AAC Devices for Language Development in Children with Autism

We all want our children or clients to be successful with vocal language, but it doesn't always happen right away. For kids that are not yet talking, things like sign language, picture exchange or AAC devices can be implemented and often serve as a springboard not only to better communication but also to vocal language.…

Achieving Vocal Imitation and Echoic Control in Kids with Autism

Today is all about how to get vocal imitation, or echoic control, to enable kids to talk - or talk more if they are already talking some. I see a constant struggle with people who report - both parents and professionals - that their kids have pop out words or have words here and there,…

Effective Instructional Strategies for Children with Autism and Academics with Dr. Janet Twyman

Teaching real-world skills to children with autism can be very difficult for parents, teachers and even trained behavioral analysts. I, for one, had to teach my son, Lucas, the same and different in 16 different trials. Dr. Janet Twyman is an expert in instructional strategies and shares how reinforcement shaping, critical discrimination, observing and testing helps with effectively teaching academics and real-world skills to kids with autism.

Mother with Autism Shares Her & Her Son’s Autism Diagnosis Story

The interview I have for you today is unlike any of my previous interviews: my guest is Eileen. Not only does her son have severe autism and is nonverbal, but she herself has been diagnosed with high-functioning autism. Eileen openly shares her story with me, and does not shy away from the truth.

How to Reduce Problem Behaviors in Kids with Autism | Stuck Series Part 5

This is part five of our five-part series on getting kids unstuck. This blog is going to focus on when you are stuck having a child with problem behaviors that you don't know how to reduce, prevent, or eliminate. In Part 1 I talked about assessing language when a child or client is nonverbal. Part…

Teaching Self-Care Skills to Children with Autism | Stuck Series Part 4

The fourth area where people get stuck is self care. In this five-part stuck series, I want to talk about the five areas that I see parents and professionals get the most stuck. In Part 1 I talked about assessing language when a child is nonvocal. Part 2 was about teaching receptive language skills, and…