Previous Page

A Family-based Program

Dynamic Intelligence

In his study of dedicated researchers throughout the world, Dr. Gutstein found a remarkable consensus among the scientists: even the most capable individuals on the autism spectrum lacked certain abilities necessary for success in managing the "real-life" environments that are dynamic and changing. Dr. Gutstein discovered that many different abilities are essential for success in dynamic systems:

• Experience Sharing:
  Sharing different perspectives, integrating multiple information channels and determining "good enough" levels of comprehension. Using language and non-verbal communication to express curiosity, invite others to interact, share perceptions and feelings and coordinate your actions with others.
• Dynamic analysis:
  Determining relative meaning and value of information. Ongoing subjective appraisal of continually changing contextual information, to determine the best fit. Ongoing evaluation of change. The ability to observe and continually regulate one's behavior in order to participate in spontaneous relationships involving collaboration and exchange of emotions.
• Flexible and Creative Problem-Solving (Relational Information Processing):
  The ability to obtain meaning based upon the larger context. Solving problems that have no "right-and-wrong" solutions. Developing multiple, equally good strategies for an imperfect world, including "good enough thinking," improvisation and "work-arounds." The ability to rapidly adapt, change strategies and alter plans based upon changing circumstances.
• Episodic Memory and Self-awareness (Foresight and Hindsight):
  The ability to reflect on past experiences and anticipate potential future scenarios in a productive manner. Developing an internal mental "space" to consider, reflect, preview, prepare, regulate, evaluate, hypothesize and dream.
• Resilience:
  Coping with a "messy" unpredictable world, where setbacks and errors are unavoidable. Responding to uncertainty in a productive manner.
  
  

  These foundations of Dynamic Intelligence underlie success in life.

While each person with Autism displays a unique set of symptoms, these areas are universal to every person on the autism spectrum. Moreover, they have not been shown to improve with age, even following intensive intervention programs.

What does this mean in creating a good quality of life for those on the spectrum?

If you can, sit quietly. Take a few deep breaths and let go of your immediate concerns. Think about the inner core of your child. No matter what other symptoms your child has, you can see problems in these areas of Dynamic Intelligence. When you stop and think about it, you can see how crucial these abilities are to a future quality of life.

Without the foundations of Dynamic Intelligence, an individual with Autism or Asperger's will always be deprived of the relaxation of easygoing, back and forth conversations complete with surprises, jokes and fun; the happiness in being connected to another with a smile or intimate glance from across a room; the thrill of playing on a team, or the sense of competence and pride from working on community projects; the self-confidence in living independently, handling the practical matters with ease while rising to unexpected challenges; and, the deep satisfactions of a healthy marriage.

Underlying their day-to-day issues,most parents we talk to have deep concerns about their child's future. You may have heard some people say there is little hope. Or maybe you've heard others say that with enough social skills training, current supports and years to mature, your child can beat the previous statistics. But what research has consistently shown is that up to now no behavioral, biological or psychological interventions and treatments have been able to impact the devastating consequences of a failure to develop Dynamic Intelligence.

So what is the solution?

Previous Page

A Family-based Program