Autism-Talk

TL;DR: Kindergarten Readiness Isn’t Just About ABCs Kindergarten readiness for autistic preschoolers includes social and emotional skills — not just academics. Many autistic children benefit from direct, explicit teaching of social skills before kindergarten. Emotional regulation, communication, flexibility, peer interaction, and independence matter most. Download the free Autism Social Skills Checklist at the end of this post. Table of Contents Why Are Social Skills More Imp

Leucovorin (folinic acid) is a form of folate studied in autism It may help language and communication, especially for some children In one study, ~65% improved on leucovorin vs 24% on placebo Benefits were strongest in children with folate-related challenges Side effects were usually mild and temporary It’s not a cure and doesn’t help every childAlways talk with your child’s doctor before considering it

What is the Spellers movie about? Time to Read:  ~7 minutes TL;DR Summary Spelling to Communicate (S2C)  is inspiring hope for non-speaking autistic individuals—but evidence is still limited. The technique raises new questions about whether autism may be more of a motor planning  challenge than a cognitive one. Ethical communication requires independent authorship —not facilitator control. Research is urgently needed to confirm whether this is a real breakthrough or another c

If you’ve ever searched for a “No Biting” social story for your autistic child or students, you’re not alone. Biting, hitting, and other challenging behaviors can be stressful for everyone involved, and it’s natural to want them to stop. But here’s the thing: social stories work best when they teach new skills , not when they simply tell a child what not  to do. In this post, we’ll look at why “No Biting” isn’t the social story you need—and how writing a positive, skill-based

How Sensory Breaks Reduce Challenging Behaviors in Autism TL;DR Summary Sensory breaks help autistic children self-regulate and prevent meltdowns. Each child’s sensory needs are unique — what calms one may overstimulate another. Understanding sensory input types (vestibular, proprioceptive, tactile, etc.) helps adults offer the right support. “Sensory diets” — structured plans for sensory input, often recommended by OTs. Visual communication cards empower kids to express what

Understanding Sensory Processing in Autism: What Parents and Teachers Should Know TL;DR Summary Sensory processing is how the brain takes in and responds to information from the senses. Many autistic children experience over- or under-sensitivity to sound, touch, movement, or light. Sensory behaviors like spinning, covering ears, or seeking pressure are ways to self-regulate. Adults can help by watching for patterns, creating supportive environments, and using visual tools. V

PECS is a structured, low-tech way to teach communication. TL;DR: Quick Takeaways PECS = Picture Exchange Communication System , a structured, low-tech way to teach communication. Stands out because it includes a step-by-step teaching protocol   Helps kids learn foundational communication skills   Low cost, portable, and useful across settings Can support later skills in both language and academics . Table of Contents A Brief History of PECS What Makes PECS Unique? The Teachi

Will my autistic child talk? Table of Contents Why Speech Looks Different in Autism Speech vs. Communication: Why Both Matter Small Signs of Communication Growth Building Blocks That Lead to Speech Celebrating Every Form of Communication Tools and Supports That Help How Parents Can Support at Home Developmental Preschools & Free Services (US) When to Seek Extra Help Relevant Research Findings TL;DR Summary Speech is only one form of communication.  Even before words, gestures

TL;DR Quick Summary Flashcards support receptive ID, expressive labeling, matching, and quantity recognition. Use structured trials (like DTT or 1:1 work) alongside naturalistic play to reinforce skills. Matching objects to pictures builds symbolic understanding—a foundation for AAC and reading. Matching associated items supports problem-solving and vocabulary. Includes IEP objectives and ideas for play-based learning, small groups, or ABA settings. Why Visual Supports Work f

How Adapted Books Can Encourage Language in Autistic Children For many autistic children—especially those who are minimally verbal or gestalt language learners—language doesn’t develop in the typical way. They may rely on echolalia, repeating words or phrases without yet understanding how to use them flexibly. Adapted books  provide structured opportunities to build meaningful communication, using predictable sentence starters like "I see..."  or "I can..."  to help children

For many nonverbal and minimally verbal children, spoken language can feel overwhelming or inaccessible. However, communication isn’t just about speaking—it’s about expressing thoughts, needs, and emotions in any way that works. Picture cards  are a powerful tool that can bridge the communication gap, helping children develop language skills, reduce frustration, and increase independence. Picture cards  are a powerful tool that can bridge the communication gap, helping childr

Strategies for Developing Speech Skills in Nonverbal Autistic Children As a parent of four neurodiverse children—two of whom have...

Using a First-Then Board: A Simple Autism Visual Support Table of Contents Introduction Why First-Then Boards Work for Autism Visual...

Learn how to teach autism self-help skills at home using ABLLS-R. This guide covers toileting, dressing, money skills, and homeschooling...

Children with autism can face obstacles when it comes to handwashing. Battling the flu, One Handwash at a Time As a mother of four, I've...

Choosing a visual schedule can be overwhelming because there are so many styles. Which Kind of Visual Schedule Should I Use for My...

Mini Activity Schedules: How They Can Help Your Autistic Child If you’re familiar with visual schedules, you already know how helpful...

Understanding prepositions  is a foundational language skill that enables children to describe spatial relationships and follow...

Early intervention for children with autism and other developmental delays is crucial. As a former early childhood special education...

Are you considering homeschooling your autistic child? Homeschooling can be a rewarding and effective way to educate a child with autism, as it allows for an individualized approach to learning. However, it often requires more planning and consideration than designing a program for other child might. If you decide to homeschool your autistic child, there are some factors to keep in mind to ensure your child’s needs are best met. In this post, I’ll discuss important aspects t