How to Talk to an Autistic Child & Get a Response

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

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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