Articles that focus on speech delays, the challenges of holding conversations, understanding statements, questions or needs, connecting with other people. Sometimes will include taking language too literally, missing sarcasm. Also may include a parent or carer communicating with a school on behalf of someone with autism.
Augmentative-alternative communication has become more available to families as both they and schools access iOS technology and apps. But, sadly, what is not readily available is the knowledge of how best to teach their children how to use these systems to communicate. It’s a myth that you can give a child an AAC system, whether […]
Continue reading
As a pediatrician, I have been taught that the developmental progress of a three to four-year-old should include well over 500 words and a child should be able to describe things and situations in a meaningful way. This milestone is one that all parents strive for as it is an important part of a child’s […]
Continue reading
When we think of “finding one’s voice” we often think of a writer seeking the most natural and fluent way to express him or herself. When it comes to autism, “finding one’s voice” is more literal: we are often literally teaching a child to speak who has never spoken before or teaching a child to […]
Continue reading
It can be challenge sometimes for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) when it comes to meeting and communicating with other kids. Some children may experience serious attacks of anxiety, and these situations can be hard for everyone. There are several strategies to help develop and improve social skills for children with autism. Here are […]
Continue reading
In the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), a key feature is persistent deficits in communication that are not because of other developmental delays. This means that for a child to be diagnosed with autism, his/her speech and language skills must be different from typical development, not merely delayed and like those of a younger […]
Continue reading
Some people believe they are not ‘good’ at playing with Lego® blocks, others prefer other toys or activities, but very few people really dislike it. Traditionally Lego has been seen as a toy, however this is not necessarily the case anymore. Lego is increasingly being used as a tool to encourage and develop creativity, improve […]
Continue reading
Dear Rob, My son used to bang his head but he has stopped. For the past two months, he has been pushing and biting children in the classroom for no reason. At home, he is trying to bite us when he gets angry about not getting what he wants. Please tell me why he is […]
Continue reading
My little boy will sometimes call cookies ‘biscuits,’ and gasoline ‘petrol.’ He has lived in the Midwestern United States all eight years of his life, but that does not stop him from saying, “I CAHN’T!” when asked to complete a task, or requesting ‘pahn-cakes’ for breakfast. Greyson has no idea where England is, but he […]
Continue reading
In my recent article published in Autism Parenting Magazine, Issue 67, I focused on the augmentative and alternative (AAC) communication evaluation process and on answering commonly asked questions. Many people have a misconception that once you receive an AAC communication device, this is the end of your journey. This is just the beginning! Receiving an […]
Continue reading
In all my years as a teacher and tutor, I have yet to see a frown or a tear shed by students in creating or reading comics. For those who work with children on the autism spectrum, the practice of creating comic strips with free comic generators like MakeBeliefsComix.com or even drawing them by hand […]
Continue reading