The Centre for Neurological Rehabilitation (CNR) of Morton, Pennsylvania, has been providing help for handicap children since 1964. Currently, CNR is providing rehabilitation services in Spain, Belgium, Mexico, Texas and Florida as well. The Centre's Founder and Director, John F. Unruh, Ph.D., has accumulated 32 years of experience working with autistic children and their families making this service one of the most experienced in the world; therefore, autistic children from all over the world have received important help from the Centre's program.

The Centre's program is based on the following beliefs:

1. Autism is a Neurological problem characterized by disturbances in the sensory areas of the brain. The result of this sensory confusion is to encourage sensory behaviors and to make traditional learning (which can only be accomplished through sensory systems that can process efficiently) very difficult.
2. The behavior of a child with autism is a symptom of the real problem. The cause is neurological not emotional or behavioral. Therefore, effective treatment must be aimed at the cause rather than the symptoms.
3. Parents, if given the information and support they need, can be the most effective source of help available. Enabling and empowering parents to manage the troubling needs of their child with autism in their own home can provide rewarding results.
4. No one has all the answers. There are no miracles. However, CNR believes there are many treatment options for parents and their child that are safe, affordable, and effective. Drugs are considered only in extreme cases and even then, as a last resort.
5. The programs provided by the CNR work well with other existing programs such as appropriate schooling, supportive counseling, and other community services where available.

Treatment provided by the CNR begins with evaluative interviews that help determine the degree and type of sensory involvement present in the child. Sensory and developmental testing is completed. Diet, nutrition, sleep, general health and daily routines are also evaluated and then a treatment plan is developed, taught to the family and carried out in the home.

A typical plan could include a sensory motor program designed to train the sensory systems to work like they should. This usually takes about 1 hour to complete and involves a variety of exercises and activities that are organized and incorporated into the daily routine of the child and family. Diet, nutrition, health and sleep intervention is provided as needed. This is accomplished by giving the family the orientation and information they need to succeed with the new strategies of management in these important areas.

When necessary, extensive diagnostic testing is available on the premises at the Morton, Pennsylvania location, including scans, EEG, metabolic surveys and circulation studies. Although this is not a common need, it is reassuring to have one of the finest facilities found anywhere readily available.

All rehabilitation services at the CNR are conducted personally by the Director, Dr. John F. Unruh, and require visits to the CNR every 3 months. Needs are established and the home programs are modified based on the changes in the child. Visits take about 3 hours and include the answering of all questions. Parents are given the information they need to make informed decisions and the guidance necessary to successfully accomplish reasonable goals.

Those interested in working at home with their autistic child to improve their child's sensory behavior and learning skills can contact the CNR for information and/or appointments available at our offices in the United States, Spain and Belgium.

The CNR also offers a speaking service for conferences and workshops. Anyone interested can contact the CNR for more information.

Send questions and/or comments to Dr. Unruh at DrUnruh@aol.com

---

Text and images on this page are
copyrighted by Dr. Unruh
at The Centre For Neurological Rehabilitation. All rights are reserved.