Autism remains an enigma to some despite decades of research and a plethora of interventions aimed at addressing its myriad facets. Historically, interventions have been crafted to mitigate perceived developmental, sensory, and behavioral deficits without a solid foundation in the bio-neurological underpinnings of autism or consideration of co-occurring conditions. Such an approach often neglects the essential insights that could be derived from the very individuals it aims to help—those on the autism spectrum.
The inclusion of autistic individuals in the design and evaluation of intervention strategies is a rare occurrence. Yet, their involvement is crucial to ensuring the interventions address their real needs and preferences. A more profound understanding of the neurological differences in autism could facilitate more effective coordination between various approaches, including behavioral, developmental, educational, therapeutic, medical, and family-based strategies.
The Neuro-Strength-Based Support Framework
The Neuro-Strength-Based Support for Autism (NSBSA) is a novel framework designed to fill this gap by translating neuroscience research into practical terms that autistic individuals and their support networks can understand. Rather than proposing a completely new intervention method, NSBSA serves as a unifying framework. This framework is applicable across different disciplines, allowing therapists, educators, clinicians, and parents to increase their understanding of autistic strengths and address the desires of the autistic individuals they support.
Development and Objectives of NSBSA
Developed by an autistic occupational therapist, Susan Golubock, drawing from both professional and personal experience, NSBSA focuses on utilizing the strengths of autistic individuals to provide necessary supports that enhance their functional abilities. The effectiveness of the NSBSA framework was researched via a structured training program for service providers working with autistic clients, with three primary objectives:
- Feasibility and Acceptability: To evaluate how feasible and acceptable the NSBSA training program was among service providers.
- Satisfaction with Intervention Goals: To measure changes in service providers’ satisfaction with their intervention goals for autistic clients before and after the training.
- Goal Writing Focus: To assess shifts in service providers’ goal writing, from focusing on remediating deficits to achieving milestones to emphasizing the use of autistic individuals’ strengths and supports for enhancing desired functional abilities.
Training Program and Evaluation
The NSBSA training program consisted of eight modules, followed by weekly virtual meetings with researchers for questions and discussion. The topics covered in the modules included:
- Introduction to NSBSA for Autism
- Interpreting and Supporting Autistic Behaviors
- Sources of Autistic Motivation
- Autism Neuroscience Research on Attention to Input
- Autism Neuroscience Research on Processing and Recall of Input
- Autism Neuroscience Research on Body and Emotional Self-Awareness
- Developing Goals that Target Desired Function
- Developing a Program Plan for Implementing NSBSA Goals
Participants underwent pre- and post-training evaluations. The pre-training phase involved a Goal Satisfaction survey and a Goal Writing assessment. After completing the training, participants filled out a Post-Training Goal Satisfaction survey, a Post-Training Goal Writing assessment, and a Course Satisfaction Survey.
Results and Implications
The data analysis, using paired t-tests to evaluate changes in Goal Satisfaction and Goal Writing, showed significant improvements post-training. This was indicative of a positive shift in how service providers perceived and wrote their intervention goals, now focusing more on the strengths and desired outcomes of autistic individuals.
The training program received high marks from participants, with 100% recommending the NSBSA training for other therapists and stating that the length of the training was just right. Additionally, all participants agreed that the training helped them make meaningful changes to their current strategies with clients.
Emphasizing Strengths Over Deficits
The traditional deficit-based model of intervention has often focused on what autistic individuals cannot do, aiming to “normalize” their behaviors and abilities. This approach can be both limiting and stigmatizing, reinforcing negative perceptions and often overlooking the unique strengths and potential of autistic individuals.
The NSBSA framework shifts this perspective by recognizing and harnessing the inherent strengths of autistic individuals. This strength-based framework not only fosters a more positive self-image among autistic individuals but also encourages them to leverage their unique abilities in ways that enhance their quality of life.
For instance, autistic individuals often exhibit exceptional attention to detail, strong memory skills, and a deep focus on specific interests. By designing autism interventions that build on these strengths, therapists and educators can help autistic individuals achieve greater success and fulfillment in their personal and professional lives.
Integrating Neuroscience into Practice
One of the core innovations of the NSBSA framework is its foundation in neuroscience. By incorporating the latest research on how autistic brains function, the framework provides a more accurate and nuanced understanding of autism. This scientific basis helps demystify the condition and offers practical insights into how best to support autistic individuals.
For example, research on sensory processing differences in autism can inform more effective strategies for managing sensory overload. Understanding the neural mechanisms behind autistic individuals’ unique ways of processing and recalling information can lead to better educational techniques that cater to their learning styles.
A Collaborative Framework
The development and implementation of the NSBSA framework underscores the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders involved in supporting autistic individuals. This includes not only professionals like therapists and educators but also family members and, crucially, the autistic individuals themselves. The tools and strategies offered in the MSBSA framework are ones that anyone, professionals, parents, and autistics, can use and benefit from.
The NSBSA framework involves autistic individuals in the design and evaluation of autism interventions, ensuring that their voices are heard and their preferences are respected. This collaborative framework fosters a more inclusive environment where autistic individuals feel valued and empowered.
Moving Forward: The Future of Autism Support
The positive outcomes of the NSBSA training program highlight the potential for this framework to transform how autism interventions are conceived and delivered. By focusing on strengths rather than deficits, grounding approaches in neuroscience, and promoting collaboration, the NSBSA framework offers a comprehensive and compassionate way to support autistic individuals.
As we move forward, embracing frameworks like NSBSA can foster a more inclusive and effective support system for autistic individuals. This framework holds the promise of not only enhancing their functional abilities but also empowering them to lead fulfilling lives aligned with their personal goals and strengths.
Conclusion
Autism is complex to non-autistic individuals and requires education to foster understanding. The NSBSA framework represents a significant shift in how we understand and support autistics, moving away from deficit-focused autism interventions to a strength-based, neuroscience-informed framework. By involving autistic individuals in the process and fostering collaboration among all stakeholders, frameworks such as NSBSA provide a promising path forward. This framework not only respects each person’s unique neurological makeup but also ensures that their voices are heard and valued in the creation and evaluation of interventions designed to assist them.
Susan Golubock, MEd (retired OT), is the Founder and Staci Neustadt MS CCC-SLP is CEO of Making Sense of Autism. For more information on our research go to www.makingsenseofautism.com/nsbsa-research.
