School District Violating ADA By Barring Behavior Therapist, Suit Claims

The parents of a 9-year-old with autism say their school district is violating the ADA by preventing a behavior therapist from providing their son doctor-prescribed ABA therapy at school. Read More ;

Disability Service Providers Struggling To Stay Afloat Amid COVID-19

Service providers nationwide are contending with lost revenues, higher costs and new challenges as they work to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Read More >

Music Therapy Yields Gains For Children With Autism

Incorporating singing and other music-based activities in therapy sessions can make a big impact for kids with autism, new research suggests, boosting communication and other factors. Read More >

Children with autism may benefit from music-based therapy

A study in the journal Translational Psychiatry showed that children with autism spectrum disorder who underwent one-on-one therapy with music had improved parent-reported social communication and family quality of life, compared with those whose therapy didn't include music. The findings also showed brain connectivity changes in MRI scans of those in the music-based intervention group.

Disability Scoop

How hippotherapy is used with children who have special needs

Occupational therapist Tricia Coates practices hippotherapy with children who have autism, cerebral palsy and other special needs. Unlike therapeutic riding, hippotherapy involves one-on-one interaction between a child and a horse, rather than group activities. "When you put a child on a horse, they are getting almost 1,000 impulses per minute going up to their brain. You can't replicate that in a clinic," Coates said. The Palm Beach Post (Fla.) (8/30)  http://www.palmbeachpost.com/accent/pets/hippotherapy-helps-children-with-special-needs-1806232.html?cxtype=rss_22344