ABSTRACT

In this chapter, Lucy Hankin explores the development of emotions. She relates how her practice developed hand in hand with Vincent's gradual abilities to connect with her and build psychological and emotional bridges. She talks with clarity about her journey to deepen her understanding of Intensive Interaction, and then to expand the knowledge and use of the approach within her school environment. Vincent was seven years old and had been at the school for around a year. He experienced a variety of interventions, including Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), as well as the use of Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication related Handicapped CHildren (TEACCH) to help structure his day. It is acknowledged that the emotional well-being of people with autism is often neglected. Sometimes this is a result of wrongful assumptions, for example, that there is an inherent inability for someone with autism to develop social and emotional engagement.