Social Intentional Method (SIM) Executive functions are sophisticated mental operations that allow individuals to formulate ideas, plan tasks, and achieve goals. “Theory of mind,” on the other hand, is what allows us to understand and predict the intentions, thoughts, and emotions of others. Children with autism and related disorders are said to lack a theory of mind. Children and adults with autism are often viewed as concrete thinkers, impulsive, socially inappropriate, disorganized, inattentive, inflexible, and lacking the ability to pursue long-term goals. Our treatment philosophy is based on research that states that the development of executive function plays a role in helping develop a theory of mind. At the risk of oversimplification, we believe that autism and related disorders are a result of executive dysfunction that leads to an underdeveloped theory of mind. A Developmental Approach The human brain is a wonderfully complex organ. It provides us with countless powers and abilities that we use each day as a matter of course. Yet when the brain does not perform as we expect it to, we are left with the complex task of correcting it. When we attempt to improve social cognition, it requires an approach that is in line with the complexity of the brain itself. In the course of tackling severe problems with social cognition, we have pioneered a therapeutic process called the Social Intentional Method. The Social Intentional Method or SIM is built upon the leading theories of autism spectrum disorders and attention disorders, and incorporates the most effective components of the major therapeutic disciplines. The professionals at CSC focus therapeutic effort on improving executive function—the brain’s process that enables us to plan, carry out plans, act on our plans, evaluate our actions, and make changes when necessary to reach our objectives. Executive functions are important for success in academic, social, and professional pursuits and they serve as the platform for the Social Intentional Method. We are able to treat disorders of social cognition not only by improving your child’s routine or rote performance, but also performance of difficult and non-routine tasks, as they arise in the various trials of life. By improving executive functioning through SIM, your child will develop an awareness of his or her interactive social strengths and weaknesses, be able to participate in social settings based on this awareness, and develop the skills needed to have a fulfilling life.
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