How to Talk to an Autistic Child & Get a Response

by Jacky G. Autism
Autistic Child Infographic

Image source: Behance.net

Every autistic child is unique, with his own set of particular challenges to overcome. If your autistic child has trouble with communication, talk to his speech-language pathologist (SLP) about at-home speech therapy activities and tools that can help him. Speech Buddies, for example, have helped many kids with autism learn to communicate more effectively. You can also use a few speech therapy techniques to encourage your autistic child to respond to you. It may help to adjust the way you speak. Always keep your audience in mind.

For example, if you’re at a family reunion and somebody asks you what you do for a living, you probably wouldn’t immediately jump into the details of corporate tax news. You’d just say you were a tax preparer because you’re less likely to get a blank stare in response. Likewise, by altering your language and the way in which you use it, you may be more likely to get a response from your child.

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Practical Advice for Parents of an Autistic Child: An Interview with Tim Tucker

by Jacky G. Interviews
The Tucker Family - Raising an Autistic Child

Courtesy: Tim Tucker

Autism can cause a wide range of symptoms, from sensory issues to communication difficulties. Kids with autism often require speech therapy to encourage vocalizations. This week we’re talking with Tim Tucker of Both Hands and a Flashlight about his advice for parents of an autistic child. Tim and his wife, Mary, have two adorable little boys. Jonas (aka J-Man) is 7 and Eli (aka Dale Jr.) is 3 ½ years old. Jonas was diagnosed with autism, and like most parents of an autistic child, Tim and Mary initially struggled to come to terms with the diagnosis. But despite the challenges, Tim advises parents to develop positive affirmations, to embrace the identity of being the parent of an autistic child. Read on to find out Jonas’ speech therapy techniques, and check out Tim’s free e-book, “I Am An Autism Parent.”

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Helping Your Child Overcome Dyslexia

by Jacky G. Speech Therapy Techniques
Dyslexia Mindmap

Image source: Dyslexiauntied.blogspot.com

It’s hard for parents to watch their kids struggle, and kids with dyslexia or a speech disorder have a particularly hard time in school. Consider going back to “school” to learn about your child’s difficulties and how best to help him. You won’t even have to worry about paying back more student loans. The Speech Buddies University offers online practice exercises and training videos so that you can learn how to help your child. In the case of dyslexia, early intervention is critical, as we discussed in yesterday’s post about new methods to diagnose dyslexia before the child even learns to read. If you believe your child might have dyslexia, take him to a speech-language pathologist (SLP) for an evaluation.

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Early Diagnosis of Dyslexia Critical for Early Intervention

by Jacky G. News
Child with Dyslexia

Image source: Thesisinprogress.com

Dyslexia is a reading disability that affects the brain’s ability to process and interpret written language. Kids with dyslexia often require extra help in school, such as remedial learning classes or private tutors. This disability is often not diagnosed until the child begins to learn to read, typically in the first grade. But early intervention could improve the child’s academic progress. Now, researchers from the University of Padua in Italy believe that they have found a way to diagnose potential dyslexia well before the child learns to read. Early diagnosis may be possible with the use of evaluations of visual attention deficits. A second study, conducted by researchers from the Children’s Hospital Boston, have found another potential way to diagnose dyslexia in very young children: with the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.

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Pregnancy Health Tied to Language Development in Babies

by Jacky G. News
Depression and Pregnancy Health

Image source: Donna.tuttogratis.it

Whether you’ve previously been pregnant or this is your first time, you’re probably going to great lengths to ensure pregnancy health. But are you taking care of your emotional and mental health? The physical well-being of the fetus is closely tied to your pregnancy health. But now, a recent study has linked maternal mental health to the child’s language acquisition. Researchers have found that depression during pregnancy can negatively impact a baby’s early language development.

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