Autism-Talk

The ABLLS-R (Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills - Revised) is not a diagnostic tool for autism but serves as a comprehensive c

Social skill stories can be a great tool for parents and teachers of autistic children. These stories explain everyday situations, social sk

At the heart of the matter is a simple truth: while I believe that behaviorism or ABA therapy has many helpful tools, it’s rarely the strate

Autism Visual Support Lanyard Cards Does your child seem bright, able to complete puzzles, and even randomly identify letters of the alphabet, yet often have no response when you ask them to hang up their backpack or put their shoes away?  It can be puzzling as a parent to determine if a child is just ignoring a request because they do not want to and don't have the language to express that or if they do not understand what was said to them. It can often be difficult to under

Engaging young children, especially those with autism, in learning activities can be so much fun when using music. Adding visual supports to this experience makes learning even more meaningful for many autistic children. Combining music and visuals makes learning interactive, fostering educational development and positive social interactions. In this post, we will explore how to use song visuals effectively during circle time to support children with autism. Table of Contents

Child matching items found in sensory bin to photos of the objects. Table of Contents Introduction Completion Tasks Matching Objects to Pictures Matching Identical Objects Matching Pictures Imitating Simple Actions Imitating Sounds Pointing to Pictures of Sounds Sorting and Matching Colors Answering Yes/No Questions Building a Strong Foundation Many parents and educators feel lost when it comes to teaching a child who lacks the early learning skills typically associated with

A Personal Decision As parents, we're faced with countless decisions every day, from what to make for dinner to which school our children should attend. But some decisions weigh heavier than others, especially when it comes to the well-being of our kids. One of the most daunting decisions parents of children with autism might face is whether or not to consider medication. In my personal experience, the decision to consider medication for my neurodivergent twins came after yea

Table of Contents: Introduction What is PECS? What are Visual Schedules? Key Differences Between PECS and Visual Schedules or Visual Supports Choosing the Right Tool for Your Child Conclusion 1.Introduction A few weeks ago, I was having a conversation with an autism parent, and I realized that they were using the term “PECS” and “visual schedule” interchangeable. This reminded me of how often I have heard even educators make this simple error. Although both are visual support

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a common approach to help children with autism learn and develop. It's been around since the 1960s and focuses on teaching new behaviors using reinforcement, like access to toys or small amounts of food. ABA aims to help children with autism improve their communication skills, behavior, and overall quality of life. Opinions about ABA vary widely, with some families praising it as a lifeline for children facing significant behavior ch

Using Autism Social Skill Stories to Work on Social Skills In the world of educating or parenting a child with autism, helping them navigate the complexities of social interactions and emotions are a constant. One easy but powerful tool in achieving this is the use of social skill stories. In this blog post, we will explore what social skill stories are, who can benefit from them, the problems they can address, and how you can create these social story narratives, offering yo

A Positive Solution Autism Behavioral Reward Punch Cards We all know that dealing with challenging behaviors like hitting, biting, and screaming can be incredibly frustrating. It's hard not to get bogged down by the negativity, constantly reminding ourselves that there must be a better way. In the journey of parenting and teaching, however, I have discovered over and over again that often the most effective solutions are the ones grounded in positivity and encouragement. Whil

Table of Contents Understanding Break Cards Introduction to the concept of break cards as a tool for emotional regulation Who Should Use Break Cards Break card misconceptions What Break Cards Look Like Variety of break card designs How to create visually appealing and personalized cards. Where to Store the Break Card Practical tips on where and how to store break cards, emphasizing simplicity and accessibility. How to Begin Using a Break Card Step-by-step guidance on i

Autism and Play: The Role of Autism Picture Schedules Understanding the Challenge: Play Skills in Children with Autism Parenting or...