autism services
Pioneering Torah-true
By Rachel Gross
SEEACH SOD HELPS PEOPLE WITH AUTISM MAXIMIZE THEIR POTENTIAL AND FIND THEIR PLACE IN JEWISH LIFE .
Accuracy is the key
“ The key to working with autism is accuracy ,” explains Rabbi Avi Shechter , principal of the Seeach Sod school for boys with autism . “ This has two sides ; accuracy in diagnosis and accuracy in the treatment plan .” To meet this need , Seeach Sod is deploying the latest autism research to ensure that their programming is delivering the highest level of intervention .
Improvements in diagnosis have led to an increase in the recorded numbers of children and adults with autism . It has been followed by a greater understanding of the nature of autism , that there is a spectrum of experience and abilities . This is why we now refer
to “ Autism Spectrum Disorder ” or ASD . An individual ’ s level of functionality and capacity for communication depends on where they fall on that spectrum . For parents of children with ASD , a specific diagnosis can open the door to a range of treatment . Yehudis Epstein ’ s son , Dovid , was diagnosed with ASD when he was three . “ It was his nursery teacher who suggested he be evaluated . He was our eldest so we didn ’ t realize that there was anything different about his behavior .”
There has been a surge of research into autism in recent years , both to understand more about the causes and to explore the most effective methods of treatment ( see sidebar ). This research has shed light on the nature of ASD and created scientifically proven interventions tailored for individuals with ASD .
“ Once Dovid had his diagnosis , I read everything I could about autism ,” Yehudis recounts . “ I wanted to be the best possible advocate for him .”
Accuracy in treatment modalities is essential . Rabbi Schechter explains : “ An accurate response opens up worlds of opportunity for children and adults with autism . Those who are high functioning can then flourish in all areas of life . With the correct treatment , they are able to actualize their potential .”
The challenge of Jewish education for people with ASD
In many countries , people with ASD are able to receive high-quality , government subsidized services , but for Jewish
families this often comes at a price . “ There weren ’ t any Jewish schools equipped to help Dovid where we lived
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