ABSTRACT
Children with autism vary greatly in their individual learning styles, their problem areas, and their response to treatment. Since children with this diagnosis present a relatively unique clinical picture, innovative approaches to treatment are required. The purpose of this paper is to encourage therapists to employ a variety of treatment techniques according to the traditional frames of reference described in the occupational therapy literature (Tiffany, 1983; Matsutsuyu, 1983; Ayres, 1979; Pedretti and Pasquelli-Estrada, 1985). These include the following approaches: developmental, occupational behavior, sensory integrative, acquisitional, biomechanical, rehabilitative, and psychoanalytic. Each frame of reference will be described in terms of its theoretical base, state of dysfunction, and focus of intervention in order to assist the therapist in developing a structured approach in initiating treatment. In addition, a theoretical case study will be presented and each frame of reference applied with an emphasis on principles for treatment and sample long and 6short term goals. Suggestions will also be provided for establishing a therapeutic environment for children with autism.
