Pronoun Reversal by Dawn Gummersall MS, CCC-SLP

Pronoun reversal is a common characteristic in Autism Spectrum Disorders. I and you 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, want, go 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 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.

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.

Then, I like to start with personal pronouns me, you and I. Here’s some ideas:

Snack time: Who is this one for/ this one is for ___?

“for me” or “for you”

-- add names if needed: “for me Mommy”, “for you Johnny”

-- also use gestures and emphasis

-- it is helpful at first to use a 3^rd person “facilitator”-- 3^rd person sits behind the child, preferably, and tells child what to say

-- visual cues can also be helpful

Bubbles: Who should ­­­blow?

“me”, “you”

--respond naturally – if your child says you but means me, don’t address it verbally (it justs get confusing). Instead point to yourself and blow the bubbles.

Reflection

Last week was full of all kinds of parties, treats and scary things to see, how was your week? For me it was an eye opener since it was just after Halloween last year that my son was diagnosed with autism. I found myself reflecting on last Halloween and had I known then what I know now I would have never MADE my son wear that itchy costume with a lion's mane that touched his face and drove him so crazy, he screamed so hard until it came off. It's been almost a year for our family and I can't believe all that we have learned and how far we have come. How long has it been for you? What was an eye opener for you?

APPs available to YOU!

Did you know that there are APPs out there that teach receptive identification, language, problem solving all for a very low fee. $.99- $1.99 per APP, sometimes you can even find them for free. There are apps for IEP checklist, timers, pictures and much more. I found apps at the itunes store. There are also many interactive children's songs that you can download. I love that we can learn on the go.

Kindergarten.com

Autism Epicenter
A review of most apps out there.

Have you found something that works great? Share with all of us.

Thank You!!!

A BIG thank-you to Daybreak and Bistro 258!

We are grateful for the volunteer hours at the Daybreak 5k benefiting Autism Treatment. The event was enjoyable for all that participated. The weather was beautiful and the run/walk around Oquirrh Lake was beautiful. Thank you Daybreak for raising awareness about autism.

Bistro 258 is AMAZING!!! Everyone needs to experience this wonderful restaraunt. The food was delicious to say the least and the ambiance was entrancing. We kept saying "It feels like I'm in New York City." Bistro 258 is quaint and exquisit! We appreciate the generousity of the Bistro and their support of autism treatment. We hope that all of you get the opportunity to experience Bistro 258 in Ogden, UT.

Early Intervention Music Therapy with ASD

Music therapy is a particularly important intervention for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to engage and foster their capacity for creativity, flexibility, variability, and tolerance of change in order to cope and function in the behaviorally driven education requirements in school settings, as well as home/social setting, and future work and life experiences.
Music is non-threatening and provides opportunities for non-verbal self expression, encourages vocalization, social interaction, as well as many sensory experiences.
Examples of goals for ASD kiddos may include increasing opportunities for cognitive, physical and sensory stimulation, motor skill development (strengthening muscles, increased range of motion, training of movement coordination, etc), to develop orientation and mobility ( i.e. spatial awareness, confidence to move, gait, direction, fine & gross motor skills), promoting social skills, increase vocalization, development of speech and language skills, and promoting emotional expression and self-confidence.
A wide range of techniques are used including, but not limited to: movement to music, singing and chanting, educational/instructional songs, involvement in a group, improvisation, instrument playing, music listening, drumming circle, music as a catalyst for imaginative play.
Benefits of music therapy with preschool aged ASD population include increased attention, improved behavior, a decrease in self-stimulation, enhanced auditory processing, improved cognitive functioning, decreased agitation, increased socialization, improved verbal skills, successful and safe self-expression, as well as enhanced sensory-motor skills. Music can be used to meet them where they are at, and/or bring them to a relaxed soothing state by changing the tempo and dynamics gradually.
Parents can be empowered at home by simply having a small collection of CD’s to help them self-soothe and a handful of various rhythm instruments or small drums they can use for self-expression.
Many of these kiddos are drawn to music as it is time-ordered, they can participate with a sense of control during improvisation, feel supported and heard (especially in the absence of verbal skills) as they express themselves on a variety of instruments, it provides a successful experience for creation and imagination, and music is a very mathematical art and science, providing the logic their minds so often crave.

Natausha Despain, Music Therapist

Joy in the Present

The past is history, the future is a mystery, today is a gift. That is why we call it the present!
(KungFu Panda)

Today my aunt explained how she views my son, who was diagnosed with autism 8 months ago. My aunt had been watching me at various occasions over the last few weeks, and noticed some of the difficulties we faced, and the attitude we had about them. She shared her thoughts that my son was a gift to us because of the way he has showed us how to view life. My son doesn't dwell on the past or worry about the future, but just lives in the present. What joy can be found in the present? I realize that we can't always live in the present, and that it's important to learn from the past and plan for the future. It is also refreshing to just stop in a moment and think
"Where is the joy right now?" If there isn't much joy, make some happen.

Over the last 8 months my definition of joy has changed. I was joyful when my son cried when I left the room. I am overcome with joy when he says "NO, NO!". I have joy when he can hold my hand walking down the street. What joys do you have in your life?

Talents & Autism

Do people with autism have super talents? When you talk to people about autism, do they ask if you or your loved one has a special gift? What talent do you possess?

Everyone of us has unique talents. I feel like I have a unique talent, I don't share this with people because I think it's kind of weird to think of it as a talent, but as I have watched my son I realize talents come in all shapes and sizes. My talent is the desire to have friends around often and to enjoy having them in my home. I realized this was a talent when I observed that most people don't like this, and then it occurred to me that a talent can be an ability that you possess that is not common in others. It's all about finding what is unique about you and then accepting it as a talent.

My son Hagen, is on the autism spectrum. He is a wonderful little boy with unique talents. This summer has been a joy to find a new talent of his. He can swim!!! (with a life vest, only because I make him). You are probably thinking to yourself "That is not unique, most people can swim". Here is the uncommon part, he is two years old, he can hold his breath longer than most kids, he can freestyle and breast stroke (all self taught). He can roll on his back when he is tired and he loves to be thrown high in the air and dropped in the pool. Here is a short video to demonstrate.




My son does have a super talent. Is he better than someone else? No, just enhanced by his unique outlook and feel to life. Our own individual journeys make us who we are. Each one of us has the ability to have super talents. I just think for my son, and maybe for others on the autism spectrum, it's easier to reach SUPER status. What do you think? What talent do you have? What talent does your child have? How have you found this talent? What do you do to make it super? Do you have a video you would like to share?

Disciplining Young Children with ASD

By Rachelle Blair-Thatcher

“How do I discipline my child with autism?”

Disciplining young children is difficult!
Disciplining young children with ASD can feel impossible!

Although there is no such thing as a “one size fits all solution”, I have found a remedy that can greatly improve our approach. One of the most important questions we can ask ourselves is, “What is our child communicating?”
The answer to this question may provide helpful insight and understanding. It is important to realize that very young children under the age of 3 do not usually choose to misbehave. Rather, they are interested in surviving and thriving in their environment. As we view the behavior we want to change, we must consider why it occurs? Then, we can determine how to addressed it.


3 Piece Pie

Development

Personality

Special Needs


Development – Often as parents, we need to be reminded of “typical” behavior. It is easy for us to forget that all 2, 3 & 4 year olds can be challenging at times. For a child with ASD we need to celebrate the milestones. We want to celebrate the developmental milestones and as parents remember that the child is progressing. Often, it can feel like a double edged sword. On one hand; we are excited they are not in a constant state of self stimulatory behavior BUT, on the other hand; now they are screaming and chasing little sister. The typical social/emotional development for a 2 ½ - 3 year old includes: showing independence, demonstration of extreme emotional shifts and paradoxical responses, talking with a loud, urgent and dictatorial and demanding voice. In addition, children this age resist change, are extremely ritualistic and experience difficulty with transitions. STOP!!! Does this sound like anyone you know?

The differences between children with ASD and our “nuerotypical” counterparts is that the “nuerotypical” children transition through this developmental stage whereas, children with ASD often times do not.

Personality – Each of us have a distinct personality that makes us who we are. Children with ASD are no different! I have met children and adults with autism that are hilarious. I have also met others that are very grumpy and angry all of the time. So, whether your child is sweet and sensitive or funny and grumpy, personality must be considered when disciplining your child.

Special Need – Your child may have extreme sensory disregulation and/or disabilities. It is critical that you evaluate limitations and require reasonable expectations of your child. We want your child to be successful. Recognize, YOUR CHILD’S SPECIAL NEEDS ARE NOT YOUR ENTIRE CHILD! Special needs are only one part of who they are, so, they need you to know when to push harder and expect more or when to give them a break!

Example:
Mom says, “Every time I take my 3 year old to the store he screams.”

The child’s functions socially at 30 months. We know that it is typical for that age to experience difficulty with transitions. The child’s personality is usually sweet and sensitive. The child is scared and in distress and screams as we enter the store. We know that he is extremely sensitive to loud noises.


Solution:
Rather than punishing the child, we recognize that he is not “misbehaving”, he is disregulated and over stimulated by the loud noises in the store.
We implement supportive techniques and teach him how to regulate.

We all know that in the world of autism, “ If you have met one child with autism, you have met one child with autism.” By using The 3 Piece Pie your awareness of your child’s experience will improve and you will enhance your skills to analyze your child’s behavior and choose your methods of discipline.

JOY in the JOURNEY

I am new to the world of autism and am still learning new things every day. As we stepped into this world 5 months ago I felt so alone, although there were many people and places on the net sending me to groups I didn't feel connected to anyone. I felt like it was up to me and yet I felt like I wasn't doing enough for my son (up until a month ago when we got help at Autism Journeys). I just wanted to read about someone elses experience and know that I was doing the right things and everything was going to be ok! I can finally say I am doing all I can do for my son and my family and everything is going to be OK!
Now that I have a handle on things, I thought it might be a good idea to keep record of the JOYS in our lives, instead of always thinking about what I should or could be doing, I started focusing on what we have done and accomplished. The JOY in the world of autism is different from the world with the older three children of mine. I have JOY when my cries if I leave him. I have JOY when he looks at me. I have JOY if he bites me. I have JOY when he says Hi or Bye (these are few and far between). I have JOY that one of the only consistent things my son does is kiss me on command. The JOYS I have are simple to everyone else, but to us they are HUGE accomplishments in our everyday lives. As I record these JOYS I realize how blessed I am. What an amazing family I have and exactly how far we have all come.
I know the days are hard and overwhelming at times, but there are few days when there isn't at least one JOYFUL experience to record. What JOY have you experienced recently, I would love to hear about it?