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Stepping Stones
Our Perspective
Perspective on Autism in the Early Years
The Davis® Stepping Stones programs, are two junior programs to the full Davis Autism Approach® Program. Developed for clients on the autism spectrum under the age of 8 years old or those with limited language and abilities.
While others may see children with autism as developmentally delayed due to a neurological disorder, the program views autism as a communication, not an intelligence deficit. The program focuses on providing the tools and techniques for self-regulation, as well as a sequence of early childhood development stages, to provide the foundation required for the individual to achieve their full potential
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How others see it
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A client with autism or a person with limited language:
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is developmentally delayed due to a neurological disorder
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must be spoken to slowly while enunciating any instructions
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may be inadvertently disrespected for their intelligence
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can only acquire behavioural regulation through medications
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behaviours are only attainable through a reward (and punishment) system
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the individual will never be able to gain social understanding and be able to make personal social decisions based on their individual values and perspective
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How we see it
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People with autism may have some neurological issues but we start with the premise that their autism is a communication not an intelligence deficit
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Since we believe the client is intelligent we speak to the client as we would any other family member
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We believe in giving the utmost respect and a gentle approach as we guide them through the program
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We show the client tools and methods to aid in their own self regulation
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Once the individual understands why social interactions are done in a certain way they are able able to make choices that lead to new behaviour