Speech Therapy in autistic conditions – the Intensive Interaction Approach

Vogindroukas I., (2011) Speech Therapy in autistic conditions – the Intensive Interaction Approach, International Symposium of South West University, Bulgaria
Abstract:
Autism spectrum condition refers to difficulties in social interaction, social communication and imagination. Many therapeutic interventions focus on the social communication difficulties by training parents and specialists on techniques which improve social interaction and communication.
Intensive Interaction approach focuses on the development of communication abilities in people with severe communication difficulties and severe developmental abilities. Recently the Intensive Interaction approach is used by therapists in the field of autism with quite interesting results. The main goal of the Intensive Interaction approach is to lead the person to be involved in a communication situation by helping him/her to feel safe and relaxed in this situation.
The approach focuses on some central effects of having autism:
the ability to be generally social – to understand other people
to take part in interaction with another person
to enjoy other people and desire to be with them
to learn and understand communication skills and routines
including subtleties and complexities such as non-verbal signalling emotional content, use and understanding of eye contacts, facial expressions etc.