Overview of ACN Services and Activities

Diagnostic Assessments

Diagnostic assessment is provided by Dr. Arun Kunwar, a Child Psychiatrist, And Dr. Merina Shrestha,
Pediatrician, her work is more focused on Developmental Pediatrics.

Child Psychologist Mrs. Rena Shrestha has completed her ADOS and ADI-R training; she has been
implementing the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) tools used in the process of diagnosis and also determining related disorders and differentiating ASD from other disorders.

The Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale (ADOS) by Catherine Lord, Ph.D., Michael Rutter, M.D., FRS,
Pamela C. DiLavore, Ph.D., and Susan Risi, Ph.D. is a clinical diagnostic instrument to assess possible autism or other pervasive developmental disorders, referred to here as autism spectrum disorders (or ASD). The instrument focuses on behavior in three main areas: qualities of communication and language; reciprocal social interaction; play; and restricted and repetitive, stereotyped interests and behaviors. During this assessment, the examiner provides a series of opportunities for the subject to show social and communication behaviors relevant to the diagnosis of autism. Each subject is administered activities from just one of the four modules.

The Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) by Michael Rutter, M.D., FRS, Ann LeCouteur, M.B.B.S.,
and Catherine Lord, Ph.D. is an extended interview designed to elicit a full range of information needed to produce a diagnosis of autism and to assist in the assessment of related disorders referred here as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). The interview focuses primarily on the three domains of functioning – language/communication: reciprocal social interactions: and restricted, repetitive and stereotyped behaviors and interests that are specified as of diagnostic importance in the World Health Organization’s ICD-10, 1992 and DSM-IV, 1994.

Functional Assessment

Mrs. Sijan Shakya completed her Diploma in Special Education from Action for Autism, National Autism Centre, New Delhi. She provides Functional assessment to children diagnosed with autism and helps them develop Individual Education Plan (IEP) .She is our Education Coordinator.

Occupational and Sensory Assessment and Intervention

Mr.Roshan our Occupational Therapist performs detailed assessment of occupational need and sensory
dysfunction of child based on a sensory profile questionnaire which addresses all the sensory systems in depth. A comprehensive evaluation of the child is done using observation and feedback to parents.

Parents Training Programme

A short-term training to parents, specially mothers; empowering them with knowledge of autism and also skill of ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis), TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication-handicapped CHildren), VBA (Verbal Behavior Analysis), Floor-time and Sensory Integration Therapy methods to apply on their own child, helping them to be the best teacher of their own child. Parents training programme (completed 6 groups) is ongoing training, nearly 3 to 4 training are organized per year, under the guidance of trained mothers from AFA (Action for Autism, New Delhi). The programme seeks to maximize the benefits of the time that a parent spends with his/her child, teaching focused one-on-one intervention tailored individually to each child and taking into account the child’s strengths, emerging skills and weaknesses. More importantly the programme gives parents the tool to understand their child, the child’s autism. For detail please contact Mrs. Kripa Shrestha and Mrs. Sijan Shakya the coordinators of Parents training programme.

Family Counselling

Family counselling soon after receiving a diagnosis can greatly broaden the parents' options of how to most benefit their child, and can improve their ability to make positive, long term decisions by providing an opportunity to sort out factual information from misinformation. Counselling is provided to family members to deal with issues related to the pressures and stress of parenting a child with autism, parenting the sibling of a child with autism, living in a nuclear or joint family, second child issues, or any other concerns families may have. Counselling service is provided by Dr. Sunita Maleku Amatya every Friday at ACN premises.

Music Therapy

We in co-operation with Music Therapy Trust Nepal have been successful in bringing Music Therapy in Nepal.

We have a Music Therapist, Mr. Kedar Gandhari, who has completed Music Therapy diploma course from Music Therapy Trust India, New Delhi. For Music therapy sessions Mr. Kedar can be consulted.

Art Therapy

Art therapy specializes in using visual art making and the creative process to help clients bring about therapeutic change. It is typically referred for situations in which words are difficult or for clients who are inept with words (ex:children, persons with a communication disability). Art therapy is generally described as a highly illuminating, enjoyable, and unique experience. The common belief is that art making is beneficial to people (particularly children) with ASD due to their intense sensory needs (especially visual and tactile self-stimulation) and disregulation, often nonverbal nature, and need for more visual, concrete, hands-on therapies. We have a highly qualified Art Therapist, Mr. Raj Kaji Prajapati with Masters in Psychology and Bachelor in Fine Art .He has attended different advanced level workshops and training on Autism.

Day Care Center

A day care center is starting from 2nd April 2010; Only 8-10 children are enrolled in the first phase. Students
enrolled are engaged in a series of activities designed to build upon daily living skills, one on one therapy
addressing their communication need and helping uplift their cognitive skill, group interactions and activities
to enhance their social skill. They will be exposed to Music Therapy sessions and Art Therapy, Sensory and
Occupational therapy sessions. The acceptance of the child into day care center is entirely decided by the rules of Autism Care Nepal.

Please contact Mrs. Kalpana Ghimire/ Mrs.Sijan Shakya for details.