From viewing the research data presented on The Reality of Autism, it is very clear that what we are doing right now in the treatment of Autism here in Ireland is simply not good enough. It is high time that we expected more for our children with Autism and that modern research in the field finally filters down to the homes and schools of children with Autism. We can no longer be satisfied with treatment and education methods that whilst innovative 30/40 years ago, are now completely antiquated and inadequate.
We know so much more about child development and the processes of the brain. All brains, including those of people with autism can adapt and learn to function in a “normal” way because the brain is capable of adapting to any challenge. It just needs the right guidance, the brain will only grow and adapt if it is challenged to do so.
This Just In! The Brain Changes Throughout Life
This 7 minute video is MUST-SEE viewing to understand how the brain is capable of continually changing and developing based on what we expose it to. It tells the wonderful story how 3 year old Jodi Miller coped with and recovered after having half her brain removed....and how at 19 years of age is a straight-A student.
As you can see, it provides proof that our brain is capable of
continually changing and developing based on what we expose it to. The
notion of neuroplasticity underpins our work with RDI and gives us
insight into how we as parents and professionals can do so much more to
support those with ASD and other developmental disorders to overcome
many of their challenges.
According to the theory of neuroplasticity, thinking,
learning, and acting actually change both the brain’s physical
structure (anatomy) and functional organization (physiology) from top
to bottom. – Wikipedia
Neuroplasticity is a considered a new discovery to science. Scientists
used to think that the brain was “immutable” (unchangeable). Now they
are proving that it has radical abilities to adapt and change! These
are the new scientific discoveries that RDI is based upon. Consider
this video of a young girl who had half of her brain removed. Her brain
adapted to make up for the deficiencies! Imagine what possibilities
these powers of the brain can have for those with ASD and other
disabilities. This is what RDI is about.
More than a brain: relationships are where it’s at!
How is a person who has a disability going to find the guidance and
motivation to adapt? There is really only one answer: from another
human being who cares about them. This is where RDI does its work. It’s
all about relationships. If you are a parent to a child with autism,
you need to know that you are the best and perhaps only chance for your
child to reach their true potential. You, as the parent, are the secret
to overcoming the challenges your child faces, and that’s why RDI
focuses on you and trains you on what you need to do on a daily basis
to help your child.
