Category Archives: autism

Building Language for Your Child with Autism, Part 4: Building Expressive Vocabulary

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This is the step where your child learns to actually say the words out loud. All of the tasks described in previous posts come into play when building your child’s expressive vocabulary. Picture cards are a useful tool again, because it just isn’t feasible to bring every object directly to your child. We certainly want them to learn the words bus and airplane, but it’s difficult to get those items into your living room!

The basic idea for building expressive vocabulary using picture cards is just to hold the card up and ask your child “what is it?” The intricacy comes in knowing how to prompt your child and how to fade that prompt. We talked previously about the importance of your child being able to imitate the words that you say. Imitation is the basis for the prompts you will use to build your child’s expressive vocabulary.

The first several times you ask your child the name of a new picture, you will likely have to model the word for him or her. For example, you ask your child “What is it?” If you do not get a response, you say “apple.” Ideally your child repeats the word “apple.” After a few tries, you can shorten your prompt to “app….” And then to “aaaa…….” And then perhaps to just opening your mouth as if to say “aaaa…” but not making a sound.

A Comprehensive Picture Card Library

It is a good idea to have a large selection of pictures ready to go when you start to teach the lessons we just described. Here are a few tips to help you choose or take appropriate pictures:

  1. Start with words that are familiar to your child. Words like apple, cup and cookies may be better than ­saxophone or stethoscope.
  2. Start with pictures on a plain white, or a distraction free background.
  3. Make sure to have duplicates available for the matching tasks when you first start out.
  4. Consider taking multiple pictures of the same item (6 different apples for example) to help your child generalize their newly learned words.
  5. As your child becomes more comfortable learning new words move to more natural settings for your pictures.
  6. Have a broad range of pictures, across multiple categories, ready for when your child is ready to move forward!
  7. If you take the pictures yourself, consider having them laminated for durability.If you don’t have the time to make your own pictures, a 350-Card Set of photo flash cards called the Language Builder Picture Card Set is avaibable and is specifically tailored to meet the needs of an early language vocabulary building program.

 

This is a part of a series of guest posts by Angela Nelson on building language in children with autism. As the creator of the acclaimed Language Builder Picture Noun Card Set, Angela received her BA and JD from UCLA where she studied and practiced behavior psychology under Dr. Ivar Lovaas. She has been creating autism and special needs curriculum products since 1997.

 

 

Autism Moms Have Stress Similar To Combat Soldiers

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We came across this article from a few years ago but thought that the content was certainly still relevent: mothers of adolescents and adults with autism have stress levels that match that of soliders in combat!? According to the study reported in the Disability Scoop, mothers of children with autism spent a greater portion of their day caregiving, were twice as likely to be tired and three times as likely to have experienced a stressful event compared to mothers of children without disabilities. In addition, their bloodwork indicated that a hormone associated with stress was very low, consistent with people experiencing chronic stress such as soldiers in combat.

That said, the mothers in the group were just as likely as their peers to report a positive experience, volunteer their time and help out their friends, in spite of more stress and less sleep. How much more amazing can one group of people be?

As parents, particularly, the moms out there, do you feel you’re able to manage your stress effectively? Do you have any advice for other parents out there?

Pick of the Week: WEDGiTS Building Blocks and Design Cards

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We’ve been hearing rave reviews of the WEDGiTS for years but it wasn’t until we had them in hand that we realized how unbelievable these building sets are. The WEDGiTS can be nested, stacked, linked, and wedged together to create hundreds of different designs from just 15 pieces. Building with these develops dexterity, fine motor skills, sequencing and patterning abilities, as well as visual discrimination skills. You can build as far as your imagination takes you with the Starter Set or you can supplement it with the WEDGiTS Starter Set Design Cards to maximize the challenge. The cards are for users of all levels from 2-piece constructions to ones that utilize all the pieces in the set.

This week only, save 15% on the WEDGiTS Starter Set: 15 Pieces as well as the WEDGiTS Starter Set Design Cards by entering the promo code BLOGWEDG2 at checkout.

*Offer expires on November 22, 2011 at 11:59 pm EST. Not compatible with any other offer. Be sure there are no spaces after the Promo Code when you enter it at checkout.

 

Resources for Adolescents & Adults with Autism

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With so much of the focus on the exploding rates of Autism in the U.S., the majority of attention has been focused on diagnosis, early intervention and services for school-age children. Not as much attention has been focused on what is available for these individuals after the age of 21 and unfortunately, service options rapidly diminish after this age. ASAT (Association for Science in Autism Treatment) has posted a good article on where to look for resources for older students and adults who need support. To read the article in full, click here.

This will prove to be an even greater issue over the next 10 years as so many individuals on the spectrum transition to adulthood. For those parents and caregivers who have children over the age of 21, is there any advice you can offer or resources you can direct others to that you have found particularly helpful?

Building Language for Your Child with Autism, Part 3: Building Receptive Vocabulary

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Receptive language refers to the thought process involved in hearing, processing and comprehending spoken language. When we mentioned above that a two year old child should be able to follow simple commands, point to objects when they are named, and recognize names of familiar objects; these objectives were examples of receptive language skills.

There are a number of ways to help build your child’s receptive vocabulary. Using photo cards is one basic and concrete vocabulary building tool that you can do at home. Place pictures of common objects on the table in front of your child. Ask your child to “touch the cookies” or “give me the hat.” When your child can follow the command and consistently select the requested picture, you have added a new word to their receptive vocabulary.

It is likely that your child will need help selecting the correct card… especially the first few times you try this task. Here is a trick to help make picking the right word easier. Start with just one card on the table and increase the number of pictures slowly. For example, if you are trying to teach the word cookies:

 

    1. Start with just the picture of the cookies on the table.
    2. After your child has learned to touch the cookies picture on request, add a blank card to the table. Ask your child to touch the cookies picture several more times, rotating the position of the two cards each time.
    3. Then, add a second picture to the table, and a third, and a fourth.
    4. Once your child can select the cookies picture each time, introduce new words using the same method!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a part of a series of guest posts by Angela Nelson on building language in children with autism. As the creator of the acclaimed Language Builder Picture Noun Card Set, Angela received her BA and JD from UCLA where she studied and practiced behavior psychology under Dr. Ivar Lovaas. She has been creating autism and special needs curriculum products since 1997.

Building Language for Your Child with Autism, Part 2: Matching Objects and Pictures as a Precursor to Language

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Developmental Psychologist, Jean Piaget, observed that a child first becomes aware of a concept and then acquires the words to convey that concept. Think about this for a moment: a child has to know that an apple is a distinct and separate item, before they know they should give it a name. They have to realize that the apple is different than, say, the cup. This is where matching comes in.

To help teach this concept using pictures of objects, place two pictures on the table in front of your child, one picture of an apple, and the other of a cup (or some non-apple picture). Hand your child an identical picture of an apple. Ask your child to “match” the apples, or to “put with same.”

When your child can consistently match the two cards, regardless of the position of the cards, they likely understand that the apple is a distinct object. Now we are one step closer to giving that object a name!

 

This is a part of a series of guest posts by Angela Nelson on building language in children with autism. As the creator of the acclaimed Language Builder Picture Noun Card Set, Angela received her BA and JD from UCLA where she studied and practiced behavior psychology under Dr. Ivar Lovaas. She has been creating autism and special needs curriculum products since 1997.

Building Language for Your Child with Autism: A Guest Series by Angela Nelson

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This week, we’re pleased to introduce a series of posts by Angela Nelson on building language in children with autism. As the creator of the acclaimed Language Builder Picture Noun Card Set, Angela received her BA and JD from UCLA where she studied and practiced behavior psychology under Dr. Ivar Lovaas. She has been creating autism and special needs curriculum products since 1997.

Emerging Language and Building Vocabulary

Language development varies from child to child, and there are wide ranges of expected “normal” language development in young children. If you have specific concerns about the pace of your child’s language development, you should definitely discuss this with your health care professional. However, for reference sake, by the age of two a child is expected to be able to:

  • Follow simple commands or instructions
  • Point to an object or picture when it is named for him or her
  • Recognize names of familiar objects, body parts and familiar faces
  • Repeat words spoken by others
  • Use simple phrases and 2 – 4 word sentences by 18 – 24 months

As we all know, there is no “typical” child with autism. Children on the Autism Spectrum may meet some of these objectives, all of these objectives, or none of these objectives. The goal is to identify your child’s specific language deficits (the areas you see them falling behind) and takes steps to help them catch up.

The first stages of language development, as described above, involve listening to words, imitating words, and building a basic vocabulary. In your child’s education program you may have heard professionals use terms like Receptive Language, Echolalia, Modeling, Matching, or Expressive Language. Don’t let these terms of art intimidate you. Really, they still just mean… listening to words, imitating words, and building a basic vocabulary. 

Encouraging Emerging Language Skills

A most basic step in typical language development is imitation. Many parents are surprised to learn that the parent imitating the child is almost as important as the child imitating the parent! When a 12 month old child looks at his or her mother and says “mamamama,” the mother almost instinctively replies back, “that’s right ‘mama.’” This feedback reinforces the child’s vocalization and encourages them to keep on chatting. Although children with autism may have delayed onset of this type of behavior, or may have some setbacks along the way; it is important to remember to continue to imitate vocalizations with your child to encourage verbal behavior.

Imitation will also provide the first steps in the formation of words for your child. This time I mean your child imitating you! While you are hoping to hear your child imitating full words, remember, this starts with imitating vowels, consonants and syllables. If you say “aaaaa” and your child responds back with “aaaaa,” this is a cause for celebration. You are one step closer to your child saying “apple” than you were before they could (or would) imitate your vocalization. Eventually, modeling words will become the way you build your child’s expressive vocabulary!

Check back this week for from Angela on Matching Objects andPictures as a Precursor to Language.

Pick of the Week: Music in my Mouth – Songs for Speech & Language Skills

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This CD with 26 original songs and the accompanying manual are designed to be used by SLPs, early educators and families to teach and practice a variety of skills related to the development of communication skills. Competence in communication is essential to a child’s personal, social, and academic success. Each song equips children with the concepts, behaviors, and self-talk skills that support the development of speech, language and social interaction. The manual provides detailed tips on how to integrate the songs with other activities.

Save 15% on Music In My Mouth this week only by entering the Promo Code BLOGMMM at checkout.

*Offer expires on October 4, 2011 at 11:59 pm EST. Not compatible with any other offer. Be sure there are no spaces after the Promo Code when you enter it at checkout.

25% OFF SALE! Today and Tomorrow Only

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Today marks the official start of Autism Awareness month and Different Roads to Learning is kicking things off by offering a 25% storewide sale* today and tomorrow only!!!! To redeem your savings, enter the Promo Code WAAD11 at checkout at www.difflearn.com.  The sale runs April 1 and 2, 2011 until 11:59 pm EST. Don’t miss out on our biggest sale of the year, celebrating Autism Awareness and education.

*Offer NOT valid on the following products:
VB MAPP Assessment Kits (DRK 700, DRK 701),  10-Pack (DRB 682) & 25-Pack (DRB 683) of VB MAPP Protocols,  ABLLS-R Assessment Kits (DRK 702, DRK 703)*
 **The coupon code WAAD11 must be entered during checkout to receive offer. Offer only applies to selected products and not those currently on sale. Your order must be placed during the time of the World Autism Awareness Day Sale to qualify for this special offer. This promotion cannot be redeemed on previous orders placed. This promotional offer may not be combined with any other promotional or discount offers. Offer valid on www.difflearn.com only. 

Walks for Autism

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With Autism Awareness Month just around the corner, there are loads of walks to raise awareness and money. Here are just a few across the country. We encourage everyone to participate! Let us know about any others going on near you.

Organization for Autism Research (OAR)

Whether you are a runner, walker, donor or volunteer, your contribution makes you part of OAR’s Run for Autism team and helps create awareness for the cause.  When you raise money for OAR’s autism research, more than $.87 of every dollar you raise will directly fund research studies that help answer some of autism’s most pressing questions.

Run for Autism 2011 Events Schedule:

March 20, 2011- New York City Half Marathon 

April 16, 2011- Blue Ridge Marathon and Half Marathon 

May 14, 2011- Rite Aid Cleveland 5K presented by OAR  

May 15, 2011- Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, Half Marathon & Marathon Relay 

May 15, 2011- Chloe K 5K Run Rock Ride  

May 15, 2011- Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K 

* If the race you are interested in isn’t on this list, you can still run and raise money for autism research through OAR’s iRun For Autism program.  You can sign up for one of OAR’s charity partner events or any other event of your choice through their Run America and Tri for Autism programs.

For more information about these events, please visit: https://www.firstgiving.com/OAR

 

Easter Seals Disability Services’ Walk With Me

April 2. 2011 (7:30am)- Grapevine Mills Mall, TX

The indoor walk will unite hundreds of Dallas/ Fort Worth area participants at Grapevine Mills Mall to raise funds for Easter Seals services, drive awareness of issues affecting the disability community, and change the lives of individuals and families living with disabilities.

For more information about this event, please visit: www.ntx.easterseals.com

 

Variety the Children’s Charity 5th Annual Autism Walk for Awareness, Resources, and Education

April 3, 2011- Plymouth Meeting, PA

Variety will hold its 5th annual Autism Walk in the Plymouth Meeting Mall on April 3rd to benefit Variety’s Autism Resource Center. Families, schools, companies, and individuals will join together to raise money for this resource center that provides immediate support to children and youth with autism in our community. This event also has the support of the Autism Society of America, who is proud to support Variety’s fifth annual walk for Autism.

For more information or to register for this event, please visit:

https://variety.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=465730

 

Caldwell College’s 2nd Annual 5K Run/Walk for Autism

April 16, 2011- Caldwell, NJ

Calwell College hosts this annual event to help raise public awareness of autism.  In addition, this race will help raise funds for Caldwell College’s on-campus Center for Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis.  This state-of-the-art facility allows Caldwell College to serve the needs of hundreds of individuals with autism and help them and their families to lead more satisfying and productive lives.

For more information or to register for this event, please visit:

https://www.caldwellcollege5krun.com/home.php

 

Northwestern Pennsylvania Autism Society’s 10th Walk

April 30, 2011- Presque Isle State Park, PA

ASA-NWPA is organizing this two-mile walk to increase awareness of autism, to support national research, and to fund projects and activities for individuals with autism in our community.  Everyone is invited to participate, including the children.  You may rollerblade and bring strollers or wagons.  They’ll have the jumping inflatables (weather permitting), face painting, theme basket auction and autism merchandise booth.  Snacks and drinks will be available.  Lunch (hot dog and chips) will be provided to 1,000 participants.

 

For more information or to register for this event, please visit: https://www.nwpa-asa.org/WalkInformation.asp

 

Walk Now for Autism Speaks

Walk Now for Autism Speaks is a fun-filled, family friendly event and is Autism Speaks’ single most powerful force to fund vital research that will lead them to the answers we need. Thousands will be united by a single cause by joining Walk Now for Autism Speaks. Participants will not only raise funds, but become a part of a fun and supportive family focused community. Participants are also welcome to join their new “Grand Club” (walkers that raise $1,000 or more).

For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=443494

 

Upcoming Walks for Autism Speaks:

2011 Walk Now for Autism Speaks: Greater Hartford

East Hartford, CT- Sunday, June 5, 2011 

 

2011 Walk Now for Autism Speaks: Treasure Coast
Port St. Lucie, FL – Saturday, April 2, 2011 

2011 Walk Now for Autism Speaks: West Texas
Abilene, TX – Saturday, April 2, 2011 

2011 Walk Now for Autism Speaks: Broward County
Fort Lauderdale-Davie, FL – Saturday, April 9, 2011 

2011 Walk Now for Autism Speaks: Cumberland Tri-State
Cumberland, MD – Saturday, April 9, 2011 

2011 Walk Now For Autism Speaks: Sonoma
Windsor, CA – Saturday, April 9, 2011 

To find a Walk for Autism Speaks in your neighborhood, please visit:
https://www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/site/c.igIRL6PIJrH/b.4356939/k.BF85/Home.htm