SUPPORT METHODS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN WITH MENTAL RETARDATION AND AUTISTIC ELEMENTS

Autism is part of a group of neurodevelopmental disorders. The support methods used throughout the developmental process of children with autism are necessary both for maintaining the neuronal plasticity, and for limiting anomalous development. The present study assesses the contribution of the support methods in the development of a child with moderate mental retardation and autistic elements, both in terms of parental perception, and psychological estimation The weight value of the importance of acknowledged support methods - educational, psycho behavioural or medical - is presented, as well as that of the complementary ones - religious and family counselling. The advantage of the support methods in physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioural development, but also that of improving communication and social interaction, have been parentally and psychologically assessed.