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.
The most powerful insight I have gained during my 30 years of inspiring our beautiful children to verbally communicate is the knowledge that that all growth starts with acceptance of our children as they are. This cannot be overlooked or bypassed. It is the wings upon which all change occurs. If you want your child, […]
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We all know having an autistic child can be a challenge—in fact, it can even be stressful at times. But can it be a gift? Can you use the fact your child has autism to your advantage? Absolutely. By understanding him or her, you can have a better relationship with your child not just as […]
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Hello, I’m mum to Franklin aged four who was diagnosed with autism at two years old. Franklin is non-verbal, highly sensory, and has learning difficulties. Franklin being non-verbal has been a huge and heartbreaking concern ever since we realized the words just weren’t coming. While my daughter does not stop speaking from the minute her […]
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American Sign Language (ASL) is the third most used foreign language in the United States. It ranks right behind Spanish and French, with approximately 2 million individuals in the United States utilizing it (Gallaudet University Library, 2016). How can this beautiful language be used to benefit the lives of children with autism? 1. Does Your […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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As a practicing clinician specializing in adult diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), I have noticed that as the diagnosis of children impacted on the spectrum has dramatically increased (current statistic from the Centers for Disease Control is 1:55), the first time diagnostic rates for adults on the spectrum also continue to skyrocket, making the […]
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For years, I’ve been searching for a way to reconcile my passion for speech therapy and my addiction to earning new, vibrant stamps in my passport. I was reading a news article when I came across a non-governmental organization in Cambodia helping to make speech therapy available to those with communication difficulties. In Cambodia, speech […]
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One of the most difficult things to cope with as an autism mom was my son’s inability to speak. I remember hoping and praying that speech was going to develop and reassuring myself that it was a matter of time and the words would emerge by perhaps the next holiday or birthday. I recall having […]
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As parents to children who are nonverbal or have limited speech, we have to learn some skills of our own to help them learn to communicate better. I have three children with autism myself who are all now extremely verbal, but when they were younger, communication was a constant struggle. Here are a few of […]
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If you are wondering, “How can assistive technology help a child with autism?” you are not alone. Using different types of alternative forms of communication for autism has been proven to improve communication outcomes in children with language delays. The benefits of assistive technology for autism are widely recognized by speech-language pathologists. This article will […]
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The new school year can be a source of stress for many children and even more so for children with autism. There are new people to meet, new routines to learn, and all the while having to navigate this real-world environment we call school. Communicating with your child’s teacher is critical to your child’s success. […]
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My son, now 17, was diagnosed with Asperger’s at age 12, though we knew there was something “different” about him long before then. I remember going to school for career day and seeing several kids in the hall excitedly greet my son, who just walked right by them without even acknowledging they had spoken to […]
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As a speech-language pathologist for more than 18 years, I have spent most of my career in the field of augmentative and alternative communication. My key interests have always been children and adults who have complex communication needs. This population displays a variety of disabilities, but my past and current caseloads include mostly children with […]
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Let’s go back to a moment when your child shared a story that was not his/her own and was disconnected from that present situation. Give yourself the luxury of a short daydream. First, focus on your child’s adorable, precious face. Next, fill in the scene that you just imagined. Include your shared words or story […]
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Communication is the act of exchanging a message between two people, either vocally or non-vocally, and it begins at the very beginning stages of life. At the first stages of communication, we may cry or babble in order to self-soothe or react to something unpleasant or exciting. Later, we may start to reach, point, or […]
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Molly was diagnosed with autism at age two. She was quiet—almost non-verbal—and did not play with other children. To communicate, she led her parents to what she wanted or needed. Molly also had severe tantrums and trouble maintaining a regular sleep pattern. She did not appear to be a typical two-year-old. She seldom smiled or […]
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Over the past 17 years, our program, Kid Pan Alley, worked with more than 40,000 children writing songs in schools throughout the country. Those kids have written more than 2,700 songs, some of which were recorded by top entertainers such as Delbert McClinton, Sissy Spacek, Amy Grant, Kix Brooks, Suzy Bogguss and more. One was […]
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As a parent, a loving, emotional connection with your autism spectrum disorder (ASD) child is likely what you crave above all else. Chances are that you feel robbed of this as a result of your child’s diagnosis. I know this feeling first-hand. My son (now 19) was diagnosed at the age of five after a […]
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It is amazing to watch the interaction between these two young, fun-loving adults. Both are geniuses in their own way. One is an artist. The other, a computer whiz. And they both share a fantastic camaraderie. They have a special connection and enjoy spending time with each other. They’re both blessed with a sense […]
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Note: While the term Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCO) is specific to the education system in the UK, the following information is valuable for any special education program. The transition to secondary school can be a challenging time for any parent, and there are a number of additional considerations for the transition from primary to […]
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By Caroline Lee Many children with autism spectrum disorder need assistance with their listening, language, and whole-word reading skills. The book, Targeting Language Delays: IEP Goals & Activities for Students with Developmental Challenges, written by Speech-Language Pathologist Caroline Lee, sequentially teaches these vital skills using more than 100 goals and activities that can be used […]
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