PARENT INTEGRATED THERAPY APPROACH (PITA) AS A TREATMENT FOR A CHILD WITH AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD): A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Background: This study was conducted on a 3-year-old boy with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with average compliance and average perceptive language skills. Delayed developmental milestones observed and concerned. Case Presentation: The case was started on May 2014 and intensive therapy was provided for a period of 11 months. Then, monitoring of case was done for about 5 years till December 2019. The intervention plan was an integrated approach of Psychologist, Speech Language Pathologist, and Physiotherapist and Sensory integration specialist and mainly inclusive of parents in treatment protocol. Acknowledging the importance of parents in therapy, Parents integrated protocol was included which was a new advanced therapy. Results: There is no scientific evidence of this approach – a positive outcome and a notable success – intervention – (1) reduced stress levels and economical struggle for parents and reduced anxiety in child. (2) Improve child-parent relationship and developing home environment into therapy-based atmosphere. (3) Educating parents to improve their compliance over the difficulties of child and able to help them in supporting the daily activities. (4) Ability to face the social disturbances and balance their emotions to face obstacles. Conclusion: The findings suggest that Parent Integrated Therapy Approach (PITA) with the help of didactic teaching therapy impacts child development in more advanced manner and more chances of child approaching to normal schooling.