PECs Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Social stories Early intensive behaviour interventions (ABA etc) Gluten free, casein free diet Melatonin TEACCH �

Of the 83 interventions identified by Research Autism only 7 have thus far been accredited as making a positive impact without adverse side effects. (Autumn 2008) �

But what if we don't live in area where ABA is available. Or we can't afford it. Most families can't. What if the school don't know how to put TEACCH in place. What if you find it really difficult to go Gluten/Casein free.

What if ....none of this mattered as much as minimising their stress and maximising their self-esteem. Because the benefits from any intervention will be undermined if we don't look after their mental health.

I agree with Rebecca Moyes - a teacher and parent of an autistic child when she says ...

'Providing our children with the gift of self-esteem is always more effective than every dollar we spend on therapy and treatment to 'fix' asperger syndrome.'