The discourse around autism has seriously advanced in the last fifty years; people understand it much better now. People with autism would be shunned from society altogether, or families would often keep their children locked up and out of the public eye due to fear of being ridiculed for having such a child.
However, in recent years, autism has lost the negative stigma attached to it. Psychologists and therapists have designed many of the programs which are tailored according to the needs of whatever level of autism spectrum a child or adult might be measured at. Kim Hoehne, the CEO of KGH Autism Services, has worked with autistic children for thirty years and has used these programs to deliver the best results.
The mission behind KGH Autism Services is to improve the quality of life for people with autism and their families. Kim heads a team of expert therapists who are effective, ethical, and have a true desire to help autistic children reach their potential. She encourages her employees to show compassion not only to the families that come into the clinic but also to their coworkers.
The clinic provides a selection of services that aid the child. Every child has a treatment plan that is designed according to their individual necessities.
ABA Play Based Therapy
Considered one of the most effective ways to treat children with autism, this type of therapy involves playing. At KGH, it is regarded as one of the most effective treatments and is highly recommended by the American Medical Association. Through Play Therapy, children can learn language and communication, social engagement, and conduct normal everyday tasks themselves, such as preparing themselves for school or eating on their own.
Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation
Identifying autism early on in a child’s life can lead to an improvement in their overall lifestyle. The clinic conducts evaluations that identify autism while specifying the type of autism a child might have. Early diagnosis will improve the quality of life for an autistic child. What’s more, families can also plan for the child’s future and accommodate them according to their needs.
Speech Therapy
Children with autism often struggle to communicate, finding it difficult to form words and relay their needs, emotions, and thoughts. Through Speech-Language Therapy, therapists at KGH assist children to make discernible sounds and understand the meaning of words and sentences. It also helps strengthen their communication skills and makes them aware of various forms of non-verbal communication.
Mental Health Therapy
Autism has a significant effect on a child’s emotions, anxiety, and self-esteem of a child. The team at KGH works with the children as well as the families, to improve their mental well-being. Some therapy sessions have certain activities that include the entire family. This not only brings them closer together but also allows them to understand each other.
Independent Education Evaluation
Once the child is deemed ready to start going to school, it is best to determine if they are eligible for special education at the school. Experts at KGH are more than happy to provide guidance to the family members so that they are aware of what their child might need and determine what type of special education suits them.
Occupational Therapy
For Autistic children certain sounds, smells, textures, and tastes can be overwhelming, while others might experience a delay in motor skills. At KGH, Occupational Therapy experts help children process these difficulties by regulating their emotions and guiding them on how to manage themselves if they ever begin to feel over-stimulated in any social setting. They also support children with delayed motor skills to develop coordination and provide therapy using fun activities.
Kim believes that, as therapists, she and her team have a responsibility toward the clients. By providing individualized services to autistic children and their families, they can help them understand each other better, and live their lives fully and successfully.
To get a more detailed view of the services provided at KGH, visit their website here.
