Using Intensive Interaction with Verbal Children

Most people who use Intensive Interaction do so with children who either have severe or profound and multiple learning difficulties and/or autism. It is usually associated with pre-verbal children or adults, or people with a limited amount of verbal communication skills. I want to challenge this viewpoint. I have used the central tenets of Intensive Interaction with children on the autistic spectrum who are described as 'high functioning' or 'Aspergers', with great success. It is a great way to start off with someone new, to build a rapport, or if you know at some point you have an agenda, a task you need to get done. For example, if he or she is tapping the table, join in. If he or she is reciting lines from a film, echo back with a question intonation. Work out the 'theme' and join in on that theme. Now you have a connection.  If your communication partner isn't ready to move themes, that's fine, just weave your agenda in and use their preferred 'theme' to get the job done. For example, if you need the child to get some maths homework done, but all he wants to do is talk about the solar system, do 'solar system maths'. I always think about what we do when we meet anyone for the first time - including people here who are not on the spectrum. We establish common ground after first observing and working out what that common ground might be. Also, don't forget the sensory needs. High functioning individuals have sensory needs just the same as their lower functioning counter-parts. I need my coffee fix just as the child who needs to spin. If you want to chat further on this topic, email me on karen@karenmasseytherapies.com 

The future of speech therapy

We are told that we are now living in a digital economy. So what does that mean for Speech and Language Therapists? The profession has for so long relied on face to face appointments and paper-based materials in order to allow a therapist to help a client. In recent years I have come across one or two websites that have attempted to help therapists engage in a more modern way with clients. Now, too, are a number of apps designed for people to use at home or to enhance face to face therapy sessions. But are we really embracing new technology and taking advantage of what is available? Are we responding to the changing need of the public? There is much that can be done via websites, video and forums. Yes, for a proper assessment, nothing beats face to face, but preventative work, training, and continued support can be done in many other ways that are more convenient and effective.

Lead, don't manage

Here at KarenMasseyTherapies we are not only passionate about the value of the therapy we provide. We are also careful to create an organisation where everyone matters. An important distinction we make in the running of KarenMasseyTherapies is that Karen leads her partners, employees and clients; she does not manage. The word 'lead' to me implies.... 'by example'. Leaders should be inspirational and bring people together, people who are a harmonious whole, working on one and the same philosophy.