The Basics of Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC)
Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) is an area of speech-language pathology that focuses on the assessment and treatment of individuals who have difficulty communicating verbally. AAC interventions can range from low-tech to high-tech devices and systems. Selecting the right AAC system for an individual can be a daunting task. In this blog post, we discuss low […]
Bullying & Autism – How we can Advocate for Kindness
Whether at school, in sports, or around the neighborhood, children are bound to have both positive and negative interactions as they branch out socially. Finding new friends is a quintessential part of growing up that we all want for our children. Unfortunately, bullying is something that one out of every five students reports dealing with […]
Handling Halloween – Tips to Guarantee Safe and Spooky Fun
October is known far and wide for its pumpkins, corn mazes, and all things Halloween. This unique holiday can be full of candy and fun for all ages, but also potential challenges for children with autism to face and navigate. Flashing lights, scary costumes, and generally stimulating environments can be overwhelming for those who are […]
Helping Your Child Thrive: Understanding IEPs and Skills for Advocacy
Many children with autism are eligible for special education services at school and an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Navigating the special education process can feel overwhelming at times. Parents are an important and valuable member of the IEP team. The right knowledge and tools can help you be an advocate for your child and partner […]
Four Tips to Build Strong Social Skills at Home
Time spent at school can help children with autism expand their knowledge base, but it also can be daunting socially when compared to the familiarity of home. Leaving home to enter school marks an important step along their educational journey though, and parents can prepare their children to make the most of the opportunity with […]
Finding Fun in Fall – Extracurricular Activities for Children with Autism
Compared with the long, and sometimes lazy days of summer, the fall season buzzes with holidays, activities, and a radically new daily schedule that’s often far busier. When getting back into the swing of a new school year, there’s ample opportunity to explore all types of hobbies. It is worth taking some time to talk […]
The Importance of Teamwork: Interprofessional Collaboration in the Treatment of Children with Autism
Autism spectrum disorder is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates and interacts with others. Because of the complexity of autism, best practices suggest an interprofessional team will best support individuals and their families. What is interprofessional collaboration? Interprofessional collaboration is when two or more disciplines (e.g., behavior analyst, speech-language pathologist, occupational […]
Encouraging Learning through Outdoor Activities
For any parent, encouraging an appreciation for the outdoors helps keep children active and curious. However, it becomes especially important for families that have children with autism, as playing outdoors not only promotes physical fitness but also helps children learn skills across multiple environments. Learning activities can take countless forms and fit especially well within […]
Finding the Right Autism Treatment Provider
There are six core elements to look for when finding the right autism treatment provider for your child. Individualized Supports – Your child’s program should be individualized to their specific and current learning needs. For example, if your child has poor or little social skills, doing a home program with no other social models is […]
Five Ways To Maximize Learning Within Play For Your Child
Play is an important part of a child’s development. It helps them learn about the world around them and develop essential skills. While there are many benefits to play, did you know that you can also use play to help your child learn? Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention (NDBI) programs, such as Project ImPACT*, offer some […]
