) Auditory Integration Therapy, Chelation Therapy
===============
Compared with kids who had participated in non-animal therapy those exposed to horses showed more improvement in social skills and motor skills. O’Haire continues, "I think the horse might serve as a surrogate motor system for individuals with autism." As well, rhythmic coordination issues underlie many of the symptoms of autism, including repetitive behaviors and difficulty in communicating. These impairments affect the unconscious social behaviors that most of us take for granted. Such as the rhythmic coordination of pausing after questions, or walking in step with others while talking.
< My Thoughts > The Equine Assisted Therapist requires and understanding of both horses and humans. The horse itself must complete and rigorous training program and be battle tested. Some of the therapist competency requirements are listed here –
- human psychology/human development
- facilitation skills with focus on client’s safety
- group dynamics managing & conflict safety
- equine psychology, behavior & welfare
- horsemanship skills
- management, technique & application of horse equipment
- supervision, mentoring, and assessment of client
**Remember… As well as creating a practice or program, the principal must meet all qualifying professional standards, certification, and licensing. It’s up to you to find out if they do. Smiles.
References used:
Butterly, F., Percy, C., Ward, G. (2013). Brief Report: Do Service Dog Providers Placing Dogs with Children with Developmental Disabilities Use Outcome Measures and, if so, What Are They?; Journal of Autism Developmental Disorders; V43, p.2720 – 2725.
Grandgeorge, M. (2012). Does Pet Arrival Trigger Prosocial Behaviors in Individuals with Autism?; Public Library of Science: San Francisco, CA.
Raj, A. (2012). Horses Soothe Kids with Autism; Scientific American Mind; Vol. 23, Issue 3
Rollins, J. (2010). Swimming with the Dolphins; Letter to the Editor; Pediatric Nursing; Vol. 36 Issue 5, p234-234.
Additional Resource: From the author of The Horse Boy: A Father’s Quest to Heal His Son, by Rupert Isaacson; eBook Edition 2009 & The Long Ride Home: The Extraordinary Journey of Healing That Changed a Child's Life by Rupert Isaacson; eBook Edition 2015 (Extended Reviews with < My Thoughts > on my website www.sarasautismsite.com).
NOTE:
Rupert’s Horse Therapy Program HORSE WORLD can be found Online: horseboyworld.com and kidsmustmove.com
END of POST (1-2) Acupuncture, Animal Assisted Therapy with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker
NEXT, find POST (3-4) Auditory Integration Therapy, Chelation Therapy
===============
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