Hope for autistic children: Therapy that works

By Susan Merrell

Momentum Learning, a therapy provider for autistic children, will host a free information evening at the Mill Hill Centre, Spring Street, Bondi, Wednesday, September 10, 7 pm.

Autism affects one in 160 children. There is no known cause, or cure, but early intervention with the intensive therapy, Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA), is producing remarkable results.

Paul Harris, director of Momentum Learning specialises in ABA. ‘I use ABA because it works,’ said Harris, who has treated dozens of children across the autism spectrum.
 

Take Bryce, diagnosed with autism before age two. Bryce’s problems included severe language delay and obsessive behaviours like sucking his thumb until it bled.
Many therapies were tried with negligible effect. Then he began ABA at age three.
‘I had never seen rituals so severe,’ said Harris. ‘When I told his mother ‘this is not normal’, she cried with relief.’
 

Now five years old, Bryce is indistinguishable from his peers.
‘Parents need to know there is light at the end of the tunnel,’ said Harris. ‘They need information. That’s the purpose of the evening.’
Call 8084 4428 or www.momentumlearning.com.au to reserve a place. Bookings essential.