A.R.T. TOOLKIT

 

The A.R.T. Toolkit employs a range of modalities that are tailored to the individual. As we move through the program the exercises become progressively more sophisticated. The client becomes equipped to use the tools at home and we often train staff and families to assist with implementing them at home – keeping a careful eye on navigating away from a behavioural approach!

Like a martial art, clients work through stages, becomming more adept and proficient as they progress. It is not possible to gauge where any set of sessions will progress to, as each and every person is nuanced and has individual capacities and needs. While some progress rapidly through the program, others need more considered support. As it does not require articulation of emotional states and interoception, A.R.T.  is suitable for a wide range of ages and stages of growth and development.

REFRAME

  • Making A.R.T. meaningful and relevant to the student: the need to ‘reframe’ autism from a perceived  ‘deficit’ to an appreciation of innate gifts whilst  being mindful of aspects – largely biophysical – that require nurture, connection and strengthening.
  • Comprises: Mind Work

BODY COGNITION

  • Introducing the concept and opportunity of recognising calm, ‘centered’ states. Building and continually developing the student’s ‘body awareness’.
  • Comprises: Mind Work, Sensory Awareness
Typical Need States: Poor Body Awareness, Poor Self-Image, Hearing And Balance Problems, Anxiety, Black And White Thinking, Overly Dependent On Others, Anger Issues, Attention, And Concentration

POINTS

  • Bringing the body into a state of calm connection – when useful – through holding acupressure points, to help the student safely gain awareness of their ‘internal state’ and tolerate states of safety.
  • Comprises: Mind Work, Sensory Awareness
Typical Need States: Poor Body Awareness, Poor Self-Image, Hearing And Balance Problems, Anxiety, Black And White Thinking, Overly Dependent On Others, Anger Issues, Attention, And Concentration, Excessive Worry, Separation Anxiety

BALL

  • Working to reduce neurosensory stimulation, by inviting the body to move into a deeper parasympathetic state. Re-connecting the student’s ‘body system’ – through movement, relaxation and physical perception. 
  • Comprises Mind Work, Sensory Awareness, Physical exercises.
Typical Need States: Poor Body Awareness, Poor Self-Image, Hearing And Balance Problems, Anxiety, Black And White Thinking, Overly Dependent On Others, Anger Issues, Attention, And Concentration, Excessive Worry, Separation Anxiety, Motor Coordination, Clumsiness, Spatial Orientation, Motor Apraxia, Sensory Processing Issues

SCANS

  • Upgrading the student’s ‘internal body map’ through mindful body scans. This can be accomplished in later sessions, once the prepatory work has been accomplished. 
  • Comprises: Mind Work, Sensory Awareness, Meditation & Mindfulness.
Typical Need States: Poor Body Awareness, Poor Self-Image, Hearing And Balance Problems, Anxiety, Black And White Thinking, Overly Dependent On Others, Anger Issues, Attention, And Concentration, Excessive Worry, Separation Anxiety Motor Coordination, Clumsiness, Spatial Orientation Motor Apraxia, Sensory Processing Issues, Speech And Hearing Problems, Digestive Issues, Brain Fog, Overwhelm And Shut-Down, Food Sensitivities, Insomnia, Excessive Worry, Communication And Articulation, Muddled Thinking, Depression, Low Self-Esteem, Sensory Sensitivities

ASSETS

  • Re-appraising the student’s knowledge of his or her physical and emotional capacity to attain personal / life goals. Moving into the future.
  • Comprises: Mind Work, Sensory Awareness, Meditation & Mindfulness, Physical exercises, Coaching.
Typical Need States: Poor Body Awareness, Poor Self-Image, Hearing And Balance Problems, Anxiety, Black And White Thinking, Overly Dependent On Others, Anger Issues, Attention, And Concentration, Motor Coordination, Separation Anxiety, Clumsiness, Spatial Orientation Motor Apraxia, Sensory Processing Issues, Speech And Hearing Problems, Digestive Issues, Brain Fog, Overwhelm And Shut-Down, Food Sensitivities, Insomnia, Excessive Worry Communication And Articulation, Muddled Thinking, Low Self-Esteem, , Sensory Sensitivities, , Temper, Tears, Food Aversions, Disconnect Of Mind And Body, Loss Of Employment, Gaining Employment, Moving Out Of Home, Relationships, Independence, Independent Living, Facing Fears, Depression