Creative Therapy for Children with Autism,ADD, and Asperger's »

It is no easy task to find a teaching technique that can truly change the course of a child with special needs. Thirty years ago, when Janet Tubbs began working with children who had low self-esteem and behavioral problems, she developed a successful program using art, music, and movement. Believing that unconventional children required unconventional therapies, she then took her program one step further-she applied it to children who had autism, ADD/ADHD, and Asperger's Syndrome. Her innovative methods and strategies not only worked, but they actually defied the experts. In this new book, Janet Tubbs has put together a powerful teaching tool to help parents, therapists, and teachers work with their children.

The book is divided into two parts. Part One provides an overview of Autism Spectrum Disorders and introduces and explains Janet's novel approach to teaching. Her goal is to balance the child's body, mind, and spirit through proven techniques. Part Two provides a wide variety of exercises, activities, and games that are both fun and effective. Each is designed to reduce hyperactivity, increase and prolong focus, decrease anger, develop fine motor skills, or improve social and verbal skills. All are part of a program created to help these children relate to their environment without fear, anxiety, or discomfort.

A child may appear stubborn and difficult, but that doesn't mean that the child isn't intelligent, curious, or creative. With the right treatment, such a child can be reached, taught, and set on the road to improvement. The lessons provided in this book may be just what you and your child have been waiting for.

Acknowledgments     vii
Introduction     1
A Creative Approach to Autism Spectrum Disorders
Unlocking Your Child's Hidden World     9
Finding the Keys to Autism Spectrum Disorders-Exploring Possible Causes and Treatments     25
Autism-Putting the Pieces Together     43
Attention Deficit Disorder-Recognizing a Gifted Child     65
Asperger's Syndrome-The Middle of the Bar     87
Nutrition-Eating With Consciousness     107
The Spiritual Meaning of Art     125
Taking the Mystery Out of Temperaments     147
Fairy Tales-The Hidden Truths     167
The Latent Power of Music     181
The Inner Nature of Color     203
Speech and Hearing     221
The Power of Puppetry     243
Supplemental Therapies     257
Activities to Enrich Body, Mind, and Spirit
Drawing Exercises     267
Fairy-Tale Exercises     275
Exercises With Music     279
Exercises With Color     283
Verbalization Activity     287
Exercises In Puppetry     289
Activity Using Movement and Sound     293
General Exercises     295
Conclusion     301
Additional Resources     305
References     309
About the Author     311
Index     313