[FEAT BC Admin]

This area is for discussions in general topics.

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[Sabrina Freeman]

Hi Joachim,

Floortime/DIR has been around for decades; unfortunately, until recently they didn't think that they actually had to test their protocol using the scientific method. They had all kinds of uncontrolled case studies which are almost as useless as testimonials. In 2007, the proponents of this "treatment" finally published a Cdn study where they designed an experiment. Of course, the experiment is HIGHLY flawed, but that's clearly not a problem for some.

In terms of the kind of experiment they should design, I have an entire chapter on Floortime in my book, The Complete Guide to Autism Treatments.

Here's the reader's digest though: they have to compare their treatment with best practices (quality EIBI program, 2011 state of the science) in order to see if their treatment is equal to or better than EIBI. They must not compare their treatment to the community-based treatment, which may be trumped up babysitting, to show that their treatment is effective. Unfortunately, that is exactly what they did! The criticism of some is that Lovaas did the same thing. He compared general special ed. and what was offered in the community as his control group. The difference is that back then, there was NO other effective treatment that could be used for the comparison group.

Many years ago, Lovaas challenged Greenspan to a study comparing the two. We're still waiting…

Sabrina

Note: My latest blog has a 14 minute lecture that speaks to my point above (even though the lecturer is not talking about autism).

[Julie Ng]

Thanks Dave, Jen and Stella for those kinds words. Alex does amaze us every day with his personal growth.

My next question is for Sabrina or anyone else who would like to educate me.

Note: I'm a scientific dummy, I only pay the bills. Please excuse my ignorance.

So, in regards to the Autism Speaks Floortime funding vs Lovaas ABA scientific evidence post. After reading the article I thought what parent in their right mind would put their kids in a study where their is a possibility their child would recieve no effective treatment.

What type of scientific data would clinicians need to derive to validate their claims? What's the threshold?
How would they set up this experiment to back up their treatment claims of efficacy?
What kind of control group would one use?

Are all those hundreds of Floortime books just BS with nothing to backup their thoughts?

Next thought – have they done another Lovaas ABA study/experiment in the last few years since the WEAP one way back when?

Don't be shy – chime in with your two cents worth.

Regards

Joachim

[Sabrina Freeman]

How to spot junk science, in fourteen minutes Enjoy! http://www.autismpundit.com

I know that there are lots of FEATBCers who will really love this guy!

[Sabrina Freeman]

Hi All,

Clearly I'm tired. The correct link to:
Autism Speaks should pause to listen, for just a moment is http://www.autismpundit.com

Sorry about that!

[Sabrina Freeman]

Autism Speaks should pause to listen, for just a moment

http://www.autismspeaks.com

[Sabrina Freeman]

The Law of Unintended Consequences Meets Autism Mandates: Why Autism and Asperger's Syndrome Seem Interchangeable

This is about an article that has just been released in the U.S.; however, it has implications for Canadians

http://www.autismpundit.com

[Sabrina Freeman]

Negligence by reclassification… http://www.autismpundit.com Here's another perspective on the autism disability debate.

[Sabrina Freeman]

A dog sees only in black and white, but WE can see a rainbow of possibilities http://www.autismpundit.com This is actually great for an ABA program (as long as you don't mind doing ABA with the dog as well)!

[Sabrina Freeman]

Microsoft and Autism Have Kinected http://www.autismpundit.com This is a great tool!

[Barbara Rodrigues]

To All Parents – Especially new parents!

If you missed the last workshop -here's your chance to attend!

http://www.medicareforautismnow.org/advocacy/advocacy-workshops/getting-it-done-workshop/

Things have not always been so easy for the under 6 set – it was through sacrifice and battle that the funds you now receive so easily were won through the courts. Many years before my son was not so lucky – I was cut off from all funding –not once but twice – I walked a picket line for over 100 days in protest and to fight for funding for my son and all kids with autism. Today things are better – but it’s not guaranteed and when you venture into the school system – as we have seen with current events – things can go downhill quickly.

Case in point – our rights to have individualized funding has been taken away…there have been no increases to our funds for the over 6 set. And look at what is happening to the older kids with autism when they turn 19 – the news is full of the horror stories.

So sadly without autism treatment being covered under Medical – our battle for our children will continue over their lifetime. You parents have the opportunity to learn a great deal at this workshop – and to have more tools – and more ammunition/skills in order to effectively fight for your child. You may not need these tools now – but trust me – you will need them at some point – there is a long road ahead for both you and your child. Battles will have to be fought The more prepared you are the better.

Please take this rare opportunity to learn one of the most important things you need to move ahead on this journey of autism that you share with your child – learn how to advocate for them. I am sure you would fight for to death for your child but this workshop gives you the skills and guidance to do that effectively and to take the raw emotion that we as parents dealing with incompetence find hard to do. Give you and your child this workshop – the gift of power .

Barbara Rodrigues
Jeremy's Mom

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