Autistic Adults at Bittersweet Farms

ISBN-13: 9781560240426 / Angielski / Twarda / 1991 / 226 str.

Norman Giddan;Jane J Giddan

Opis

Autistic Adults at Bittersweet Farms is a touching view of an inspirational residential care program for autistic adolescents and adults. This compelling book focuses on adult autism treated through the concepts used at Bittersweet Farms, an 80-acre farm in northwest Ohio. Through historical rationale for a therapeutic community, a comparison between the Bittersweet Farms model and treatment settings in the United Kingdom, specific treatments and training programs at Bittersweet Farms, and staff, parent, and resident viewpoints, the innovative program--based on the premise that adults with autism continue to need special care and training throughout their lives--is brought to life.

Divided into three sections, Autistic Adults at Bittersweet Farms returns repeatedly to the concept behind the program--molding autistic adults into contributing members of society in their own ways. Section One includes a potpourri of information, giving a glimpse of the range of models available for treatment and what makes each program a success. Taking a closer look at program considerations within various community settings, the second section examines behavior modification techniques in training autistic children and educating their parents. As politics play an important role in developing an innovative care program like Bittersweet Farms, the final section delves into regulations and funding for different types of residential care programs. Ending on a very human and optimistic note, section three closes with three personal accounts of life and work at Bittersweet Farms from a staff member, a resident, and a parent, with each praising a different aspect of the total person care environment of Bittersweet Farms. Occupational and physical therapists, policymakers, educators, and parents of autistic children will be encouraged from reading this outstanding book.

Spis treści

Contents
Preface

• Introduction Section I: Treatment Environments: Residential and Community-Based
• Historical Rationale of the Therapeutic Community
• Farmstead Residential Community: Bittersweet Farms
• A Potpourri of Information From Staff
• Treatment Settings in the United Kingdom for Autistic Adults
• Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children
• Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children
• Section II: Individual Treatment and Training
• Consulting Behavioral Management Team
• Communication Issues
• Farm Life and Physical Activitiy
• Music and the Handbell Choir
• Behavioral and Research Influences on Educational and Clinical Programs
• Section III: Practical Issues and Viewpoints
• State Funding Regulations
• Funding and Politics
• Perspectives on Bittersweet Farms
• Adaptation and Change in a Residential Farmstead Community
• Index

O autorze

Norman Giddan, Jane J. Giddan