Conclusion
Clearly the one impressive case for the Option approach is well documented (Kaufman, 1976) but not objective; the evidence for others remains to be assessed and we are engaged in a follow-up of some of these cases in the U.K. at present. At present, there is insufficient evidence to justify promoting this particular method and there is a continuing need to go on trying to discover, not only if, but how and why, such a method can be said to work. The rhetoric of an approach like Option may lead on the one hand to unthinking adherence or on the other to skepticism and dismissal. We hope to encourage a reasoned appraisal of its potential while awaiting evidence on which it can be evaluated fairly.
References
Charlop, M., Schreibman, L., & Tryon, A. (1983). Learing through observation: The effects of peer modeling on acquisition and generalization in autistic children.Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 11, 355–366.
Clark, P., & Rutter, M. (1981). Autistic children's response to structure and to interpersonal demands.Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 11, 201–217.
Dawson, G., & Adams, A. (1984). Imitation and social responsiveness in autistic children.Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 12, 209–226.
Ferrara, C. & Hill, S. (1980). The responsiveness of autistic children to the predictability of social and non social toys.Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 10, 51–57.
Jordan, R. R. (1990).The option approach to autism: Observer project report. London: National Autistic Society.
Kaufman, B. N. (1976).Son rise. New York: Warner Books.
Kaufman, B. N. (1977).To love is to be happy with. New York: Fawcett Crest.
Kiernan, C. C. & Reid, B. (1987).Pre-verbal communication schedule. Windsor: N.F.E.R.
Lord, C. (1984). Development of peer relations in children with autism. In F. Morrison, C. Lord, & D. Keating (Eds.),Applied developmental psychology (Vol. 1, 166–230) New York: Academic Press.
McHale, S. (1983). Social interactions of autistic and non-handicapped children during free play.American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 53, 81–91.
Tiegerman, E. & Primavera, L. (1984). Imitating the autistic child: Facilitating communicative gaze.Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 14, 27–38.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Jordan, R., Powell, S. Reflections of the option method as a treatment for autism. J Autism Dev Disord 23, 682–685 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01046111
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01046111