tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45820335634709893342024-03-12T19:03:03.727-07:00Autism JourneysConsulting and Treatment for all agesAJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16753992118989517896noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4582033563470989334.post-5622190878200434022013-03-03T16:00:00.000-08:002013-03-03T16:00:49.679-08:00Principles of Reinforcement
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Reinforcers – in a
nutshell, are <b>necessary</b> and
effective when used correctly. A common</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> misconception is that reinforcement is bribery.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">This is only true if used incorrectly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Reinforcement is defined as an event that follows a behavior, which increases that behavior.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">We all respond to reinforcement, or the lack of it. We go to work, because we get a paycheck. We clean the house because we enjoy the results. In the absence of reinforcement, the behaviors that have usually produced them decrease. I love my job, but if I didn't get paid to do it, I'd do it less, and other behaviors that did produce reinforcement (pay) would increase.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">But reinforcement for children in therapy situations does not have to look like a trainer holding a Scooby snack in front of a dog, saying, "sit" (translate that picture into a teacher and a child sitting perfectly at a table, with the teacher delivering an endless stream of instructions and m&ms). There are many different ways to deliver reinforcement effectively, such as variation in </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">frequency and type. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Another big idea -- reinforcers don’t have to be
treats. Sometimes an exaggerated “woo
hoo”, high five, tickle or hug is all it takes. The most effective reinforcement system
depends on each child’s abilities and interests. You need to know what is most interesting and desirable for the child, and remember that this can change, sometimes quickly.</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16753992118989517896noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4582033563470989334.post-6538651812537897012013-01-24T13:13:00.000-08:002013-01-24T13:13:46.497-08:00Why is Categorization Important?
<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1034"/>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1"/>
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="" name="_GoBack"></a><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 200%;">I did the math. I have 80% of my clients working on categorization at some level. Why?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 200%;">One of the ways people organize
their world is through <b>categorization</b>. Typically, young children seem to absorb
the concept of categorization effortlessly through play, talking with others
and participating in everyday experiences. Children and youth with autism
spectrum disorders (ASD) often have difficulty learning to use categorization
strategies effectively and therefore may require systematic instruction to
develop and use them effectively.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Effective categorization skills
enable us to perform tasks efficiently. Daily life without categorization could
lead to a situation such as the following. In order to make dinner, you need to
get the meat from the freezer in the garage, a frying pan off the coffee table
in the living room, potatoes from the bottom dresser drawer in the bedroom,
forks from the box on the top shelf in the bathroom, knives from the TV cabinet,
and then you need to cook the food on the stove in the basement before bringing
it up to serve it on the table in the dining room. This sounds absurd but this
situation could occur if categorization were not used to organize things
according to how they are used.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Beyond using categories, we must
use the correct categories. Imagine going to the dining room section of a
furniture store to buy milk, or going to buy a bike or a horse at the car
dealership. After all, they are both things to ride on. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Why Is Categorization So Important?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<a href="" name="quiz2"></a>The ability to
group things according to a common characteristic and then name that
characteristic is a basic concept that helps children form a basis for
structuring and organizing their world. When you systematically teach
categorization skills, you are not just teaching a single skill but a
system for learning, problem solving and organizing. You are also teaching the
foundation for processing, remembering and integrating new information. Many of
us marvel at and even envy people who are always able to put their finger on an
object or piece of information when needed because they know where to find it.
This would not be possible without having developed complex organization
strategies that include categorization. I like to explain it as a filing system. As a child learns new words, he needs a place to put them, knowing how they relate to other words. Think of how you retrieve a word that is eluding you momentarily -- "It's like ___", "It's a (category)", "Not a __, but ___". You might even recall connecting details such as where you saw this thing, who you were with, etc.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">How Do Children Learn to Categorize?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<a href="" name="quiz5"></a>Matt is going for
a walk in the neighborhood with his dad. He points to a cocker spaniel running
after a frisbee and says, "Kitty." His dad corrects him saying,
"No, that’s a dog." Matt says, "Dog." Further along on the
walk Matt sees an Irish Setter. He immediately points to it and says,
"Dog." His dad responds, "Yes. That’s a big red dog." Matt
is beginning to learn the category of "dogs."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Through a variety of experiences
that include seeing and hearing others talk about dogs of different breeds, as
well as being corrected when he uses a different word for a dog, Matt is
learning what does and does not fit under the category of "dog."
Although this seems very simple, consider all the skills Matt needs to
have in order to reach this understanding. Matt needs to learn the common features of dogs, such as: fur, four legs,
two ears, tail, two eyes, long nose, teeth, and tongue. But that is not enough,
as obviously many other animals have those same features (cats, cow, horses,
raccoons, etc.). Therefore, Matt must also learn what a dog is not. And then he
must learn that there are many variations (color, size, shape, length of fur,
size and shape of ears, differences in the sounds they make). Eventually, he
will also learn there may be exceptions to the rules (no tail, pug nose). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Simultaneously, Matt will learn
about many other categories of familiar things around him. He will learn that
dogs, birds and fish all belong to a category called animals. He will learn
that foods are something to eat, while cars, busses and bicycles are things
people ride. Flowers, trees and grass are called plants, and plants and animals
are living things. Rocks, water and rugs, on the other hand, are not living
things. <span style="line-height: 200%;">Matt will learn that things can be
grouped or categorized in many different ways. For instance, items can be
grouped by what they look like, what they are made of or how they are used. For
Matt, the ability to grasp the concepts involved in understanding increasingly
complex categorization skills develops so easily and naturally that his parents
and others around him are unaware that they are teaching him an essential skill
for organizing his world. </span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Why Is Categorization So Difficult for Children and Youth
with ASD?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<a href="" name="quiz1"></a>Categorization
can be very confusing to people with ASD. To many, it can be a totally foreign,
perplexing concept. Why is that?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Different Ways of Thinking<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
As a woman with very
high-functioning autism, Temple Grandin says that she thinks "in
pictures" whereas most typical people think in words. Words help people
categorize. In <i>Thinking in Pictures and Other Reports from my Life</i> with
Autism, Temple Grandin describes the way she thinks of dogs.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i>... my concept of dogs is ...
linked to every dog I’ve ever known. It’s as if I have a card catalog of dogs I
have seen, complete with pictures, which continually grows as I add more
examples to my video library. If I think about Great Danes, the first memory
that pops into my head is Dansk, the Great Dane owned by the headmaster at my
high school. The next Great Dane I visualize is Helga, who was Dansk’s
replacement. The next is my aunt’s dog in Arizona, and my final image comes
from an advertisement for Fitwell seat covers that featured that kind of dog.
My memories usually appear in my imagination in strict chronological order, and
the images I visualize are always specific. There is no generic, generalized
Great Dane.</i> (Grandin, 1995)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Could you imagine how challenging
it would be for most of us to have to go through a visual list in your mind
when someone simply mentions the word "dog?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Teaching Categorizations skills</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b>General hierarchy:</b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l12 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .5in;">Match identical objects and pictures</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l12 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .5in;">Sort a group of objects or pictures into two identical
sets </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l12 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .5in;">Sort a group of objects by one feature</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l12 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .5in;">Choose an item to match a given category description or name</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l12 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .5in;">Sort into 2 and 3 categories</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l12 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .5in;">Name categories</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l12 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .5in;">What doesn't belong and why</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l12 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .5in;">What goes together and why</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l12 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .5in;">Name multiple items of a given category</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l12 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .5in;">Express similarities and differences</li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 32px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
Need some ideas, feel free to comment or contact me :)</div>
<div>
Dawn </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<o:p> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><u>some information adapted from Academic Interventions</u></span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-top: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 1.0pt 0in 0in 0in;">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="display: none; font-family: Arial; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hide: all;">Bottom of Form<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16753992118989517896noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4582033563470989334.post-1572162995052651642013-01-16T17:49:00.000-08:002013-01-16T17:49:01.894-08:00Are you tired?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Sleep disruption in children with ASD</u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Sleep disorders may be more common in children with </span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><i>autism</i></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">. Researchers estimate that between 40% and 80% of children with autism
have difficulty sleeping. The biggest sleep problems among these children
include:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Difficulty falling asleep<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Inconsistent sleep
routines<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Restlessness or poor sleep
quality<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Waking early and waking
frequently<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">A lack of a good night's
sleep can affect not only the child, but everyone in his or her family. If
you're bleary-eyed from night after night of waking up with your child, there
are a number of lifestyle interventions and </span><a href="http://women.webmd.com/pharmacist-11/natural-sleep-remedies"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">sleep aids</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"> that can help.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="color: #5c4d2b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">What causes
sleep disorders in children with autism?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Researchers don't know for
sure why autistic children have problems with sleep, but they have several
theories. The first has to do with social cues. People know when it's time to
go to sleep at night, thanks to the normal cycles of light and dark and the
body's circadian rhythms. But they also use <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">social cues</span>. For example, children may see their
siblings getting ready for bed. Children with autism, who often have difficulty
communicating, may misinterpret or fail to understand these cues.<b><span style="color: #5c4d2b;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Another theory has to do
with the hormone </span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/tc/melatonin-overview"><span style="background: yellow; color: windowtext; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-highlight: yellow; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">melatonin</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">, which
normally helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. To make melatonin, the body needs an
amino acid called tryptophan, which research has found to be either higher or
lower than normal in children with autism. Typically, melatonin levels rise in
response to darkness (at night) and dip during the daylight hours. Studies have
shown that some children with autism don't release melatonin at the correct
times of day. Instead, they have high levels of melatonin during the daytime
and lower levels at night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Another reason children
with autism may have trouble falling asleep or awaken in the middle of the
night could be an <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">increased
sensitivity to outside stimuli</span>, such as touch or sound. While most kids
continue to sleep soundly while their mother opens the bedroom door or tucks in
the covers, a child with autism might wake up abruptly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="background: yellow; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-highlight: yellow;"><a href="http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/default.htm"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Anxiety</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"> is another possible condition that could adversely affect sleep.
Children with autism tend to test higher than other children for anxiety.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="color: #5c4d2b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">What kind of
effects do sleep problems have? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Not getting a good night's
sleep can have a serious impact on a child's life and overall health. Research
has shown that, in children with autism, there is a connection between lack of
sleep and the following characteristics:<b><span style="color: #5c4d2b;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Aggression<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Depression<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Hyperactivity<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Increased behavioral
problems<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Irritability<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Poor learning and
cognitive performance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">If your child isn't
sleeping, there's a good chance you aren't, either. One study showed that the
parents of autistic children sleep less, have poorer sleep quality, and wake up
earlier than parents of non-autistic children. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="color: #5c4d2b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">How do I
know whether my child has a sleep disorder?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Every child needs a
slightly different amount of sleep. In general, these are the amounts of sleep
children require, by age:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Ages 1-3: 12-14 hours of
sleep per day<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Ages 3-6: 10-12 hours of
sleep per day<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Ages 7-12: 10-11 hours of
sleep per day<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">If your child regularly
has difficulty falling asleep or wakes up repeatedly throughout the night, it
might be a sign of a sleep problem. To know for sure, make an appointment with
your child's pediatrician. The doctor may refer you to a sleep specialist or an
ear, nose and throat doctor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">It can help to keep a
sleep diary for a week to track how much and when your child is sleeping. You
may include any snoring, changes in breathing patterns or difficulty breathing.
You can share this diary with your child's doctor and any specialist involved
in treatment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="color: #5c4d2b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">How can I
help my child sleep better?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Sleep <a href="http://www.webmd.com/drugs/index-drugs.aspx"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">medications</span></a> are generally used
as a last resort with children. There are a number of lifestyle changes and
natural sleep aids that can improve sleep time and quality in kids with autism:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Avoid giving your child
stimulants such as caffeine and sugar before bed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Establish a nighttime
routine: give your child a bath, read a story, and put him or her to bed at the
same time every night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Help your child relax
before bed by reading a book, giving a gentle back <span style="color: black; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">massage</span>,
or turning on soft music. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Shut down television,
video games, and other stimulating activities at least an hour before bedtime.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">To prevent sensory
distractions during the night, put heavy curtains on your child's windows to
block out the light, install thick carpeting, and make sure the door doesn't
creak.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Ask your pediatrician
about giving your child melatonin just before bedtime. This <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">dietary supplement</span> is
often used as a sleep aid to help people get over jet lag. It may help
normalize sleep-wake cycles in autistic children who have sleeping issues, and
research done so far finds that it's safe and effective.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Adapted from WebMD<b><span style="color: #5c4d2b;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16753992118989517896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4582033563470989334.post-28100398819921626262013-01-10T20:51:00.002-08:002013-01-10T20:51:50.309-08:00Stop Trying to Get your Child to TalkWhat?! Speech therapist is saying to stop trying to get your child to talk? Well, yeah, but here's what I mean.<br />
<br />
For some kids, repeatedly asking him/her (just gonna use "him" from here on) to say words for you doesn't really help him learn language. It can have the opposite effect because it takes the joy out of communication and triggers the "stubborn" in some kids. The desire to communicate comes from having something to say and knowing someone will listen. So, instead of making your child repeat words after you, let him lead the communication and then follow that lead. If you need to remind yourself to take the pressure off, a good rule of thumb is "Don't say <i>say.</i>" Plus, some kids, especially those with ASD, may echo the behavior (adding "say" before they talk), or may learn to rely on the prompt instead of learning to communicate independently.<br />
<br />
For example, prompting your child to say "hi" or "bye" to visitors. (Can you hear yourself doing it? "Say hi, say hi to grandma, Johnny say hi, say hi.." Don't worry, we have all been there!) <br />
<br />
Instead:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>get down on the child's level, </li>
<li>try to secure attention and eye contact, </li>
<li>be very excited and expressive in your facial gestures </li>
<li>and simply say "Hi!" </li>
<li>Then WAIT expectantly (count slowly to 3 to yourself if you need to - sometimes kids need time to process).</li>
</ul>
<div>
Will your child respond immediately? Maybe, maybe not, maybe over time... but I prefer this more natural way of teaching language and have seen it work.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Dawn Gummersall, M.S., CCC-SLP</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
some info adapted from <u>It Takes Two to Talk</u>, by Jan Pepper and Elaine Weitzman -- a great resource for anyone looking for ideas on developing early language</div>
AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16753992118989517896noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4582033563470989334.post-35767106336604960762012-12-31T22:31:00.000-08:002012-12-31T22:35:41.273-08:00Conversational Therapy<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, I’m sitting on the couch in the home of one of my
clients – a beautiful 4-year-old girl, whom I adore. I have lugged in my huge bag of stuff – activities I have
planned to target the language skills we are building. But, as this is just after Christmas,
as well as a vacation for her, she is full of things to tell me. This is such a joy to me. I’ve known this little girl since she
was barely verbal and on this day, I can barely get a word in edgewise. So, in addition to just enjoying her
enthusiasm, I am reminded to “kick in” my therapist side and make the most of
this in supporting and furthering her conversational skills. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Following are some of the ideas I used with her and some
others for beginning conversational partners. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But, first: by
“<b>beginning conversational partners</b>”, I am referring to children who are just
expanding their skills in this interactive way, but not yet proficient in maintaining
or adequately holding up their end of the conversational thread. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Basically, a beginning conversational partner:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Has some advanced language abilities (e.g., combines 3 or more
words together, can answer and ask simple wh questions)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Has social awareness of others<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Is able to reflect on situations and consider different
perspectives<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Is able to inhibit behaviors based on social and moral rules<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And next:
<b>conversation as defined</b> as a two-way communication in which each person
takes a turn at the right time, sending messages back and forth. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Formally, the Rules of Conversation are:</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Pay attention to the person you’re interacting
with</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Start conversations</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Respond when others start conversations</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Take a turn at the right time</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Give the other person a chance to take a turn</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Continue taking turns, staying on topic</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Consider the other person’s words, body language
and point of view</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Clarify or “say it another way” when your
listener doesn’t understand</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Ask the other person for clarification when
needed</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Change the topic when suitable</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->End the conversation appropriately</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are a lot of rules and even adults have trouble
following them all. Just imagine how difficult it is for your child to learn them! S/He is going to need your guidance and support to learn how
to have conversations that are rewarding for both of you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>So, then: the ideas.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>1. Decrease
questions, increase comments</b>. This
allows your child opportunity to develop his/her own thoughts further. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
Many parents find themselves
asking their children question after question in an effort to get a
response. If you find yourself
asking your child many questions, you’re not alone. It’s a natural reaction when your child has communication
difficulties. But too many
questions may turn your child off conversations. So, to limit the number of questions you ask your child,
turn some of your questions into comments or statements.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<u>Instead of a question ----- Try
a comment<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
“What’s that? Is that a bird?” ------ “Hello,
bird!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
“That’s a big truck, isn’t it?” ----- “Big
truck.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
“Do you like that juice?” ----- “Mmmm!
I like this juice.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
Balance your questions with
comments. Here’s a general
guideline: For every question you
ask your child, try to make at least 2 comments.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Questions can be conversation stoppers when there are too
many, or when you ask questions that your child doesn’t have time to answer,
that test your child’s knowledge, are too hard for your child to answer, don’t
have anything to do with what your child is interested in, or answer themselves.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(okay now that I harped on reducing questions…)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>2. Question for
clarification</b>. Help your child
recognize missing listener information.
This doesn’t, however, always need to be phrased as a question. For example, my client was telling me
about sledding in the snow and about “the blue”. So I tried, “the blue …?”. This would be an example of a least intrusive prompt, but in
this case I didn’t get clarification.
So I went on to asking, “Was it a blue <i>sled</i>?” Reply, “no, it
was a tube! A blue tube and …”, the conversation continued. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>3. Redirect for
topic maintenance</b>. Again, as an
example with my girl, our conversation continued, but then took a turn into
telling about a recently seen movie.
I acknowledged the information (“oh, you are telling me about …”), but
then I redirected (“but we were talking about …, tell me more about …”). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>4. Add your own
information on the topic</b>. Allow
your child the opportunity to respond to your perspective. If your child is talking about
sledding, add comments such as “I liked when _____!”, or “It’s cold when the
snow gets on my face.” Then allow
time for your child to reflect and try to act on your ideas. Don’t be discouraged however if s/he
doesn’t right away, but instead goes on talking about his/her own
experience. This is a more
difficult task to take on, but will come with time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Feel free to comment or send further questions!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Happy New Year and fun conversations,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dawn</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment-->AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16753992118989517896noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4582033563470989334.post-25602704255635356992012-12-05T20:56:00.000-08:002012-12-05T20:56:40.411-08:00Toys!!
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #323232; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Engaging <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">children with
ASD</span> in play can be challenging. We want toys that stimulate and
assist in development, but play also needs to reflect enjoyment for the child, and
provide an outlet for stress relief and coping. Here are some things to consider:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Special Interests</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">When choosing toys,
think about what the child likes. Many kids with ASD have a deep interest in a
special subject. Does the child you are shopping for have an interest in a
particular subject? If so, look at gifts in these areas. If the child is
interested in dinosaurs, cars, or planes, then look at toys or books related to
this area. </span><span style="color: #323232; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The only risk here is that s/he can rely too much on a
single interest and not be challenged to try and engage in other areas where
interest lacks. At the same time, <b><i>don't
overdo the functional play</i></b>. There are times during which it
is fine to let your child simply enjoy a line of toys that is pure fun. Balance
is important. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Developmental Ability</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Consider developmental ability
rather than age. Some children may be in grade school, yet their developmental
age may be closer to preschool.<b><span style="color: #a51d11;"> </span></b>Good toys for children with
autism who interact very little with other people are <span style="color: windowtext;">cause-and-effect toys</span>.
These toys teach that actions can cause something in the environment to change
and can provide simple positive interactions between the child and others. A child who is beginning to notice peers
might be ready for simple turn-taking games.<b><span style="color: #a51d11;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #323232; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Look for Toys that Stimulate the Senses</span></b><span style="color: #323232; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Is the child visually
oriented? If so, think about interesting <span style="color: windowtext;">visual toys</span> or
items such as <span style="color: windowtext;">disco lamps</span>, <span style="color: windowtext;">sand panels</span>, <span style="color: windowtext;">light twirlers</span>
or fountains. Does s/he seek to touch lots of things? If so, think about toys
that are <span style="color: windowtext;">tactile</span>. Good
tactile sensory toys for children with autism must be durable and interesting
to touch. Some popular sensory toys include those with vibration, tangle or fidget toys,
and toys with interesting textures (e.g., b</span><span style="color: #323232; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">ooks with cloth,
foil, yarn, etc. attached to them, or toys with bumps, fur, raised elements,
ridges, etc).</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #323232; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Toys that Help
Social Interaction and Language Development</span></b><span style="color: #323232; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #323232; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Teaching all
children cooperation through toys is an important rite of growing up. For children
with ASD, socially interactive toys are even more important for helping them to
develop coping mechanisms when interacting with the wider world. Board games</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #323232;"> are excellent for this, especially when the whole family
pitches in to play together. Focus especially on the issue of taking turns and
not getting uptight about losing. All children need to learn these skills but
the frustration element can be very intense for children on the spectrum.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #323232; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Toys that Develop </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Motor Skills</span></span></b><span style="color: #323232; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #323232; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">It's really no different from what
all children need but you might have to face tactile defensiveness, inability
to balance, fears, etc. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Many children have difficulty with fine motor skills. These are skills
that require them to use their fingers and hands (like holding a pencil).
Simple fine motor toys that are fun can also help children on the autism spectrum develop this
essential skill. </span><span style="color: #323232; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #323232; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Select quality over quantity</span></b><span style="color: #323232; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">. Too many toys can feel overwhelming and crowding. It is better
to choose one good quality toy over many cheaper toys that will create great
clutter. If you hit the right choice, that one toy will provide many hours of
enjoyment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #323232; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Search online</span></b><span style="color: #323232; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">. There are <i>numerous</i>
stores catering to toys for children with special needs, offering advice, good ideas, and unique products. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Information adapted from<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #208c10; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><a href="http://www.nationalautismresources.com/">www.nationalautismresources.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="color: #208c10; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">www.autismspeaks.org<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16753992118989517896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4582033563470989334.post-54108626037816613542012-11-27T20:10:00.002-08:002012-11-27T20:10:55.725-08:00Gesture as Communication
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">Do you remember when your child said his/her first word? Or, are you still waiting to hear it? It is a moment every parent looks forward to -- the chance to communicate with your child. But look closely, there are so many more ways that your baby can communicate with you.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"> (side note: by "baby", I mean children of <i>any</i> age! - mine will forever be my babies no matter how old they are!)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">So today, consider the gestures your child uses to communicate with you. Yes, gestures are an important part of communication, at all ages.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Gestures are actions produced with intent to communicate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gestures are expressed using fingers,
hands, and arms, but can also include facial features. Early examples include
open-handed reaching, reaching up to indicate want to be held, pushing objects
away in protest, and arm flailing. The importance of gestural communication is
often underestimated. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Children learn gesture through observational and imitative
learning. There is an important social interaction component to this
imitative learning that is required. Communication must be developed from
social interaction. In other words, digital entertainment or TV will not develop
communication that can be interpreted and used in natural contexts. Many
children with autism spectrum disorders will use scripts
derived from TV programs, movies, commercials, etc. While this is a
form of language learning, it is not initially functional for 2-way
communication.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Developmental Examples of Gestural Communication<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">protest by body signal (e.g., back arching), or push away objects</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">request by pointing, reaching, or making physical contact with an adult</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">request action by reaching to be picked up, or performing an action to indicate want for something to reoccur</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">seek attention by banging objects together, use body movements, or taking an adult's hand</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">demonstrate anticipation of social games (e.g., peek-a-boo, song/finger plays)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">use of representational gestures such as waving goodbye and imitating clapping</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">demonstrate shared attention by showing and
giving objects</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">request by looking at the
object, then the adult, and then the object</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">request
actions by giving an object to an adult for help</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">demonstrate the functions of objects such as brushing hair with a brush, putting on a hat,
or stirring with a spoon</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">point to objects or events for shared attention</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">protest by shaking head for
“no"</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">request by reaching while opening and closing hands to obtain an object</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">point to get someone to do something (e.g.
open a door, carry to another room)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">take the hand of an adult and
guide a hand or body to do something (e.g. take adult hand and put it on stomach to get tickled).</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">demonstrate actions such as smacking lips to indicate wanting something to
eat</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">share attention by pointing to objects
upon request (e.g. “show me the ball” or “Where’s the doggie?”)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">request information by pointing at pictures or objects with the expectation
that an adult will name it</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">seek attention through “showing off”
(e.g. sticking out tongue, making funny faces, making sounds to get a laugh,
and performing fingerplays such as patty cake)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">use representational gestures
such as shrugging shoulders or putting hands up to indicate “all done” or
“where did it go?” </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">blow kisses, signal “shhh” with
fingers to lips, nod with a “yes,” pretend to sleep, and use conventional
gestures of excitement (e.g. high five).</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">share
attention by clarifying verbal messages with gesture (e.g. point to an object he/she has attempted to verbally label)</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">Watch for the ways your child is communicating with you via gestures, or start to encourage gestures as an "in road" to further development of social communicative interactions.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">As always, feel free to contact us at Autism Journeys with any questions or concerns!</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">Dawn</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16753992118989517896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4582033563470989334.post-33329730014755562592012-11-15T07:49:00.002-08:002012-11-15T07:49:18.889-08:00Pairing: Your best relationship with a childI've been thinking a lot lately about a concept called "pairing". This is the process of "pairing" yourself with reinforcement so that a child or learner regards you as a positive experience in his or her life. Before placing instructional demands on a learner, a trusting and rewarding relationship must be established. Best results can only be achieved when a child enjoys spending time with you!<br />
<br />
Ways to do this:<br />
<br />
--- Start with FUN! Find what is reinforcing to the child and supply it!, with <b>no</b> expectations. Best of all is to find what is fun (or funny) to the child in <i>play</i> -- tickle, chase, fall over (yes, sometimes you being the clown is hilarious and endearing!!) Is there a favorite song or comforting tune the child prefers? Maybe it's a tangible item- if the child loves goldfish crackers, be the one who has them, if the child is fascinated by spinning objects, have the best ones! Be the bearer of all good things!<br />
<br />
--- Be in control of the reinforcing item or activity, so that the child has to go through you to get it. (Examples, you have access to desired treats and entertainment, toys are out of reach, you play the most fun games like tickle, airplane, or I gotcha)<br />
<br />
--- Do not supply or offer reinforcement if the child is engaged in any problem behavior (you don't want to reinforce the wrong behavior).<br />
<br />
<br />
How do you know if you are "paired" with a child/learner? Simply put --<br />
<br />
<b> Does the child approach you or avoid you?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Hopefully, he or she runs to you with excitement! But if not (and it can take time), keep working on being a positive, fun, rewarding addition to the child's life.<br />
<br />
Dawn Gummersall<br />
Speech/Language Pathologist<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16753992118989517896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4582033563470989334.post-72573125659576730002012-11-09T13:32:00.001-08:002012-11-09T13:32:30.329-08:00Building Communication Around Routines
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 2.0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 4.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Gill Sans";">The WHY of Communication</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Gill Sans";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Gill Sans";">There are a number of reasons why
a child might use communication. Two very important and also very different
reasons are:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Gill Sans";">to regulate others and get needs
met<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Gill Sans";">to share
attention and experiences with others<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Gill Sans";">For children with autism, while
both of these communication functions may be difficult to learn, the second one
is the most difficult. Our goals for communication training for children with
autism include helping them increase both the regulatory function of
communication and also increase their motivation and understanding of using
communication in more purely social ways. We hope to help them realize that
they can share experiences with others, that it is fun to do so, and that
communication is a part of this sharing of experiences.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Gill Sans";">Why Use Routines? </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Gill Sans";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Gill Sans";">Routines are of high interest to
children with autism. Learning and using routines are learning strengths. They
like the predictability of routines and, left to their own devices, often
establish their own rigid routines and become very upset if they are disrupted.
By establishing a positive routine, and then disrupting it, we create an
incentive for the child to communicate in order to re-establish the familiar
routine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Gill Sans";">Joint Activity Routines</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Gill Sans";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Gill Sans";">A joint activity routine is a
powerful teaching tool for children with communication disorders. This term
describes a routine in which the child and the adult engage in a meaningful
activity together and communicative behaviors are taught within the routine of
the activity.</span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Gill Sans";"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Gill Sans";">Key elements of Joint Activity
Routines</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Gill Sans";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Gill Sans";">They occur in a meaningful and
functional context (such as a play routine, a bathing routine, etc.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Gill Sans";">They use the child's interests
and strengths.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Gill Sans";">They are social (involve 2
people) at the child's level of understanding (ranging from parallel, to
cooperative, to turn-taking, to interactive)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; mso-text-indent-alt: -.5in; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; mso-text-indent-alt: -.5in; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Gill Sans";">The adult
role is to:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; mso-text-indent-alt: -1.0in; tab-stops: 47.0pt 1.0in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -1.0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Gill Sans";">set up
the environment and introduce the activity<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; mso-text-indent-alt: -1.0in; tab-stops: 47.0pt 1.0in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -1.0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Gill Sans";">add
visual supports to the routine (such as pictures, objects, print words)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; mso-text-indent-alt: -1.0in; tab-stops: 47.0pt 1.0in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -1.0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Gill Sans";">repeat
and establish the routine, and then<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; mso-text-indent-alt: -1.0in; tab-stops: 47.0pt 1.0in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -1.0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Gill Sans";">wait --
and cue the child with the visual supports as needed to continue the routine</span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Gill Sans"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Adapted from:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Susan Boswell, Division TEACCH, www.teacch.com</span><span style="font-family: "Eras Medium ITC";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Gill Sans"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Gill Sans"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Gill Sans"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Gill Sans"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another resource puts it like this: “Choose a routine that’s
easy to repeat and that your child enjoys. It could be a people game, a song, a rhyme, or a routine you’ve
created. Once your child is
familiar with the routine, you can use it to <i>SPARK</i> an interaction. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">SPARK</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> --</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>S</b>tart the same way each time</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> ------- </span></span><!--[endif]--><b>P</b>lan your child’s turn.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> -------------- </span></span><!--[endif]--><b>A</b>djust the routine so your child can take his
turn.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> ----------------------- </span></span><!--[endif]--><b>R</b>epeat the same actions, sounds and words each
time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> ------------------------------- </span><!--[endif]--><b>K</b>eep the end the same."</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="font-family: 'Gill Sans'; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: right;">
<span style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Gill Sans'; font-size: 8pt;">from:<span> </span>It Takes Two to Talk, Jan Pepper and Elaine Weitzman</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Gill Sans'; font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Gill Sans';"><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--></span><br />
<!--EndFragment-->AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16753992118989517896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4582033563470989334.post-82263146263547541102012-10-23T15:32:00.000-07:002012-10-23T15:32:53.376-07:00We Are a Team!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'TTE1B350C0t00'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">A team approach, along with early diagnosis, offers the best outcome for a child with autism. At Autism Journeys, we are truly a team! Our team includes a psychologist, a licensed mental health
counselor, a speech/language pathologist, an occupational therapist, intervention specialists in both behavioral and development treatments, and intervention aides trained in implementing programs designed by our specialists. We work together on a consistent basis, ensuring that all team members are "on the same page", and that the knowledge and skills of each team member are incorporated into each child's treatment plan. This results in an intervention program designed for each individual that ensures the highest possible outcomes. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'TTE1B350C0t00'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'TTE1B350C0t00'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Rest assured, that with our impending changes, this philosophy will not change! We will be individually in your homes providing services, but will have conferenced and consulted with all team members regularly, so that intervention is consistent, integrated, and of the highest standards.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'TTE1B350C0t00'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'TTE1B350C0t00'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span></span></span>
AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16753992118989517896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4582033563470989334.post-78888894823559632362012-10-17T19:18:00.000-07:002012-10-17T19:18:32.892-07:00CHANGES!!!
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Dear Parents & Clients,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We, at Autism Journeys, have
big changes on the very near horizon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We have decided to take our services to you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As of November 1, 2012, we will be transitioning to a
home/community-based program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
started our company on this model and had incredible results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have loved having a center in which
to provide our services, but economically, the overhead costs have surpassed
the benefits. We sincerely want to be able to provide our high quality services
to a wider population.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">How will this work?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We will now begin doing all
of our services in the client’s home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We may also schedule sessions in community settings as appropriate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are many benefits to home-based
intervention:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial;">Skills are
learned in the environment in which they most typically occur, contributing to
improved generalization (being able to use learned skills in multiple and
natural environments).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial;">When we are in
the home, we can observe and experience a client’s behaviors, needs, and
strengths “in the moment”. By seeing what happens in daily activities, we are
better able to plan effective intervention.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial;">Being in the
home can lead to better communication between providers and family members. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Caregivers can ask questions and learn
strategies right away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Rest assured, Autism
Journeys will continue to offer a multi-disciplinary, collaborative
approach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, how we
structure our fees will change for anyone currently receiving Individual
Development Plans (IDP).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">With these changes, we are
also progressing toward being better able to help families get services covered
by insurance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks in large part
to dedicated and persistent families, most states now require some form of
autism insurance coverage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately,
Utah is not yet among them. Some families in Utah are already getting their
insurance provider to cover services. Many families with out-of-state providers
may already be eligible! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We at Autism Journeys have
decided to become pro-active in helping break down the insurance coverage barriers
here in our state. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adjusting our services
and billing procedures puts us “in line” for autism coverage, if and when Utah
becomes a covered state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Thank you in advance for
your flexibility and understanding as we undergo this change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please call or talk to your provider/s
about any questions or concerns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Also please talk to your provider/s ASAP about any scheduling
adjustments that need to be made.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16753992118989517896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4582033563470989334.post-66354740342555232122012-10-10T15:41:00.003-07:002012-10-10T18:10:47.608-07:00Executive Functioning<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Our children’s, or even our own, actions and behaviors
often get attributed to a variety of things. Some of which may be accurate
explanations, but often times we misdiagnose the cause. And as a result, the
chance of success in changing these behaviors is significantly decreased.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">While we may not be able to pinpoint the origin of all
behaviors, there are some behaviors that we are increasingly becoming more
aware of. Some of which are behaviors related to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">executive functioning</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Now ask
yourself:</span></b><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Does your child put his/her homework in their backpack,
but somehow it never gets turned in? Do they often act on impulse before
thinking? Is their backpack full of loose papers? Are they missing assignments?
Do they have an abnormally hard time picking-up messes or cleaning? Is it
difficult for them to make choices?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Or<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Do <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you</i> tend
to start tasks but not finish them? Is your personal space typically
disorganized? Does it take you significantly longer/shorter to complete tasks
than you had anticipated? Do large projects overwhelm you? Do you have a hard
time adjusting to change?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">If you’ve answered yes to any of the above, then it’s
probably a good idea to become more familiar with <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">executive functioning</b>, and how it may be impacting your life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">So,
what is executive functioning?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">The formal definition:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">“A
set of processes that all have to do with managing oneself and one’s resources
in order to achieve a goal. It is an umbrella term for the neurologically-based
skills involving mental control and self-regulation.” (Cooper-Kahn, 2008)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">In other words, executive functioning is what helps a
person “function” in day-to-day life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">What’s
involved?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Generally speaking, there are many skills involved in
executive functioning, each of which plays a crucial role in contributing to a
person’s life, career, and academic success. These skills include:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Planning<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Organization<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Prioritization<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Inhibition<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Emotional regulation<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Time management<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Flexibility<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Persistence/follow-through<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Working memory<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Attention shifting<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Self monitoring (metacognition)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">A person with good executive functioning tends to
perform these skills well. They are likely goal oriented, persist at tasks,
monitor and adjust his/her behavior to be more efficient, are on top of work and
schoolwork, and organized. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">A person with poor executive functioning, or <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">executive <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">dys</i>function</b>, does not seem to have much success or ability to
perform well with these skills, regardless of motivation or effort. These
individuals might appear disorganized, emotional, forgetful, lost, or sometimes
even lazy. They tend to set goals, but can’t seem to reach them. They often are
missing assignments and behind at work. In general, they just seem to lack the
ability to follow-through.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Anyone can have executive functioning deficits, or
executive dysfunction, however it is a very common occurrence in individuals
with Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADD/ADHD, and as well mental disorders and
syndromes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">If
someone performs some but not all of these skills well, do they have executive
dysfunction?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Not necessarily. Most of us tend to be better at some
executive functioning skills than others. Few of us are likely good at them
all. A key difference between those with executive <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">dys</i>function and the rest of us is that those with real deficits in
these areas really just can’t seem to get it right no matter how hard they
try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, they may not even
have the ability to come up with any solutions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Is
there a way to tell the difference?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Yes, there are a few ways that may help differentiate
whether or not these problems are a result of real executive functioning
deficits or something else. A couple of initial identifiers may include 1)
attempts to improve the problems aren’t proving successful, 2) reinforcement
and motivation don’t seem to work, and 3) there seems to be little if no
improvement over time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">From a clinical and more diagnostic perspective,
evaluations from a mental health provider can be performed to assess executive
functioning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These evaluations are
able to identify and break down the specific areas of deficit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Why
it matters:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Real executive functioning deficits, or executive <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">dys</i>function, can greatly impact a
person’s day-to-day and long-term quality of life. If an individual is not able
to effectively perform tasks and work through routine obstacles, the chances of
being successful in academics, career, and life in general can be greatly
decreased. It is for this reason that specific deficits be identified and
addressed appropriately in order to provide the individual the opportunity to
reach their greatest potential.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">What
to do if you suspect a problem:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">If you suspect a problem there are things you may want
to do: 1) try some of the strategies listed below. 2) Communicate with
teachers, supervisors, service providers, etc., to gather as much in formation
as you can about the individual and what is going on in various environments.
3) If the problem is significant contact your mental health provider to discuss
a possible evaluation to further assess the problem as well as information on
additional support strategies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Strategies for intervention:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Depending on age and developmental level there are
various interventions and strategies that can be used as supports as well as
for skill building. Some of these interventions and strategies include:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Step-by-step instructions for completing tasks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Visual organization aides, such as graphic organizers <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Lists and checklists<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Break up work into smaller pieces<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Written as well as oral instruction<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Minimization of clutter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Specification of expectations<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Use of watches, timers, and alarms<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Calendars and schedules<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Identification of short and long term goals<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Regular self reflection and evaluation <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Specific vs. open-ended questions, expectations
or requests<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Reduction of distractions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Use of 1 and 2 vs. multi-step directions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Slowly increasing expectations and demands over
time<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Plan ahead when possible<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Positive reinforcement<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Behavior tracking of various interventions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Constant and open communication<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">To
wrap it up:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Executive functioning skills are keys to success in
almost all areas of our life. Before dismissing someone as being lazy or
disorganized, understand that there may be something more going on. It is
important to find strategies that work specifically for the individual, as we
all are different and what works for one, may not work for another. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">For more information on executive functioning, check out these resources:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Late,
Lost, and Unprepared: </span></i><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">A parents guide to Helping Children with
Executive Functioning. By: Joyce Cooper-Hahn, Ph. D. and Laurie Dietzel, Ph.D. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Executive
Skills in Children and Adolescents: </span></i><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Practical Guide to Children
Assessment and Intervention. By: Peg Dawson and Richard Guare<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Smart
but Scattered. </span></i><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">By: Peg Dawson and Richard Guare<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Cognitive-Behavioral
Therapy for Adult ADHD:</span></i><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"> Targeting Executive Dysfunction. By: Mary V.
Solanto<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16753992118989517896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4582033563470989334.post-58036307089303056182012-10-04T18:07:00.000-07:002012-10-05T08:37:33.149-07:00Thoughts about Medication in the Treatment of Autistic Spectrum Disorders
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Natalie Roth, Ph.D.</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #262626;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Licensed Psychologist<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #262626;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Autism Journeys</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">It can often be confusing to sort through the numerous intervention
options for Autistic Spectrum Disorders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Possibly one of the more challenging decisions for parents with children
that have ASD’s is whether or not medication is an appropriate addition to a
treatment plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my experience,
most parents feel a profound sense of responsibility in making this choice for
their child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They often express
concern about their child’s comfort and safety, and I regularly hear parents
talk protectively about wanting to maintain their child’s unique personality,
even if his/her behaviors can sometimes be problematic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the same time, parents want to
maximize their child’s ability to make use of and develop the skills they have
so that they are best able to function at school, at home, and in their
community. Navigating this decision often requires parents to carefully balance
the potential benefits of medication use against the potential drawbacks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This weighing of options is not always
easy as neither the benefits nor the drawbacks are not always immediately
apparent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I’ve talked with parents
who have been through this process these are a few points that I’ve found to be
helpful:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 57.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Keep in mind that there are no medications that treat
the core symptoms of Autistic Spectrum Disorders directly (those being delays
in speech/communication, qualitative delays in social functioning, and patterns
of repetitive/stereotypic behavior).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Medication can be very helpful in reducing behavior outbursts,
alleviating anxiety, and lessening obsessive thinking or compulsive behavior,
for example.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This, in turn, can
lead to an improved ability to manage some of the challenges of the core
symptoms, but it will not alleviate them altogether.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s important that medication trials be undertaken with
realistic expectations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 57.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 57.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Appropriately, most doctors prescribing to children will
begin with a low dose of medication to determine whether or not it is well
tolerated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, this low dose
may not be within a therapeutic range for your child initially, and I encourage
parents to prepare themselves to be patient as they work with their doctor to
determine the right dosage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 57.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Children with ASD sometimes respond differently to
medication than is typical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
important to work with a prescribing doctor who is open to communicating with
you about your child’s individual response.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a parent, you should feel supported by your medical
providers in your attempt to advocate for the appropriate dose/timing of any
medication.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will be the person
who is most sensitive to both positive and negative effects of medication and
this perspective should be valued.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 57.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">A doctor will describe the side effect profile that
accompanies medication use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While potential
side effects of medication should be considered, I also frequently advise
parents to think through the “side effects” of not treating a
behavioral/emotional issue that might benefit significantly from
medication.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Research with
children who have ADHD, for example, suggests that those children effectively
treated with medication were less likely to become involved in drug/alcohol use
because their symptoms were managed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 57.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Medication for any developmental disorder is most
effective when it is part of a more comprehensive treatment plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Medication can have important benefits,
but shouldn’t take the place of therapies designed to teach skills.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 57.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">It can be helpful to seek out a doctor or a child
psychiatrist who has experience treating children with Autistic Spectrum
Disorders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Experience with how
certain types of medication affect particular symptoms, how medications work
together, and how children with ASD’s respond differently to medications can be
invaluable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 57.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">I encourage parents to identify (with the help of their
doctor and therapists) 2 or 3 particular behaviors that they are trying to
address with medication.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before
starting a medication trial, I suggest that they keep some simple data on how
often they observe the target behaviors on a daily basis (or during certain
times of the day).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once medication
has reached a therapeutic dose, continue to keep data on the occurrence of the
behaviors during the same time frame to give them some concrete way to monitor
its effectiveness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">For those who are interested in the types of medication
that are most frequently prescribed for children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders,
the following information is adapted from information provided by the National
Institutes of Health:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Medication
and Autism<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: Verdana;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Medications are often used to treat behavioral problems
such as aggression, self-injurious behavior, and severe tantrums, that keep the
person with ASD from functioning more effectively at home or school. The
medications used are those that have been developed to treat similar symptoms
in other disorders. Many of these medications are prescribed
"off-label." This means they have not been officially approved by the
FDA for use in children, but the doctor prescribes the medications if he or she
feels they are appropriate for your child. Further research needs to be done to
ensure not only the efficacy but the safety of psychotropic agents used in the
treatment of children and adolescents.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Anxiety and depression.</span></i></b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"> The
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's) are the medications most often
prescribed for symptoms of anxiety, depression, and/or obsessive-compulsive
disorder (OCD). Only one of the SSRI's, fluoxetine, (Prozac) has been approved
by the FDA for both OCD and depression in children age 7 and older. Three that
have been approved for OCD are fluvoxamine (Luvox), age 8 and older; sertraline
(Zoloft), age 6 and older; and clomipramine (Anafranil), age 10 and older.4
Treatment with these medications can be associated with decreased frequency of
repetitive, ritualistic behavior and improvements in eye contact and social
contacts. The FDA is studying and analyzing data to better understand how to
use the SSRI's safely, effectively, and at the lowest dose possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Behavioral problems</span></i></b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">.
Antipsychotic medications have been used to treat severe behavioral problems.
These medications work by reducing the activity in the brain of the
neurotransmitter dopamine. Among the older, typical antipsychotics, such as
haloperidol (Haldol), thioridazine, fluphenazine, and chlorpromazine,
haloperidol was found in more than one study to be more effective than a
placebo in treating serious behavioral problems. However, haloperidol, while
helpful for reducing symptoms of aggression, can also have adverse side
effects, such as sedation, muscle stiffness, and abnormal movements.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Placebo-controlled studies of the newer
"atypical" antipsychotics are being conducted on children with
autism. The first such study, conducted by the NIMH-supported Research Units on
Pediatric Psychopharmacology (RUPP) Autism Network, was on risperidone
(Risperdal). Results of the 8-week study were reported in 2002 and showed that risperidone
was effective and well tolerated for the treatment of severe behavioral
problems in children with autism. The most common side effects were increased
appetite, weight gain and sedation. Further long-term studies are needed to
determine any long-term side effects. Other atypical antipsychotics that have
been studied recently with encouraging results are olanzapine (Zyprexa) and
ziprasidone (Geodon). Ziprasidone has not been associated with significant
weight gain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Seizures.</span></i></b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"> Seizures are found in one in four
persons with ASD. They are treated with one or more of the anticonvulsants.
These include such medications as carbamazepine (Tegretol), lamotrigine
(Lamictal), topiramate (Topamax), and valproic acid (Depakote). The level of
the medication in the blood should be monitored carefully and adjusted so that
the least amount possible is used to be effective. Although medication usually
reduces the number of seizures, it cannot always eliminate them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Inattention and hyperactivity.</span></i></b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">
Stimulant medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), used safely and
effectively in persons with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, have also
been prescribed for children with autism. These medications may decrease
impulsivity and hyperactivity in some children, especially higher functioning
children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Several other medications have been used to treat ASD
symptoms; among them are other antidepressants, naltrexone, lithium, and some
of the benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). The
safety and efficacy of these medications in children with autism has not been
proven. Since people may respond differently to different medications, your
child's unique history and behavior will help your doctor decide which
medication might be most beneficial.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border: none; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; mso-pagination: none; padding: 0in; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"><i>I’m continually amazed at the thought and effort that
parents dedicate to their children with ASD’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In many cases, medication can be an option worth considering
in the context of a more comprehensive treatment plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Best wishes to all of you who are
continuing on the journey to understand and provide the best for your
children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16753992118989517896noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4582033563470989334.post-20920659790638775002012-10-03T19:47:00.000-07:002012-10-03T19:47:16.766-07:00What is Auditory Processing Disorder?
<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">Auditory processing involves what we <i>do</i> with what we <i>hear</i>.<span> </span>Auditory processing disorders are deficits in the processing of information we receive through audible signals, that are not attributed to impaired hearing sensitivity or intellectual impairment.<span> </span>Individuals who have processing disorders experience difficulties attaching meaning to sound groups that form words, sentences and stories.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">The ability to process auditory information accurately is crucial for learning and communicating in daily living.<span> </span>The behavioral characteristics of processing disorders can be confused with other disorders, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Learning Disabilities (LD), which can make the identification and intervention planning difficult.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">Components of Auditory Processing</span></u></b><span style="font-family: Cambria;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria;">1.<span> </span>Retention and Organization</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> – the ability to listen to something, remember it, and repeat it in the original order.<span> </span>Difficulties in this area limit a person’s ability to follow directions, to remember information, and to retell or describe events.<span> </span>People with deficient retention and organization skills often have trouble completing tasks at home, in school, or at work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria;">2.<span> </span>Auditory Discrimination</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> – the ability to differentiate among auditory signals.<span> </span>Related to this are decoding and phonological awareness, the abilities to notice, think about, or manipulate the sounds in language automatically.<span> </span>Includes tasks such as blending, segmenting, and rhyming.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria;">3.<span> </span>Sequencing</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> – directly related to the ability to follow directions.<span> </span>Since most of us, especially students, spend a great deal of our day following directions in school or at work, disturbances in this are usually fairly obvious.<span> </span>Inattentiveness, incomplete paperwork, and learning difficulties may be directly related to poor sequencing skills.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria;">4.<span> </span>Conceptualization</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> – enables the listener to give meaning to what he hears.<span> </span>Effective conceptualization is crucial to abstract concepts such as time, direction, and space.<span> </span>Disturbances in this area can create the impression that a student is disorganized and unable to adapt to new situations.<span> </span>Such a student is apt to be considered inflexible, concrete, and confused.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria;">5.<span> </span>Synthesis of Information </span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria;">– fundamental for pulling together all the language skills that are necessary to communicate effectively.<span> </span>These skills include the ability to learn to read, to anticipate spoken messages, to grasp the main idea of a conversation or story, and to fill in missing information in a conversation.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">Behaviors Symptomatic or Associated with Processing Disorders<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Listening<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Says “huh” or “what” frequently<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Is easily distracted<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Often misunderstands what is said<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Frequently requests information be repeated or clarified<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Misinterprets requests<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Has difficulty following or understanding discussions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Has difficulty following oral directions or understanding new information<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Has difficulty listening in the presence of background noise<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Has poor receptive language skills<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Confuses words that sound alike<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Learns poorly through the auditory modality<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Speaking<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Gives inconsistent responses to auditory stimuli<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Has difficulty answering open-ended questions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Uses vague language<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Has difficulty with word finding<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Uses “um” frequently when speaking<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Tends to ramble on when retelling events or explaining<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Mispronounces words<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Has poor expressive language across some or all of the language systems<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Gives slow or delayed responses to verbal stimuli<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Learning and Attention<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Has short attention span<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Has difficulty focusing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Is easily distracted<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Has difficulty with phonics and speech sound discrimination<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Has short auditory memory span and poor sequencing ability<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Has reading, spelling, and/or other learning problems<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Exhibits behavior problems<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">Communication strategies</span></u></b><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> that enhance one person’s processing abilities may not necessarily have the same positive impact on another. Typically, strategies<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">that are most useful help individuals <b>organize information before they listen</b>,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria;">comprehend information during listening and remember information after<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria;">listening</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria;">. <span> </span>Before listening begins, individuals must be attending to the speaker<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">and be able to anticipate the most likely topic within a particular context.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Extraneous noise ought to be minimized</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> and the level of speech may need to be<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">increased. <span> </span>It is sometimes helpful to enhance attention by telling the child the<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">topic and organization of the information they will hear, such as, “I am going to<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">tell you the four steps to complete this experiment”. It can also be helpful to<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria;">paraphrase and restate key information</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> a clear way, by using statements such<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">as “Another way of saying the same thing is..” or “the main idea is..”, in order to<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">enhance comprehension.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Visual</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> gestures, expressions, models and pictures should be monitored and used to clarify spoken messages. During classroom and extracurricular activities, it is often helpful to <b>assign the child a “buddy</b>” to check assignments, notes, and directions. Learning to organize notebooks and use a schedule or an assignment book are important for remembering information, messages and directions at later times. <b>Allowing students time</b> to record important information and encourage them to check for accuracy is necessary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">Specific recommendations</span></u></b><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> include the following:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">1. <span> </span>Break down instructions into a simple and specific list of actions. "Wash your hands first; come back to the dinner table after" is more specific than "Go get ready; it’s time to eat".<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">2. <span> </span>Obtain visual attention first and then slow down the rate of speaking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">3. <span> </span>State the main topic, give the information, and restate the most important idea.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">4. <span> </span>Allow more time for processing and comprehension of the instructions and allow the student time to paraphrase what they have heard. This allows the speaker to identify errors and correct them. The whole message does not need to be repeated, but the missing information should be added.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">5. <span> </span>When a student is learning new information or material, be sure to check that they have processed new terms and concepts accurately.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">6. <span> </span>The use of meaningful gestures and visual aids is important.</span></div>
<br />
<!--EndFragment-->AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16753992118989517896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4582033563470989334.post-89788200785852518252012-09-25T15:58:00.000-07:002012-09-26T15:44:23.276-07:00Vocabulary - More than Words<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><b>Vocabulary </b>can be simply defined as the words a child knows and/or uses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can be described in terms of:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Receptive
Vocabulary -- the words an individual understands; and<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Expressive
Vocabulary -- the words an individual uses in language.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">However, it is not only an
issue of the number of words a child knows, but also his or her <b>word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">knowledge</i></b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Vocabulary knowledge base gives
way to comprehension skills. As children build receptive and expressive
vocabulary, they are strengthening their comprehension skills.
Listening-comprehension abilities improve when children are read to, asked
intriguing questions, given clear explanations, and encouraged to express
ideas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Consider these techniques:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><b>Personal Relevance</b>: Try to relate new words and concepts to your child's life or interests (e.g., it's like when we saw ___, or like your toy ___).</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><b>Categories</b>: Teach your child to sort objects into meaningful, and <i>flexible </i>categories (e.g., one object might belong to a group because of its color, but also to another because of its size or other characteristic). Label each group (e.g., these are all animals, these are all red things).</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><b>Associations</b>: Talk about what "goes together" and "what doesn't belong", including the <i>why</i> element (e.g., they go together because they are both ___, or this one doesn't belong because it's not ___).</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><b>Same & Different</b>: At first, this is recognizing identical and non-identical items, but can be expanded into how things are the same in one way, but different in another way.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><b>Synonyms & Opposites</b>: Understanding how concepts may have other descriptions, or be very far apart in meaning helps children to organize ideas.</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">I like to explain vocabulary knowledge as a kind of <b>"filing"</b> system. Consider what <b><i>you</i></b> do when you learn a new word -- you easily sort it into similar ideas, relevant groups, and things that it differs from, so that when you need to recall it, you can call up related ideas. For example, I learned what a Capybara is (largest rodent in the world, living primarily in South America, related to chinchillas, & guinea pigs). That parenthetical information helps me to retrieve the name of this animal, but probably, more importantly, I recall it by thinking of the time I learned about it because I was given a wallet made of its fur, from my best friend, from her travels as a flight attendant, and so on ...). You see how one word has many connections which then attribute to a person's available word <i>knowledge</i>.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">Try some word games with your child today!</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">Dawn Gummersall, M.S., CCC-SLP</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">Speech/Language Pathologist</span></div>
<br />
<!--EndFragment-->AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16753992118989517896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4582033563470989334.post-79204490244803211892012-09-19T09:55:00.000-07:002012-09-19T09:59:56.244-07:00Safety!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px;">The best way to keep your child safe is by taking preventative measures. Consider these options: </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px;"><b>Education </b>- Teach your child his/her personal information (name, number, address, parents' names) and about safety rules. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px;"><b>Wearable identification</b> - Not all children are at the point where they can memorize personal information or understand safety rules. An alternative is some sort of identification (bracelets, shoe tags, temporary tattoos).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px;"><b>Tracking devices</b> - You can check with local law enforcement for Project Lifesaver or Lojack SafetyNet services. These devices are worn on either the wrist or ankle and use radio frequency or GPS systems are also available.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px;"><b>Secure Your Home</b> - There are safety precautions you can take at home, such as installing 2-sided deadbolts, a home alarm system, battery-operated door and window alarms and out-of-reach door latches. If you have a backyard make sure there is a well-built fence so your child can't escape. Print out stop signs and put them on exits (exterior doors, windows, gates). </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px;"><br /><b>Teach Your Child to Swim</b> - This is a great precaution if your child's wandering occurs around water. There are many locations that have swimming lessons specifically for children with special needs. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px;"><br /><b>Alert Neighbors</b> - Introduce your child to your neighbors. Give them your child's personal information. Ask them to alerte you if they see your child unaccompanied outside of the home. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px;"><br />Be prepared with key information before an incident occurs. Taking precautions and being prepared are key in keeping your child safe. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Sarah Huntsman</i></span></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Autism Journeys Intervention Specialist</i></span></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px;">for more information, check out:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">awaare.org<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">autismriskmanagement.com<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">autismspeaks.org/family-services/autism-safety-project<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">mypreciouskid.com<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">tattooswithapurpose.com<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">medicalert.org</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">projectlifesaver.org</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">lojacksafetynet.com<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><div style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span>AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16753992118989517896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4582033563470989334.post-6730973616629960992012-09-11T15:30:00.001-07:002012-10-10T10:07:24.737-07:00Join our Enjoyable Parenting Classes<br />
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 16px;">Kate Andersen is an independent facilitator of the Love and Logic Curricula ®.
She will be teaching “Becoming a Love and Logic Parent ®” classes to parents
and grandparents of all ages and abilities. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 16px;">The class will address parenting of
typically developing children and those with autism and/or other special needs
such as ADHD, ODD, and others.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3f691e; font-family: BlairMdITCTT; font-size: 28px; font-weight: 500;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3f691e; font-family: BlairMdITCTT; font-size: 28px; font-weight: 500;">Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="column">
<div style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: rgb(24.705880%, 41.176470%, 11.764710%); font-family: 'BlairMdITCTT'; font-size: 21.000000pt; font-weight: 500;">Autism Journeys Treatment Center </span></div>
<div style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: rgb(24.705880%, 41.176470%, 11.764710%); font-family: 'BlairMdITCTT'; font-size: 11.000000pt; font-weight: 500;">272 E. 12200 S., Suite 100- Draper, UT 84020
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: rgb(24.705880%, 41.176470%, 11.764710%); font-family: 'BlairMdITCTT'; font-size: 21.000000pt; font-weight: 500;">September 27th-November 15th
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: rgb(24.705880%, 41.176470%, 11.764710%); font-family: 'BlairMdITCTT'; font-size: 15.000000pt; font-weight: 500;">$100/Individual OR $150/Couple
*Register Now...Pay Later
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: rgb(24.705880%, 41.176470%, 11.764710%); font-family: 'BlairMdITCTT'; font-size: 15.000000pt; font-weight: 500;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: rgb(39.215690%, 27.450980%, 0.000000%); font-family: 'Cochin'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">*Interested parents may attend one session free of charge before committing to the 8-week workshop. Those choosing to
continue with the workshops must pay workshop fees no later than the 2nd session. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: rgb(39.215690%, 27.450980%, 0.000000%); font-family: 'Cochin'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Advanced payment is appreciated. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: rgb(39.215690%, 27.450980%, 0.000000%); font-family: 'Cochin'; font-size: 11.000000pt; font-weight: 700;">Families on IDP packages are required to attend the 8-week course within the 1st year of service. </span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">To register, </span><span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">contact Kathy Jensen at
Autism Journeys (801) 938-9268. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">Questions, please email Kate Andersen at
</span><span style="color: rgb(0.000000%, 0.000000%, 100.000000%); font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">katea@autismjourneys.net</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 12.000000pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">Want to know more about Love and Logic®? Visit their website
</span><span style="color: rgb(0.000000%, 0.000000%, 100.000000%); font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">www.loveandlogic.com </span><span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">or read excerpts from their FAQ below.
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Q</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;"> What is Love and Logic?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">A</span><span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 12.000000pt;"> Love and Logic is a philosophy of raising and teaching children which allows
adults to be happier, empowered, and more skilled in the interactions with
children. Love allows children to grow through their mistakes. Logic allows
children to live with the consequences of their choices. Love and Logic is a way
of working with children that puts parents and teachers back in control, teaches
children to be responsible, and prepares young people to live in the real world,
with its many choices and consequences.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Arial'; font-size: 12.000000pt; font-weight: 700;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-weight: 700;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Q</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Arial'; font-size: 12.000000pt; font-weight: 700;"> Who can benefit from Love and Logic?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">A</span><span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 12.000000pt;"> Almost anyone will benefit from the Love and Logic approach. Our products
especially help parents and teachers enjoy working with children through easy-
to-use techniques. The Love and Logic approach helps children develop and
grow in a healthy way, provides them with confidence and dignity, and teaches
them how to become more responsible. The possibilities are limitless.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial'; font-size: 12.000000pt; font-weight: 700;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-weight: 700;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Q</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Arial'; font-size: 12.000000pt; font-weight: 700;"> How is Love and Logic different from other approaches?
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">A</span><span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 12.000000pt;"> Love and Logic offers adults an alternative way to communicate with
children. The Love and Logic techniques produce immediate results because the
techniques are simple, practical, and easy to learn. The concepts behind Love
and Logic place a heavy emphasis on respect and dignity for children and at the
same time allows parents to grasp simple approaches instead of learning difficult
counseling procedures.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Arial'; font-size: 12.000000pt; font-weight: 700;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-weight: 700;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Q</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Arial'; font-size: 12.000000pt; font-weight: 700;"> When is a good time to start using Love and Logic?
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">A</span><span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 12.000000pt;"> It's never too late for parents to begin using the Love and Logic techniques
regardless of whether the family has a teenager or a toddler. Of course the best
time to start using Love and Logic is before the infant can walk. Our experience
indicates that 8 - 9 months of age is a wonderful time to apply the techniques.
Even if children don't understand spoken language, they do grasp the general
ideas of what we say to them. No matter what the age of the child, the best time
to start Love and Logic is <i><b>now</b></i>. </span></div>
</div>
</div>
AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16753992118989517896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4582033563470989334.post-62292727360442449902012-09-05T11:36:00.000-07:002012-09-05T11:44:58.805-07:00Picture SchedulesHaving trouble getting out the door in the mornings? Consider making a picture schedule for the morning routine so that your child can get ready more independently.<br />
<br />
Developing and maintaining routines helps children (especially those on the Autism Spectrum) participate in scheduled activities while decreasing the feeling of stress and anxiety often involved with changes in expected routine. Visual schedules, used effectively, can help a child gain more understanding and independence in completing daily activities. A great accomplishment for him or her, and a little less work for you!<br />
<br />
Here's an example of a simple visual schedule for a morning routine:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOmlN-lI4e76VdPT3gn6d1SNCCJNVECQ-1MmjKwOAOkoMXu48Z2hPeCmeUfqG6TXA_RN6dcMNKFsVb3SpwSM4Qac-vAUc6PzUkNYn8feznR30GJDGdJp0JaepFSkkiGhRDMB9GhqWvKU/s1600/simple+morning.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="79" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOmlN-lI4e76VdPT3gn6d1SNCCJNVECQ-1MmjKwOAOkoMXu48Z2hPeCmeUfqG6TXA_RN6dcMNKFsVb3SpwSM4Qac-vAUc6PzUkNYn8feznR30GJDGdJp0JaepFSkkiGhRDMB9GhqWvKU/s320/simple+morning.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
and one with more details, including a reward:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6CFrHjB4sb4aiUjF84crF4ytAOTRTSPdb-kqUApX5a_OxmRFFnc6Q-hDPsSrsBCihnNcqxumcQgvQQz8kFE8q09y8dO1pquwGZAeAODwxPcm9h2rF_23oLGn9eB9Ls_VWgvW28g7CMcI/s1600/carters.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6CFrHjB4sb4aiUjF84crF4ytAOTRTSPdb-kqUApX5a_OxmRFFnc6Q-hDPsSrsBCihnNcqxumcQgvQQz8kFE8q09y8dO1pquwGZAeAODwxPcm9h2rF_23oLGn9eB9Ls_VWgvW28g7CMcI/s320/carters.png" width="236" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Schedules can be posted or portable, vertical or horizontal, and use pictures (clipart, drawings, photos) or words, according to each child's needs. Often pictures are removable to indicate changes or substitutions in routine.<br />
<br />
See more examples by googling: picture (or visual) schedules for autism and look at images.<br />
Websites to check out: <u>do2learn.com</u>, <u>boardmakershare.com</u><br />
<br />
At Autism Journeys, we use a variety of pictures schedules, for a variety of purposes. Together with the client and family, we develop visual aides to serve individual needs. Other examples include:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>bedtime and naptime routines</li>
<li>when I work, play, get a break, watch tv, etc</li>
<li>how to greet someone</li>
<li>steps in personal hygiene routines</li>
<li>what will happen going on vacation</li>
<li>completing homework</li>
<li>going to the doctor/dentist</li>
</ul>
<br />
Think of the possibilities!<br />
<br />
Dawn Gummersall, M.S., CCC-SLP<br />
Speech/Language PathologistAJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16753992118989517896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4582033563470989334.post-30971543079592061562012-08-27T12:15:00.003-07:002012-08-27T12:15:18.051-07:00Watch out!!Hey Readers,<br />
Tune in often, we are going to be posting lots of great information <i>every</i> week!AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16753992118989517896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4582033563470989334.post-62877484982444618992012-08-27T12:12:00.000-07:002012-08-27T12:12:51.436-07:00The Four S’s for Highlighting LanguageHelping your child understand and use language consists of more than what you say. Adjusting <i>how</i> you speak can help to highlight important information, especially when presenting new vocabulary, giving directions, or prompting a child’s response.<br />
<br />
• <b>Say less</b>: Sometimes we are so eager to fill a child’s world with language that we overdo it. Saying less – simplifying your speech as a model can help your child understand and use language.
-- For example, your child wants juice. Instead of, “Johnny, Do want some juice? I’ll get you some juice. Come over here, let’s have apple juice!.” –Try reducing this to “juice? You want juice.” Then waiting expectantly for a request for “juice”.<br />
<br />
• <b>Stress</b>: Make important words stand out by changing the tone, volume or emphasis. Pausing slightly helps as well.<br />
<br />
• <b>Go Slow</b>: Again, this allows for increased understanding and gives your child more opportunity to communicate. Sometimes just giving your child extra time to respond, allows him or her to process a response.<br />
<br />
• <b>Show</b>: Show, point, add actions, gestures, signs, pictures. Support what you are saying (auditory input) with visual whenever you can.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(adapted from <i>It Takes Two to Talk</i>, Jan Pepper and Elaine Weitzman)</span> </div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Most of all – have fun with your child! Play, laugh, enjoy.
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dawn Gummersall, M.S., CCC-SLP</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Speech/Language Pathologist</span></div>
AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16753992118989517896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4582033563470989334.post-54531717957827654392011-05-11T10:52:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:25:06.109-07:00Gamee's 3rd Birthday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9C5slHs3918HvufBAHgxI08725VwRHrRUNBCcFnTbNKyqMPbuD_EwjTTo536etkY-oc9RXMategYnRP8PKMxY5L3E91AHOSEpblTAdhxRb4Ohh_RVPh1rcGwPjQ40btMku_AO93T7MQ/s1600/IMG_2964.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9C5slHs3918HvufBAHgxI08725VwRHrRUNBCcFnTbNKyqMPbuD_EwjTTo536etkY-oc9RXMategYnRP8PKMxY5L3E91AHOSEpblTAdhxRb4Ohh_RVPh1rcGwPjQ40btMku_AO93T7MQ/s320/IMG_2964.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605549216978682034" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCk5KIibLB7CDSSx3-KII6p22c7o8OPT9OhZqs968UXTacai3qd7lzL4oAg720Mk74bXxT0Sa9tjafcub8Rodj68WLih_uK4TXbXlJZYV604qx_0oI_DovONz98wl0BSllTvOw9kLPeW0/s1600/IMG_2973.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCk5KIibLB7CDSSx3-KII6p22c7o8OPT9OhZqs968UXTacai3qd7lzL4oAg720Mk74bXxT0Sa9tjafcub8Rodj68WLih_uK4TXbXlJZYV604qx_0oI_DovONz98wl0BSllTvOw9kLPeW0/s320/IMG_2973.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605521214247696642" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvdjD6ongS5M41yLLWz7AFkK16s_zzqNdZQz5WTSP1humkPBud-7CypEu0fpq5axBR9t5CIzUg1R788DporZb9z5BsFs0RJDDE009R9vzkv84Gxmwykg4asGxaslPOt7iSHrrTriKoIk/s1600/IMG_2931.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 210px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvdjD6ongS5M41yLLWz7AFkK16s_zzqNdZQz5WTSP1humkPBud-7CypEu0fpq5axBR9t5CIzUg1R788DporZb9z5BsFs0RJDDE009R9vzkv84Gxmwykg4asGxaslPOt7iSHrrTriKoIk/s320/IMG_2931.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605521204994742098" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJuyJTkI2GMNVDBwYANwgx0zKdNTAD4EJiPdVGyV2CzPEOsIZnuif88toVhQ8Yx-iIc1zKN8r6CvnAObFAyongIjljuEcE-gevxiTLhDr0xU8I6x0C7As59izsi2vVHwqrhcqzDy3PTo/s1600/IMG_2960.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJuyJTkI2GMNVDBwYANwgx0zKdNTAD4EJiPdVGyV2CzPEOsIZnuif88toVhQ8Yx-iIc1zKN8r6CvnAObFAyongIjljuEcE-gevxiTLhDr0xU8I6x0C7As59izsi2vVHwqrhcqzDy3PTo/s320/IMG_2960.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605521218149060818" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikASlhQMcKGNQV6PYu12_ZtCzmxPX7Bg5NbVOFxaMA8xWowDmwL_mM8aRIYK97hWl7C0MH6nm4_USB82buM0XFz8RenGzw79Eh8iZe2Azkl9Cx9FqCkmmwmXk5krPDAcVtxILD3kT39is/s1600/IMG_2929.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikASlhQMcKGNQV6PYu12_ZtCzmxPX7Bg5NbVOFxaMA8xWowDmwL_mM8aRIYK97hWl7C0MH6nm4_USB82buM0XFz8RenGzw79Eh8iZe2Azkl9Cx9FqCkmmwmXk5krPDAcVtxILD3kT39is/s320/IMG_2929.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605518476215567522" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Gamee had a wonderful birthday last month. Family and friends from the center and community joined her for a party filled with yummy treats and interactive activities.<br />Check out that adorable <span style="font-style: italic;">dog friendly</span> cake! Special thanks to Cyndi Kafentzis for making her special birthday treat.<br /><br /></span>AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16753992118989517896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4582033563470989334.post-24698659849744720142011-04-13T10:19:00.000-07:002011-04-13T10:36:15.009-07:00Evening of Hope<meta charset="utf-8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Arial Narrow', 'Arial MT Condensed Light', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><p class="yiv1562407014p1" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 14pt; "><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">The <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1302716104_1" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">Autism</span> Council of Utah and The Utah Parent Center</i></p><p class="yiv1562407014p1" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 14pt; "><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">are pleased to present...</i></p><p class="yiv1562407014p1" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; font-family: Times, serif; color: rgb(128, 0, 128); font-size: 36pt; ">An Evening of Hope</p><p class="yiv1562407014p2" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 26pt; color: rgb(153, 204, 255); ">Celebrating autism and faith in our community</p><p class="yiv1562407014p3" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 14pt; ">Reverend Tom Goldsmith</p><p class="yiv1562407014p3" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 14pt; ">Rabbi Ilana Schwartzman</p><p class="yiv1562407014p3" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 14pt; ">Brandon Gunnell, Former LDS Bishop</p><p class="yiv1562407014p3" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 14pt; ">Special performance by Eric Stoker</p><p class="yiv1562407014p1" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; "><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "> </i></p><p class="yiv1562407014p2" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; color: rgb(128, 0, 128); font-size: 18pt; "><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">
<br /></i></b></p><p class="yiv1562407014p2" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; color: rgb(128, 0, 128); font-size: 18pt; "><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">Wednesday, April 20th, 2011</i></b></p><p class="yiv1562407014p2" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; color: rgb(128, 0, 128); font-size: 18pt; "><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.</i></b></p><p class="yiv1562407014p3" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; color: rgb(128, 0, 128); font-size: 12pt; "><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">Hosted by</i></b></p><p class="yiv1562407014p2" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; color: rgb(128, 0, 128); font-size: 18pt; "><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">Autism Journeys</i></b></p><p class="yiv1562407014p4" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(128, 0, 128); "><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1302716104_2" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">3130 W. Maple Loop Dr., Lehi UT 84043</span> (Located in <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1302716104_3" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">Thanksgiving Point</span>)</i></p><p class="yiv1562407014p5" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; "><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "> </i></p><p class="yiv1562407014p5" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 12pt; "><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">This is an event for the entire community. Bring your family, grandparents and friends.</i></p><p class="yiv1562407014p5" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 12pt; "><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">Please join us for refreshments following the presentations.</i></p><p class="yiv1562407014p6" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 12pt; "><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "> </i></p><p class="yiv1562407014p6" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(51, 102, 255); "><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">
<br /></i></p><p class="yiv1562407014p6" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(51, 102, 255); "><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">FREE child care is available from</i></p><p class="yiv1562407014p6" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(51, 102, 255); "><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">6:00-8:00 p.m. for families attending.</i></p><p class="yiv1562407014p7" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(51, 102, 255); "><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">RSVP for childcare is required.</i></b></p><p class="yiv1562407014p6" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(51, 102, 255); "><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">Please contact Autism Journeys at</i></p><p class="yiv1562407014p6" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(51, 102, 255); "><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1302716104_4" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">(801) 766-8681</span> by Friday, April 15th to</i></p><p class="yiv1562407014p6" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(51, 102, 255); "><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">reserve your childcare.</i></p><p class="yiv1562407014p8" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 12pt; "><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">
<br /></i></p><p class="yiv1562407014p8" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 12pt; "><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "> </i></p><p class="yiv1562407014p8" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 12pt; "><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "> </i></p><p class="yiv1562407014p8" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(51, 102, 255); "><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">Driving Directions</i></p><p class="yiv1562407014p9" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(51, 102, 255); "><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">· Take the I-15 Highland/Alpine Exit 284, Head</i></p><p class="yiv1562407014p9" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(51, 102, 255); "><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">West</i></p><p class="yiv1562407014p9" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(51, 102, 255); "><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">· Continue West past the Maverick and</i></p><p class="yiv1562407014p9" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(51, 102, 255); "><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">towards the <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1302716104_5" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">Thanksgiving Point Golf Course</span>.</i></p><p class="yiv1562407014p9" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(51, 102, 255); "><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">· Take your first right after the stop sign</i></p><p class="yiv1562407014p9" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(51, 102, 255); "><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">(3100 W. Maple Loop Dr.)</i></p><p class="yiv1562407014p9" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(51, 102, 255); "><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">· Make an immediate left into the parking lot,</i></p><p class="yiv1562407014p9" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(51, 102, 255); "><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">building is on the left (south-east corner)</i></p><p class="yiv1562407014p9" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(51, 102, 255); "><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">· 3130 W. building entrance is on the west</i></p><p align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; text-align: center; "> </p></span>AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16753992118989517896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4582033563470989334.post-21974411973597959132011-02-13T16:04:00.000-08:002011-02-13T16:22:18.515-08:00Inspiration to help you carry on!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >The heart that gives-gathers</span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> -<span style="font-size:85%;">Hannah Moore<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >When you get into a tight place<br />and it seems that you can't go on,<br />hold on-for that 's just the place and the time<br />that the tide will turn.</span><br /> -Harriet beecher Stowe<br /></span></div>AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16753992118989517896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4582033563470989334.post-83451576590763405072011-01-12T11:59:00.000-08:002013-04-01T18:47:42.721-07:00Pronoun Reversal by Dawn Gummersall MS, CCC-SLP<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark/> <w:dontvertaligncellwithsp/> <w:dontbreakconstrainedforcedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> <w:word11kerningpairs/> <w:cachedcolbalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathpr> <m:mathfont val="Cambria Math"> <m:brkbin val="before"> <m:brkbinsub val="--"> <m:smallfrac val="off"> <m:dispdef/> <m:lmargin val="0"> <m:rmargin val="0"> <m:defjc val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent val="1440"> <m:intlim val="subSup"> <m:narylim val="undOvr"> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" defunhidewhenused="true" defsemihidden="true" defqformat="false" defpriority="99" latentstylecount="267"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="0" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Normal"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="heading 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 7"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 8"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 9"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 7"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 8"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 9"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="35" qformat="true" name="caption"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="10" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="1" name="Default Paragraph Font"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="11" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtitle"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="22" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Strong"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="20" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="59" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Table Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Placeholder Text"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="1" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="No Spacing"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Revision"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="34" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="List Paragraph"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="29" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Quote"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="30" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Quote"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="19" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="21" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="31" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="32" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="33" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Pronoun reversal is a common characteristic in Autism Spectrum Disorders. <i>I</i> and<i> you</i> are particularly affected. Research suggests this stems from the role of echolalia, or lack of self-identification. Children with ASD often, through imitation, learn language in “chunks”. A child may learn phrases such as, “Here I go!”, or, “I want ___ please”, but without functional understanding or use of the individual words alone. That is, these phrases are used as one meaningful utterance, but the child often doesn’t use the words <i>I, want, go</i> to build other phrases. Therefore, the child may learn the phrase, “Do you want juice?” from having heard it, but then use it to mean “<i>I</i> want juice.” The difficulty continues as we try to model pronoun usage for our children as we might for developing other language features. I can model, “more juice”, or “red car”, but when I try to model a pronoun “I want” it refers back to me, not the child. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">So what to do?! First, as a prerequisite, make sure your child uses names consistently and appropriately to refer to self and others. For example, “Johnny jump”, “Mommy wants cookie”, or when asked “Who wants __?”, child responds differentially “Johnny”, “Daddy”, etc.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Then, I like to start with personal pronouns <i>me, you</i> and <i>I</i>. Here’s some ideas:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.25in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Snack time: Who is this one for/ this one is for ___?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">“for me” or “for you” </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">-- add names if needed: “for me Mommy”, “for you Johnny”</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">-- also use gestures and emphasis</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">-- it is helpful at first to use a 3<sup>rd</sup> person “facilitator”-- 3<sup>rd </sup>person sits behind the child, preferably, and tells child what to say</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">-- visual cues can also be helpful</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"> </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"> </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">Bubbles: Who should blow?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"> “<i>me”, “you”</i></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.25in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">--respond naturally – if your child says <i>you</i> but means <i>me</i>, don’t address it verbally (it justs get confusing). Instead point to yourself and blow the bubbles.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"> </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"> </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";"> </span></b></div>
AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16753992118989517896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4582033563470989334.post-80093312597896084942010-12-06T22:02:00.000-08:002010-12-06T22:04:27.324-08:00Tis the Season…To have a meltdown!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> <o:pixelsperinch>72</o:PixelsPerInch> <o:targetscreensize>1024x768</o:TargetScreenSize> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark/> <w:dontvertaligncellwithsp/> <w:dontbreakconstrainedforcedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> <w:word11kerningpairs/> <w:cachedcolbalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:donotoptimizeforbrowser/> <m:mathpr> <m:mathfont val="Cambria Math"> <m:brkbin val="before"> <m:brkbinsub val="--"> <m:smallfrac val="off"> <m:dispdef/> <m:lmargin val="0"> <m:rmargin val="0"> <m:defjc val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent val="1440"> <m:intlim val="subSup"> <m:narylim val="undOvr"> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" defunhidewhenused="true" defsemihidden="true" defqformat="false" defpriority="99" latentstylecount="267"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="0" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Normal"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="heading 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 7"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 8"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 9"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 7"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 8"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 9"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="35" qformat="true" name="caption"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="10" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="1" name="Default Paragraph Font"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="11" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtitle"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="22" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Strong"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="20" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="59" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Table Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Placeholder Text"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="1" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="No Spacing"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Revision"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="34" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="List Paragraph"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="29" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Quote"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="30" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Quote"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="19" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="21" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="31" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="32" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="33" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I’m one of those holiday-crazed people. I love the madness of midnight shopping, can’t wait to decorate my house from top to bottom, love buying coordinating holiday outfits, want to attend each and every activity and always want my pine tree candle burning. <span style=""> </span>It’s an understatement to say I love the holiday season. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My holiday dreams are often a horrible nightmare for individuals on the spectrum. They often rely heavily on routine and predictability. So it’s no wonder they aren’t thrilled with the gatherings of rarely seen friends and family, the strange smell of a fresh tree in their usual comfort zone (home), mom’s insistence on wearing the brand new shirt or their neighborhood Target being overrun. Even receiving gifts can be no fun for some individuals.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">So… how do you, your family <i style="">and</i> your family member(s) on the spectrum enjoy the holidays? Answer… anticipate and prepare!!! <span style=""> </span>Here are a few tips to help you enjoy and survive the holiday season.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; color: green;">The <i style="">perfect</i> holiday photo</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">30 minutes before family pictures, is not the time to introduce a freshly pressed, never before worn (or seen) shirt, take them to a foreign location and expect them to smile on command.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Instead, consider allowing your child to wear the outfit around the house a time or two.<span style=""> </span>If they happen to stain the shirt before the pictures are snapped, it’s really no big deal. These days we have this little thing called Photoshop. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">One of the best ways to alleviate clothing wars is to involve your child as much as possible.<span style=""> </span>Take them shopping with you, give them choices, etc. This will not only ensure they can handle the fabric, but can help them gain some sense of control over the situation and often relieves a great deal of anxiety.<span style=""> </span>If you don’t have this option, allow them to wear something underneath or don’t have them put it on until right before pictures.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">If you have a child who dislikes being in front of the camera, get them involved early. Practice taking pictures, or try and interest them in getting behind the camera. I also suggest having pictures taken in a familiar setting, alleviating unforeseen distractions both positive and negative. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Lastly, think about what you’re trying to portray in your picture. I don’t know about you, but my favorite photos aren’t the perfectly posed, fake smile photos. Instead they’re the photos that allow me a glimpse into the personalities of the family. Hence… if your child is always twisting his hair, squinting one eye, or carrying around a Thomas Train… let it be. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; color: red;">Gatherings and holiday crowds.</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Prepare, Pack and Plan </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Prepare</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">… As much as you can, prepare them for what’s to come. Show them pictures of extended family you plan to visit, locations you’ll be going, sights and sounds they’re likely to see. Talk about it, draw it, whatever you can to limit surprises.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Pack</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">… Holiday gatherings can quickly turn into sensory overload. Make sure to pack your child’s sensory soothers. This is not the day to forget the chewy tube, or expect them to sit through dinner with out their weighted blanket.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Plan</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">… Make a schedule. Include choices and breaks for your child throughout the gathering.<span style=""> </span>You want to give your child an opportunity for a “break” <i style="">before</i> the meltdown.<span style=""> </span>Keep in mind the first to arrive is often the first to leave.<span style=""> </span>Arriving early means less people, less noise, and shorter lines.<span style=""> </span>It also allows you to sneak out early with out feeling badly.<span style=""> </span>When at all possible, leave before your child is “done”. This will help you in the future by imprinting a positive or at least tolerable impression in your child’s mind.<span style=""> </span>Just in case you don’t make it to the car before the meltdown… always, always have an escape plan.<span style=""> </span>A simple signal or secret code to your spouse may be all you need to escape in just the nick of time. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; color: green;">Pine and Cinnamon</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Fresh tress and scented candles are inevitable during the holidays.<span style=""> </span>When it comes to this issue, I say... pick your battles. If this means a fake tree and forgoing the candles, it’s a battle I’m wiling to surrender. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; color: red;">Gifts</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Practicing how to receive a gift is something all children need to do.<span style=""> </span>This can be even more challenging with individuals on the spectrum. Let’s face it… they’re usually horrible liars. Why on earth would they say <i style="">thank you</i> to a gift they hate or already have.<span style=""> </span>If your child is able, you can practice prior to the big day. Role-play, draw a behavior map, help them come up with a standard response, whatever it takes. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">If this isn’t a possibility, you can prep the gift givers in advance for what you suspect is going to occur. If they care enough about your child to give them a gift, they should care enough to understand. If not…consider forgoing that gift all together. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">As exciting as gifts are, they’re still new and unexpected. Allow your child time to adjust to the gift. Don’t expect them to like it right away. Give them time in between gifts to process. The presents will still be under the tree on the 26<sup>th</sup>, 27<sup>th</sup>, 28<sup>th</sup> and so on. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">It all comes down to this… </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">What do you want more? To show up to your aunts house with your child dressed to the nines but crawling out of his skin and unable to regulate, OR… a child in his usual shirt with chewy tube tied to the collar, regulating independently and remaining calm while you introduce him to yet another unfamiliar relative whom he won’t see again until next year? </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">If you’re like me, you want it all. But before you make the decision to have your cake and eat it too, you better think about how much time you plan to spend in the kitchen. Are you going to create this “cake” from scratch, or make a few concessions and buy a box?<span style=""> </span>As for me… I plan to make a few from scratch, buy many, many boxes and forgo some all together.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I wish you and yours a safe holiday season filled with joy and <i style="">less</i> stress.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Kate Andersen</span></p>AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16753992118989517896noreply@blogger.com0