Creative Therapy for Children with Autism, ADD, and Asperger's -
Using Artistic Creativity to Reach, Teach, and Touch Our Children
By Janet Tubbs
323 pages from Square One Publishers; $18.95
www.childrensresources.com
The statistics are staggering: one in every 84 children is now diagnosed with autism. The number of children with ADD, ADHD and Asperger's Syndrome continue to grow as well. This is a global event that deserves our attention and introspection if we are to understand the cause and treatment of this "disorder."
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, Janet Tubbs developed a successful arts-based program for children who had low self-esteem and behavioral problems. The autism explosion was just beginning when Janet was introduced to the works of Rudolf Steiner. Believing that unconventional children required unconventional therapies, she then took her program one step further and based on Steiner's insights 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, and develop fine motor skills or improve social and verbal skills. All are part of a program created to hep these children relate to their environment without fear, anxiety, or discomfort.
A child may appear stubborn and difficult, but that doesn't mean the child isn't intelligent, curious, or creative. With the right treatment, such a child an 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.
Janet works out of the principles of Rudolf Steiner/Anthroposophy/Waldorf Education. She can be contacted at janet@childrensresources.com
