Life Span Approach for Compressive Intervention System for Individual with ASD
Hussain Ali Maseeh, Psy.D.
Community Development Authority
Social Care Expert
Dr. Maseeh is a Social Care Expert at the Community Development Authority and Adjunct Assistant Professor at Zayed University. He was the Director of Dubai Early Childhood Development Center from 2007 until June 2009. He has also worked in the Executive Office (Social Authority Project) and was Head of the Screening, Early Diagnosis and Intervention Center (SEDIC)for Takamul.
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders are defined as pervasive and lifelong disorder that affects children prior to age 3. The chronic nature of this disorder and the fact that it affects various areas of the person’s life such as health, schooling, socialization and independence, requires a lifelong intervention and management. Intervention is not limited to the afflicted person but it should include the immediate individuals related or associated with the person such as parents, siblings, teachers, health care providers, and care takers in general.
Intervention and management should start as early as the condition is diagnosed. Services should be planned and all stakeholders should be part of the decision making lead by a case manager keeping parents goals and concerns in mind. Services should include areas such as early intervention, health services, educational inclusion, training of care takers, education of service providers, parent empowerment. Legislations and policies are usually areas that are neglected in this approach. Services should include insuring the rights of the child across life span and rights of the parents for services and support.
The lifelong nature of this disorder requires that we develop specific programs that enables the person and his or her family proper support across life span. Specific programs for adolescent with this disorder is an essential aspect of such comprehensive program. Adult programs and vocational rehabilitation should also be designed. Areas such as self care, independence, leisure and community involvement should also be part of this system.