European Autism Congress
March 14-15, 2019

VENUE: Panorama Zagreb hotel, Zagreb, Croatia

Biography:

Dr. Sreenath Jagannathan completed his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine United States between July 2013-July 2017. Through access to mindfulness, meditation, and yoga resources such as the global Art of Living Sudarshana Kriya practice, he is looking for opportunity in medical residency or research. He was noted to be a big inspiration for his residency program for everyone born with autism.

Abstract:

How do we define normal neurologic processing of understanding human society’s values on how respect and success is earned or lost? What do people with autism have that causes them to be viewed very differently to the point people harshly punishingly judge their intentions in behavioral responsibility? A first-hand lifelong account with undiagnosed Asperger’s Syndrome until medical school reveals many deficiencies in institutional systems in how autism is viewed as a disability. Even experienced medical, behavioral, and mental health care professional provider systems do not understand why autism is a disability that cannot be compared with any other disability or disorder. People with autism have varying degrees of disability along with ability. Autism is a difficult diagnosis to understand because neurodevelopmental cognitive programing differences do not cause people to be intentionally bad or not wanting respect to be earned based off of strict rules by society. Mindblindness means a person is very limited in learning behavior/cognitive functioning values through observation. It is complicated to decipher warning signs that one is very limited in being able to understand normal human social-emotional intent plus expectations for conversational contexts other than the fact that people with autism rely on factual written logical structure to understand why unspoken social rules exist. Outside of a school classroom setting where social interactions are structured, real-life social interactions regarding friendship rules being different than parents, authority, and work are severely debilitating because there is no logic as so to why unspoken rules based off of observation exist. Observations do not provide the basis for why rules “logically exist or don’t exist”. Mental health is undertreated and underdiagnosed in people with autism because it is a struggle to identify internal pathological processing neurotypicals are observationally able to mindfully identify and then not act upon them. Yoga, Mindfulness, and Meditation must be a part of identifying and diagnosing mental health along with classification of how “severely someone is suffering because of autism”. Autism can be relatively negligbly causing suffering in one structured social setting, but is extremely noticeable in high stress people social relationship workplaces such group team work business jobs, customer service industries, and most importantly “first responder security social service industries” such as military, police, mental health, and patient-care institutional school/work settings

Biography:

Abstract:

Autism is a mosaic disease, it presents in different shapes and colours. Previously thought to be a rare genetic disorder, it has over the last two decades become increasingly prevalent, affecting between 1 in 38 and 1 in 100 children, depending on the geographical location. Identifying the environmental and genetic factors at play is essential to develop effective remedial and preventive intervention strategies. The condition is commonly associated with a range of health problems with the most commonly encountered affecting the immune and digestive systems as well as metabolism, including methylation and sulfuration pathways. These can be identified through appropriate biomedical testing and clinical investigations. Treating these abnormalities can lead to significant improvements in the child’s health, development, social communication skills and behaviour. The presentation will provide an update of the current state of scientific and medical understanding of the condition, and present the range of clinical evidence in support of a convincing paradigm to explain the pathologies and developmental features of the condition.

Biography:

Dr Meguid is a professor of human genetics and Former Head of Human Genetics Unit, National Research Center (NRC) in Egypt.  She holds a Ph.D. in Human Genetics, and she is a Senior Geneticist at the Genetics Institute, Pasadena, California; a fellow of Uppsala University, Sweden and Yale Universities.  She was one of five selected scientists to win the outstanding L’Oreal UNESCO Award for women in Science for Africa & Middle East (2002). Awarded with the National State Award of Excellence in Advanced Medical science Technology, 2016. She is the head of the laboratory of research in DNA in genetic behavioral disorders and Founder of autism research study. Jury president L’OREAL-UNESCO Awards. Supervised 50 theses. Has 70 International publications.

Abstract:

ASD develops through a complex set of etiologies that involve environmental, genetic, and immunological factors.  The subjectivity of behavioral diagnosis urges the need for biomarker clinical tests to improve and complement ASD diagnosis.  A wide range of biomarkers to diagnose and indicate the severity of ASD include metabolic and genetic biomarkers. The role of oxidative stress in the etiology of an ASD diagnosis, including increased lipid peroxidation, altered antioxidant enzymes in plasma, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the genetic factors; recently reported,as tracking biomarkers will be discussed. However, it is still premature to consider these genetic variants as true biomarkers for ASD, due to their regional-specific nature. The panel addresses two principle categories; molecular with recent gene discoveries and analyze the transcriptional profile of genes involved in the oxidative stress pathway in autism, in addition to relationship between oxidative stress related blood, urine and nutritional biomarkers. Herein, we will comprehensively review the biomarkers reported in ASD in addition to our own experience. It is important to establish those biomarkers resulting able to help diagnosis and optimize the treatment of ASD.

Biography:

Feliciea Jibson is an Educational Consultant, member of Society of Education Consultants UK, qualified Teacher with years of experience in teaching autistic children in schools, residential settings, and working directly with parents, carers and families. She has has completed her Masters degree in Autism at University of Birmingham. Before opening Felser Limited in 2018 Felicia worked for 4 years as a Head of Department for learners of 16 to 25 years old with severe learning difficulties and complex needs.  

Abstract:

Profiling and Goal Setting Assessments (PAGS ): PAGS has been developed for children and young adults between the ages of 5 and 25 who have a mild/moderate learning difficulties, autism, social communication difficulty, pervasive developmental disorder (PDD); conduct disorder, attachment disorder, global developmental delay, mental health difficulties. It is a unique framework based on the concept that children and young people should be assessed developmentally so that it is possible to look at the areas of skill deficit they have as a result of either their schooling or their autism / learning support needs.  It is a skills-based assessment, looking at functional areas so that the child is supported in life.  PAGS promotes a ‘can do’ approach, recognises the uniqueness of each learner and provides the goal setting information for personalized learning progress.The assessment produces a summary of the learner’s strengths and guides to the skills that will need to be developed. The basis for PAGS is linked to cognitive theories of development, from infancy to adulthood, considered in relation to the impact of autism spectrum condition and related neurological conditions on individuals' memories and capacity for learning and generalising. An important bibliography has been researched and applyed into practice, equally listening to and consulting with learners and their families. PAGS Assessments framework is substantially different from the comparatively prescribed options offered by the assessment systems that are used currently. Enables practitioners to facilitate bridging between individuals' skillsets in different settings, be it at school, at home or within the wider community. PAGS has been developed to work alongside any academic curriculum. PAGS is being trialled in a specialist school for children with autism and also with selected individuals. A software programme will be launched early next year and updated regularly.

Biography:

Dr. Alok Sharma is the Director of NeuroGen Brain & Spine Institute, Professor & Head of Department of Neurosurgery, LTMG Hospital & LTM Medical College and Consultant Neurosurgeon at Fortis hospital, Mumbai. He completed MS and M.Ch. from Seth G.S. Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai and subsequently trained at the Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden & University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, USA. He has published 137 scientific papers, authored 16 books, edited 1 book, contributed chapters in 18 books and made over 150 scientific presentations nationally and internationally. He is Founding President of the “Stem Cell Society (India)” and Vice President of International Association of Neurorestoratology (IANR). He is Founder of “The Indian Journal of Stem Cell Therapy”. He has been conferred with numerous awards and honors during his career. He has extensively researched the pathophysiology of various neurodevelopmental disorders and evolved a comprehensive treatment options for the disorders like Autism, Cerebral Palsy and Intellectual disability. He has pioneered the concept of stem cell therapy for incurable neurological disorders. His other areas of special interest are Neuroendoscopy, Psychosurgery, Spinal fixations & Revascularization for cerebral ischemia.

Abstract:

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a group of neurodevelopmental disorders, is characterized by abnormal development of brain function and connectivity. Routine magnetic resonance imaging studies have shown some volumetric changes, but inconsistently. Functional neuroimaging modalities have suggested abnormal brain function. We studied the brain function, using [¹⁸F] 2 fluro 2 deoxy D glucose FDG Positron emission tomography – computed tomography scan,  of 45 children diagnosed with ASD on the basis of DSM IV – TR criteria. It was found that children with ASD showed hypometabolism in specific regions of brain, such as, amygdala, hippocampus, parahippocampal gyrus, caudate nucleus, cerebellum, mesial temporal lobe, thalamus, superior and middle temporal pole, and higher metabolic uptake in calcarine fissure and Heschl’s gyrus. The data obtained from them was compared to the previously published data of neurotypical children.  The findings suggested that as compared to the control data, median SUVs in children with ASD decreased linearly as the age progressed. These findings suggest that selective, progressive hypometabolism in specific brain region could be a pathophysiological mechanism in ASD.

Biography:

Clare Melvin, MSc, DipPsych, BA (Hons), is completing her PhD at the Tizard Centre, University of Kent, exploring sexual offending behaviours in individuals with autism spectrum conditions.  Clare’s research interests focus on adults and children with IDD detained under the Mental Health Act, particularly the therapeutic treatment of offending behaviours.  Clare has clinical experience in this area and, in addition to her PhD, works at Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust on research involving individuals with IDD who display offending behaviours.  Clare also works as an Associate Consultant for the British Institute of Learning Disabilities and delivers teaching at the University. 

Abstract:

Aims: There is some evidence to suggest poorer treatment outcomes for offenders with autism spectrum conditions (ASC). The cognitive profile associated with ASC, including difficulties with social interaction and communication, deficits in theory of mind and empathy, inflexible thinking styles and special interests, may present barriers to treatment for sexual offending and create challenges working with offenders with ASC.  This study investigated the use of adapted sex offender treatment programmes (SOTPs) for individuals with ASC.

Biography:

I am currently working as a Statistician in Asian Heart Institute & I have completed my M.Phil. In Bio-Statistics & Demography. Also I have four month experience in working as statistician at govt. Medical College and hospitals, Chandigarh under ICMR project.

Abstract:

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication andbehavioral challenges. The actual number of children with autism in India is unclear,and there is no evidence of the quality of life of the parents with ASD children. This study aimed to describe the challenges, coping strategy, and quality of life of the parents having children with ASD in Mumbai, India. 

Biography:

Joanne Cheung completed her BSc in Psychology at Bristol University UK and her MSc at King’s College London. She is a research fellow at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience and is researching psychopathology in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.      

Abstract:

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes. It is not known if the risk for ASD or ADHD is increased in both TSC1 or TSC2 mutations. This study aims to determine the prevalence of ASD and ADHD based on mutation type (TSC1 or TSC2 gene). The TS2000 study is a population based, longitudinal study of the natural history of TSC. 125 children diagnosed with TS were recruited. And followed up at several time points. ASD and ADHD were assessed using standardised and semi-standardised measures. Of the 125 participants, 19 had TSC1 mutations and 77 had TSC2 mutations. 42.9% of patients with TSC2 mutation met stringent diagnostic criteria for ASD, 24.5% met criteria for probable ASD and 12.2% for more broadly defined ASD. Amongst patients with TSC1 mutations, 25% met stringent diagnostic criteria for ASD, 37.5% probable ASD and 18.8% met criteria for more broadly defined ASD. The difference between TSC1 & TSC2 was not significant: p= 0.77. In TSC1 cases, definite ADHD was diagnosed in 27.3% and probable ADHD was present in 9.1%. Amongst TSC2 cases, 20.8%. had definite ADHD and 22.9% probable ADHD. The difference between TSC1 & TSC2 was not significant: p=0.70. Mutations in both the TSC1 and TSC2 genes are associated with an increased risk of ASD and ADHD compared to the general population, but in this small sample, the prevalence of ASD and ADHD in TSC1 and TSC2 cases was not significantly different.

Biography:

Jenny Palmiotto, Psy. D., LMFT is the CEO and clinical director of The Family Guidance & Therapy Center which provides services in Southern California and Central Texas. She is the founder of Love & Autism; a social change movement and national conference where autistic people are positioned as leaders. As a clinician, Jenny is driven by her values of authenticity, adventure, and belonging. She wholeheartedly invites joy into each therapy session using family-focused, relational methods such as Relationship Development Intervention (RDI), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Movement Method (MM), and The Daring Way. With seventeen years of experience, she brings a depth of understanding and compassion to autistic people and their families. Its more important than ever to grow loving-kindness in our families, homes, and communities; Jenny enjoys helping people do just that.

Abstract:

This study aimed to improve understanding of interactions between parent-child with autism within two domains central to autism; intersubjectivity and social regulation. In this qualitative study, the researcher examined the Relationship Development Assessment-Adapted (RDA-RV) Coding Scales, a novel observational measure used to assess the quality of interactions between parent and child with autism, within the context of Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) treatment and pretreatment. The researcher used qualitative content analysis to describe each of the subcategories of the RDA-RV Coding Scales within the two main categories--Intersubjective Engagement States and Interactive Regulation States. Eleven parent-child dyads participated by providing short video recordings of parent-child interactions in RDI guiding engagements and a pretreatment video. With review of textual transcriptions and video, the researcher’s findings included three themes that were tracked in each of the four predetermined subcategories of the Intersubjective Engagement States. The themes found were: (a) quality of affective connection/relatedness, (b) quality of communication, and (c) quality of gaze. In addition, within the four predetermined subcategories of Interactive Regulation States, three unique themes emerged: (a) quality of monitoring and aligning (b) dynamic-ness (c) complexity of the share endeavor. The researcher deconstructed each theme into subthemes distinguishing each subcategory as a different and distinct levels of interaction that also related to the respective main category. The researcher formulated the findings into a codebook to increase clinical and research utility of the RDA-RV Coding Scales. The results may directly influence the assessment and ongoing treatment of developmental-relational approaches, namely RDI, by increasing the usability of the RDA-RV Coding Scales.

Biography:

Alicia Trautwein is an Autism Parenting Blogger and Influencer based in St. Louis, MO USA.  She is the creator behind TheMomKind.com, an autism parenting website that was awarded one of the Top 30 Autism Parenting Blogs of 2018.  She is featured in the book, Amazing Moms of the 21st Century by Hogan Hilling and is and life long advocate for Autism Awarenss and Acceptance.

Abstract:

With rates being 1 in 59 children in the United States being diagnosed with Autism, there is a real need for positive autism parenting advice. With the common use of social media and electronics by both autistic childed and adults, as well as the parents there of, a new world of information hasd come about. Social media and blogs are becoming the go to resource for parents in all categories, especially in the autism parenting realm.

Biography:

Hideki Kozima completed his Ph.D in computer science from the University of Electro Communications (Tokyo, Japan) in 1994, then he joined National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (Tokyo/Kyoto, Japan) as a researcher and senior researcher, where he developed “Keepon”, a therapeutic robot for autism.  In 2008, he joined Miyagi University (Miyagi, Japan) as a full professor at School of Project Design, and appointed as a vice president in 2013.  In 2017, he joined Tohoku University (Miyagi, Japan) as a full professor of Graduate School of Educational Informatics, and in 2018 as a full professor of Graduate School of Education.

Abstract:

ASD exhibits a wide spectrum of behavioral symptoms.  A number of researchers have tried to find a unified model behind the phenotypical diversity; however, any plausible model that well-explains that diversity has not yet proposed.  We here describe our on-going attempt at modeling ASD in a unified way from the viewpoint of “cognitive granularity”.

Biography:

Dr. LaVigna received his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago and has worked in the field of Autism since 1971.  He has served on the Professional Advisory Board of the Autism Society of America since 1978.  He Co-founded the Institute for Applied Behavior Analysis (IABA) in 1981, which currently serves over 600 children, adolescents and adults.  He has published 4 books on the topic of Positive Behavior Supports and more than 40 journal articles and book chapters.  He has also served as guest editor for special editions of two respected journals.   

Abstract:

Will be updated shortlyBehaviors of concern are those that can put the person or others at risk. This can lead to restrictive practices aimed at keeping people safe, which themselves can lead to harm, scandal and a decreased quality of life. Positive Behavior Support (PBS) holds a surprising solution to this dilemma.  When a behavior of concern occurs, the immediate objective of the reactive strategy used should be behavioral "resolution", i.e., rapid, safe situational management. The quantified measure of "episodic severity" should be used to evaluate this outcome.  Rather than using a restrictive procedure, research has provided a host of evidenced based non-aversive reactive strategies (NARS) that can lead to "resolution."  These include, among others, active listening, redirection to an alternative, even preferred activity and stimulus change.  These NARS have been shown to be more effective than the restrictive procedures in reducing episodic severity and in keeping people safe.  The elephant in the room is the overwhelming but unacknowledged body of research literature that has identified a NARS that is superior to all other strategies, including both the other NARS and restrictive practices.  That is, it consistently achieves rapid, safe situational management and dramatically reduces the episodic severity of the behavior.  The elephant sitting behind the elephant in the room is the overwhelming but unacknowledged body of research literature that establishes that this remarkably effective NARS can be used without any negative side effects.   Government and agency policy should require the full use of NARS before the use of restrictive practices is allowed.

Biography:

Jonathan completed his undergrad and graduate degrees at Andrews University earning a BSW and MSW focused in clinical social work. Jonathan is an experienced therapist with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital, community and health care industry. He has earned certification as a family therapist and passed the masters level licensure examination set for social workers by the Association of Social Work Boards.  Jonathan is now functioning as the Experiential Therapist on the CAS multidisciplinary team where he has been working since returning home to Bermuda in December 2015.

Abstract:

Bermuda’s Child and Adolescent Services (CAS) annually receives many requests for its therapeutic summer camp. This Intervention is predominantly reserved for young children who present with traits primarily consistent with a neurodevelopmental disorder, disruptive, impulse-control and conduct disorders that subsequently exclude them from mainstream summer camp programs offered in Bermuda.  In recent years CAS summer camp has largely been used to assist in the process of differential diagnosis using a multidisciplinary team approach to rule out ADHD and ASD. To maximize the benefits of participation in such a service, individual referrals are short listed based on criteria set by the clinical team.  Age, presenting traits, gender, working diagnosis and overall group size are all considered ensuring there is an appropriate peer group for the summer experience, consequently maximizing benefits and minimizing risk to participants.   Daily observations by clinical staff, individual assessments, individual interactions, daily parent feedback, treatment plan guided interventions and daily review of each participant provides a comprehensive approach toward each service user. Over the years there have been high rates of service users diagnosed with ADHD and ASD. Camp referrals although similar in nature often involve varied symptom presentations making ruling out disorders a multifaceted process. Traditionally diagnosis of ADHD and ASD are made through questionnaire and snap shot interactions with trained clinicians. Utilization of the CAS therapeutic summer camp gives clinicians the opportunity to observe, interact and manage service users over a period of time providing more information and minimizing the likely hood of misdiagnosing.     

Biography:

Evangelos Kavakis has completed his Master’s Degree in Special Educational Needs at USW Newport City Campus with a keen interest in the field of Autism Spectrum. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and Education (Honors) from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He is currently working as a Teaching Assistant in a primary school for children aged 3-11 years old, who are on the spectrum of autism, in Cardiff.

Abstract:

Parental Interpretations of Autism: A Greek Perspective: The aim of this research project was to have a better understanding of the perception and life experiences of rural Greek parents raising children on the spectrum of autism. For this reason, a qualitative research has been adopted through qualitative semi-structured individual interviews. Parents from 7 families of children with autism, aged between ten and fifteen years old residing in a northern Greek province shared their personal story. The data were analyzed using qualitative software (NVivo) and themes began to emerge. Four themes representing the essential challenging elements of the parents' experiences included: Parents’ understanding, impact of autism, sources of information and the support and its role in the life of parents. This qualitative exploration of parental experiences has yielded several key findings. Knowledge was added to the current literature on autism in specific areas through first-hand accounts as data and can be used in the future in a plethora of educational and not only ways. 

Biography:

I am currently working as a Statistician in Asian Heart Institute & I have completed my M.Phil. In Bio-Statistics & Demography. Also I have four month experience in working as statistician at govt. Medical College and hospitals, Chandigarh under ICMR project.

Abstract:

Background: Autism Spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability which is fast growing in nature across the globe. There is limited empirical evidence on autism in India. The actual number of children with autism is unclear as many of the characteristics are similar to other neurological and mental disorder and not counted as ASD in India. This study aimed to describe the erceivedharacteristics of children with ASD and its risk factors in Mumbai, India.

Biography:

Lorry Chen has completed her dietetic education from Western University and has been in clinical practice for more than 25 years in a pediatric rehabilitation hospital serving children with disabilities.  Addition to her clinical practice, her research interest includes exploring energy requirements, obesity and the evaluation of anthropometric parameters in children with disabilities.  She has been a collaborator in several published research articles in peer review journals about obesity in children with disabilities.

Abstract:

Weight gain, which is one of the harmful effects of psychotropic medication, is likely the best understood risk factor for obesity in both children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Data obtained from clinical and nationally representative populations of children demonstrate that approximately 30% - 60% of children with ASD are prescribed at least one psychotropic medication, and 10% are prescribed more than three medications at the same time. To date, no established treatments or preventative measures have been developed to combat psychotropic-induced weight gain (PIWG) (1). Controlled energy intake combined with elevated protein intake (CEEP), may represent an effective and practical strategy for limiting weight gain. Potential beneficial outcomes associated with protein ingestion include: a) increased satiety—protein generally increases satiety to a greater extent than carbohydrate or fat and may facilitate a reduction in energy consumption; b) increased thermogenesis—higher-protein diets are associated with an increase in thermogenesis, which also influences satiety and increase energy expenditure; and c) maintenance or growth of fat-free mass (muscle) — in some individuals, a moderately higher protein diet may provide an increase effect on muscle protein synthesis, favoring the retention of lean muscle mass while improving metabolic profile  (2). 

Biography:

Brian McCann is a doctoral candidate at the University of Dundee. He has been teaching English language and literature for over 25 years and has taught at Dublin City University, Dublin Business School, King Fahd University, Saudi Arabia, Aoyama Business School, Tokyo and is now a Special Education teacher at the Newpark Autism Centre, Dublin. He has an M.Phil. in Applied Linguistics from Trinity College, Dublin, an MBA in Educational Management from the University of Leicester and  4^th Degree Black Belt in Aikido from World Headquarters, Tokyo. He regularly teaches Samurai weaponry to autistic students.

Abstract:

This study questions what it is to be an autistic adult as a novice martial artist in the practice of Aikido. It responds to a gap in the literature on martial arts as an intervention in autism and investigates the impact of martial practice on the affective domain. Four participants met with two inclusion criteria: firstly, to be between eighteen and sixty-five and secondly, to   hold a clinical diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder  (ASD) (DSM-5). The research was conducted using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The sample engaged in an adapted Aikido course taught by officially registered black belt instructors within a formal dojo setting. Video and photo elicitation were used in the semi-structured interviews and the participants logged their experiences. Two phases of interviews followed the 12-class course.  Phase Two followed between four and six months after Phase One to register any longitudinal changes.  The researcher personally transcribed all interviews. IPA was selected because it combined the rigour of hermeneutics, idiography and phenomenology. Phase One revealed superordinate themes across the four transcripts revealing issues of fear, bullying, threat, protection, anxiety and safety.  Phase Two revealed a significant longitudinal impact on the daily lives of the participants, ranging from a newly acquired life-world structure to an increase in peace of mind. The study contributes to the current wave of advocacy for the autistic nation and should encourage and support further research. On a pragmatic level, it may offer inspiration to martial art instructors teaching autistic adults in their classes.

Biography:

Professor Damian Riviez, Ph.D., is the Dean of the Abu Dhabi School of Management in the UAE. His research interests include innovative platforms of human learning and development in business, communities and education. Damian has a passion for studying new applications for learning to address diversified learning challenges in human development. Professor Riviez holds a Doctorate in Educational Administration and Leadership, a Master’s of Science in Special Education, and a Graduate Certificate in Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Dr. Riviez has a child with additional learning needs.

Abstract:

The development of language, communication and literacy is at the heart of human development. The acquisition of language skills in early childhood development and the growth and retention of those skills over a lifetime, serve as the barometer for diagnosis in addressing variances of ability and use. Moreover, these skills serve as a critical value in providing tangible proof of perceptual cognitive performance, action and behavior. The purpose of this project is to investigate the use of Audio Psycho Phonology (APP) as a foundational tool for individuals with learning challenges. A literature review was conducted in determining the viability of APP as an effective intervention for those with learning difficulties. Results indicate moderate success, albeit, variable in diverse cases. Further, a discussion on a relevant case study will be presented.