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Specializing in parent-implemented approaches to autism Kat Houghton is bridging the gap between current published research in autism treatment and the training commonly available to parents.
Since 2000 Kat has worked directly with over 900 families. Working one-on-one with children in playrooms across the US and the UK Kat has had extensive hands-on experience of the entire spectrum of autism. Countless hours on the floor playing with cars and trains, lining up blocks, jumping, swinging, singing, blowing bubbles, flipping book pages, inspecting the details of the tiniest objects, and giving tickles and rides have left Kat with a deep appreciation for and delight in children with autism. This experience forms the backbone of all her work with parents. Through a gentle, self-reflective, person-centered approach Kat helps parents find peace with the diagnosis of their children while providing practical training in evidence-based autism treatment. Whether working with one family in their home or with large groups in the US, Brazil, the Middle East or The Netherlands Kat enjoys helping parents re-discover the joy in their children, their own creativity in play and their confidence to take charge of their child's development.
autism treatment research Since 2007 Kat has been working with faculty at Lancaster University (UK) to complete a PhD in Psychology looking specifically at parent-implemented treatments for autism. Study one investigated the effects of a relationship-based approach on the spontaneous social and communication behaviors of children with autism. Study two is currently underway to investigate the effects of a low-cost parent-training program Kat created for families in underserved and culturally diverse communities. The training program is currently being tested in the Bronx, NY. www.parentsempoweringparents.com
In addition to helping to run ilumivu and completing her PhD, Kat currently provides parent training to families via online video review, phone consultation, in-home trainings and group workshops. Kat is also active in helping local service providers implement the most current knowledge from peer-reviewed research into their daily practice.