Heartache and Joy: Communication Challenges with Autism

Heartache and Joy: Communication Challenges with Autism

Autism Parents' Corner

Life with a speech-delayed toddler is filled with heartache and joy. Along with the usual toddler demands comes the added difficulty of not being able to easily communicate. In my child’s case, her severe speech delay is due to autism spectrum disorder and motor planning issues. Our days are filled with struggle. My failure to understand her can send her into a rage or meltdown, further fueled by the autism. Yet we do find joys amongst the everyday struggles of communication challenges with autism.

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Finding the Special Needs Community on Twitter

Finding the Special Needs Community on Twitter

Special Needs

Maybe you’ve heard of Twitter, but you’re not quite sure where to start. Maybe you’re a tweeting pro, but haven’t explored the vibrant special needs community on twitter. The Speech Buddies crew put their beaks to the grindstone and came up with these special needs twitter accounts as a good place to start. Get your follow-buttons ready…

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Learning Materials That Support Children with Autism

Learning Materials That Support Children with Autism

Autism
Autism Activities

Learning Materials and Activities for Children with Autism Image source: addingtonesol.blogspot.com

As we finish up April and Autism Awareness Month, we share with you some strategies for autism therapy at home. Since the early 1970’s the United States has recognized April as Autism Awareness Month and autism advocacy groups take this special opportunity to educate the public about autism and related issues within the autism community. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. They are characterized by varying degrees of difficulties in social interaction, verbal and non -verbal communication and repetitive behaviors. ASD affects over 2 million people in the United States and tens of millions worldwide. Rates have increased 10-17% annually in recent years, with no established explanation.

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5 Awesome Activities for Children with Autism!

5 Awesome Activities for Children with Autism!

At Home Ideas Autism Games and Activities Language Development News Speech Disorders

 

Activities for Children with AutismAs we celebrate National Autism Awareness month, we’d like to share with you ideas for activities that help support children with autism.  Autism is an increasingly more common neurological condition that affects brain development. As such, children diagnosed with autism have more difficulty socializing with others, effectively communicating and responding appropriately to the environment around them. Are there activities that you can do with your child to help encourage effective communication and engagement?  Yes, read on!

If your child has autism, you know that it affects each child differently.  Children with autism possess a wide variety of skills, strengths, and needs. In addition to individualized therapy, there are simple, everyday activities that parents, teachers and caregivers can do to help support children with autism. We’ve put together a list of materials and fun activities that encourage social skills, and enhance communication for children with autism.

What kinds of activities and games are best?  An article in Science Daily, discussed the importance of play in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). “Children with ASD chose to engage in play that provided strong sensory feedback, cause-and-effect results, and repetitive motions,” said Kathy Ralabate Doody, Ph.D., assistant professor of exceptional education at SUNY Buffalo State. Any opportunity to explore colors, shapes, textures and sensory experiences can help stimulate attention and create a sense of fun!

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Light It Up Blue – Celebrate Autism Awareness Month!

Autism News

Autism Awareness

World Autism Awareness DayIn the spirit of World Autism Awareness Day today, we are doing our part to help shed some light on autism by wearing blue in accordance with Autism Speaks global initiative “Light It Up Blue” that kicks off the seventh annual Autism Awareness Month. On April 2nd, restaurants, small businesses, people, retail stores and landmarks don the color blue to help raise awareness about autism. World Autism Day seeks to educate the community and promotes support and understanding for autistic people. Can you help?

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