Son Rise Program

I recently attended a live 3 hour event hosted by Raun F.
Kauffman who speaks around the globe about the Son Rise
program.

For those of you unfamiliar with this treatment program; it
started off in the United States and is now in a number of
countries around the world.

It began from when it is claimed that Raun himself
was diagnosed as severely autistic at 18 months old and
“cured” of autism by the intensive teachings and input of
his parents in his early years.

From this experience the family launched The Son Rise
Program which has worked with over 22,000 families and
professionals in the world of autism since.

There has been a great deal of cynicism and controversy
about the program's claims.

One of the major issues being the accuracy of Raun’s
original diagnosis (i.e. was he really autistic).

A second issue is the apparent lack of outside studies as
to the success of the program (although in a recent
telephone conversation one of their staff ensured me
that such a study is currently being conducted).

My personal take is that the program seems to use a great
deal of common sense behavioral techniques, psychological
techniques and dietary approaches that will certainly help
the autistic child and parents.

But to be honest a lot of it isn't rocket science and it
can be found elsewhere.

They do though offer it in a very intensive and focussed
way which I guess makes them pretty unique.

As they admit in their literature they will not “cure” every
child but always make some improvements in every child.

Which seems fair enough.

The other point I would make is that it really is an
intensive program that involves the parents doing a great
deal of work with the children over many months and probably
years.

For parents who have got the time, energy and ability to do
this I would certainly say they should look at it further
for themselves and decide if it looks right for them.

But clearly for many parents who do not have all of these
abilities I would say that it will probably be just a
pipedream that would be unlikely to help.

And it may even give unfair and unrealistic expectations,
which can only add further heartbreak.

Because the crux is that for it to work (like anything
really) you must follow the teachings accurately and
consistently.

It is no overnight miracle and, to be fair, is not billed as
this either by the Son Rise people.

My other problem with it is the language of “curing autism”.

Whilst I know that for parents it can be extremely
frustrating and challenging to have a child with autism.

I just don't like the language of "disease" and "cure".

My point being that autistic children are just “different”
and not “wrong” or “ill” and to talk about” curing autism”
indicates that autistic children must be “wrong” or “ill”
and need a cure.

Which just isn't the case.

Whilst I am 100% behind any genuine approaches to help
both the child and parents to improve their quality of
life, I also think that every individual child should get
the love and respect that they deserve for who they are
as children and young people.

They are individuals and part of society just as you and I
and certainly don't deserve the label of being "diseased"
and in need of a "cure".

This is just one of the many tricks, tips and techniques
that you can use to cope with your Autistic child’s
behaviors that feature in my new book “The Parenting
Autism Resource Guide”.

The Parenting Autism Resource Guide: A Complete Resource Guide For Parents Who Have Children Diagnosed With Autism.