Dear Eileen, We tried a very brief stint with NACD just before I decided to do a staight Son-Rise program. There is an eleven year old child in my county who is considered "recovered" from autism after participating in a neurological program developed by NACD. I had hoped I could combine the two programs, but it really didn't work out.
The biggest problem was that I was told to prevent him from spinning, lining up letters, and other stimulatory behaviors. The second problem was that he didn't want to do the exercises. The third problem was he became more sound sensitive doing Samonis. (Samonis really helps some kids, like the recovered child in my county.) Perhaps I gave up too quickly, but I didn't want to chance it.
I believe the book you are referring too was written by Glenn Doman, Bob Doman's father. Glenn Doman's program is different and sometimes involves patterning.
There are a lot of different programs that have had good results for autistic children. It is enough to make one crazy with decisions, but ultimately the question I ask myself is, "how do you want to be with him?"
I want him to be happy and know he is loved and accepted. The rest that has bloomed is just a bonus.
I did learn some techniques from NACD that I built on and modified. For example, I just can't spin for a long time with Josh because I get nauseated, so I spun him in a swivel chair instead. After three turns in one direction I stop, ask him if he wants to go the other way, and if he does, I say "Okay, I'm going to spin you, but first can you look in my eyes? I really love that."
It became a great game for practicing eye contact, kisses, say "I love you" etc. He told me when he was ready to stop. In less than a week spinning dissapeared and we stopped playing that game. Once in awhile it resurfaces and we play again.
I don't have any issues with him spinning and he loves it when I join him, but the chair allows me to participate and I don't throw up. Love, Jen
Son-Rise
Program Information
- for families with special children. The New Son-Rise Program Catalog is
now available! 32 pages packed with information, photos, stories, endorsements,
Q&A's, and practical tools to help you get started with the Son-Rise Program®
right away. This is the most comprehensive catalog we've ever produced.
Request our free catalog.
Back to top