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Research
The number of people with autism is higher than generally assumed. The questionnaire we have developed is a very useful means of making a presumptive diagnosis for adolescents. Although the pattern of autistic disorders has become known to the general public, a correct diagnosis as early as during infancy is rarely made. The results of the first comprehensive use of this questionnaire are to be found in a dissertation (Diestelberger, Anton / Zöttl, Therese, Vienna 2003). Currently, the main focus lies upon the fields of genetic and brain research. At the same time, genetic markers (messengers) that could be reliable indicators for autism are being investigated on. If we succeeded in pinpointing such a substance this would mean we had the chance to develop an efficient treatment for autism. Research by Rainman’s Home primarily aims at developing programs to enable more and more people to professionally give persons with autism the possibility of leading a decent life to the highest of one's abilities.
Goals:
To create conditions in which persons with autism are being supported and integrated into society and to prevent their own isloation and the isolation of their families. To enable autistic persons to succeed - especially on different levels of artistic activities - also means to enhance self-esteem and the feeling to be valued.
Um die Integration und Förderung autistischer Menschen zu ermöglichen, sind Aggressionen abzubauen, ist die Ich-Empfindung bewusst zu fördern und durch gezielte Maßnahmen das Selbstwertgefühl zu steigern.
Methods:
By offering a wide range of activities we address various facettes of human existence. The more positive a person can experience oneself the less agression he/she feels. Individualization and differentation are not mere cants but are deliberately implemented. Autistic persons can be encouraged to develop but the path for them to walk upon is very narrow. Our educational model is called "structured teaching and learning". We add a variety of activities to thought-out structures: cognitives training, work-like situations, artistic creativity, therapeutic cooking, motor learning, experiential learning, music, gardening, games, snoezelen, group experiences and sports. We do not want to create a group in which there are only autistic people. We get mixed groups by including persons who themselves have special needs but who are able to establish social contacts and who can use speech.
Results:
Rainman's Home is a complex system rather than an isolated research project. It is a model in exercise. We have developed a multi-level model of daily structure. There are currently 41 persons being supported and cared for in two places in Vienna's 18th district. We explicitly stress interdisciplinarity and deliberately combine theory with practice. Practical work is constantly advanced through scientific projects.
Conclusions:
This model is can be projected onto other situations. These is comprehensive literature on what makes work with autistic persons successful (Diestelberger, Anton / Zöttl, Therese, Vienna 1999, diploma thesis). Concomitant team training, method conformity and measures to enhance the quality are essential.
Acknowledgement:
Apart from the acknowledgement within the circle of experts it's the parents' acknowledgement that's the most significant.
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