Interventions & Support - PSY2004

Individual strengths and Weaknesses

Children with neurodevelopmental conditions (e.g. autism, Williams Syndrome) have unique profiles that include both strengths and challenges.

Williams Syndrome Profile

Strengths in spoken language fluency and syntax;

weaknesses in executive function and visuospatial skills.

Autism Profile

Strengths in attention to detail, pattern recognition, and visual search; weaknesses in executive functioning and theory of mind.

Understanding the profile allows

Tailored interventions.

Better outcomes in educational and therapeutic planning.

More respectful and individualised support.

Emphasis is placed on identifying relative strengths, not just deficits — e.g., an autistic child may struggle socially but excel in visual-spatial tasks.

Speech & Language Therapy Key Features

Uses systems like PECS to develop communication in children with speech/language difficulties

Speech & Language Therapy target

ASC, Williams Syndrome

Makaton Key Features

Combines symbols, sigs and speech. taught in core and topic-based stages

Makaton target

Children with speech and language delays. NOt the same as BSL

Play Therapy Key features

Allows expression through toys and play.

Can be directive or non-directive

Play therapy targets

Effective for ADHD, anxiety, autism

Promotes emotional regulation and social interaction

Music therapy features

Promotes verbal recall, coordination, turn taking and lang development

Music therapy target

Particularly useful for William's Syndrome and speech delayed children

Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) features

Structured reinforcement-based system to modify behaviour.

Originally developed for autism

ABA target

Targets reduction in harmful behaviours and increases communication / social skills

ABA Criticism

Intensity

Focus on Compliance

Lack of Focus on Wellbeing

Adult-centric goals

ABA Intensity

Traditionally recommends up to 40 hours per week of 1:1 therapy, which can be exhausting and restrictive for children and families.

ABA Focus on Compliance

Critics argue _ may overemphasise behavioural conformity rather than fostering autonomy or accepting neurodiversity.

ABA lack of focus on wellbeing

May not adequately address a child's emotions, preferences, or intrinsic motivations.

ABA adult-centric goals

Goals are often defined by therapists/parents rather than the child's needs or interests.

ABA improvements

Current practice increasingly integrates more child-led, respectful, and adaptive versions of _ or alternative approaches entirely (e.g. play-based or relationship-focused therapies).