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The HANDLE Institute has a real grasp on autism
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Source: Amazon.com
The HANDLE Institute in Seattle Washington is a non-drug approach to aide in resolving neurodevelopmental disorders. The Holistic Approach to NeuroDevelopment and Learning Efficiency (HANDLE) was developed about 15 years ago by Judith Bluestone. Judith was born December 1944 in Chicago. At this time there was little known about autistic behaviors, and when these behaviors were diagnosed the only way it was treated was to be institutionalized, she escaped the diagnosis but certainly did not escape the torment at home or in society. Over a period of nearly 35 years in her field of neurodevelopmental disorders she has helped many families that had a member who displayed autistic behaviors.
HANDLE begins with an evaluation. It is a two hour assessment focusing on the history, and concerns. A Certified Practitioner of HANDLE will do this assessment in the presence of the family, care givers or support persons in a non-stressful, non-judgmental environment. The child is engaged in activities while the practitioner notes behaviors, patterns, strengths, and weakness. After the evaluation the practitioner will develop a profile of the clients neurological processing. It follows presenting concerns back to the beginning. Utilizing the clients developmental history, including gestational issues, nutrition, allergies, other special health issues and more to gain the total environment in which these roots developed. These are used merely as part of a profile not a cause of blame.
Both client and family receive a well explained discussion of the results. They will also receive recommendations and the reason behind them. Nutritional and environmental accommodations may be suggested such as reducing sounds or adjusting lighting.
All programs are designed to be easily preformed in the client's home. Videos of clinical sessions provide a reference point for use by the family. Recommended activities are simply and can be done as a sequence or broken down. Some activities require help from a family member.
After two weeks of in-home treatments an appointment is required to discuss any fine tuning that may need to be done. It also provides an opportunity to adjust any activities to the client's progress. Every four to six weeks additional reviews are suggested. Many clients have seen results within the first few months. If an in-person visit is not possible then the practitioner will work with the client as much as possible. There are many alternatives such as videos, emails, and even over the phone help can be provided.
For additional information about HANDLE and how to become involved please visit www.handle.org or email support@handle.org For additional reading The Fabric of Autism by Judith Bluestone is available at amazon.com
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