Autism Spectrum Across Ages and Environments : autism spectrum disorders

In Memoriam

Guest Blogger — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:51:00 GMT

Dear Friends and Colleagues, I am very saddened to write this post letting you know that our dear friend and colleague, Kathie Harrington, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 19, 2013. Kathie left a wonderful legacy for all of us with her passion...(read more)

Kathie’s Power Word Countdown #3

Kathie Harrington — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 14:03:00 GMT

What was your favorite thing that happened today? Who is your favorite singer? What is your favorite book? Do you have a favorite sport? I have a favorite time of the year, do you? My babysitter used to show me her favorite thimble. FAVORITE is one of...(read more)

Kathie's Power Word Countdown #1

Kathie Harrington — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 14:44:00 GMT

In last week's Autism across Ages and Environments blog, Power Words , I told you that I would be spotlighting a dozen words and phrases that I have used over the years to empower children and adults on the autism spectrum. In doing so, these words and...(read more)

Power Words

Kathie Harrington — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 17:49:00 GMT

Everyone loves power. Everyone needs words to attain power. We can empower our children with ASD by giving them POWER WORDS or we can leave them powerless. Teaching skills to children with ASD is not enough. Colors, months, dates, counting, are not what...(read more)

Kathie’s Top Ten List to Join Hands with Parents

Kathie Harrington — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 17:12:00 GMT

Hands have fingers, thumbs, nails, joints, skin, bones, muscles, and tendons. They are flexible and can be molded, folded, and wrapped. Use yours. I learned early in my career that one of the most meaningful things one person can do to assure sincerity,...(read more)

A Driver in the Family with ASD, Part II: How the SLP Can Help

Kathie Harrington — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 14:20:00 GMT

My son, Doug, drives slowly around our city of Las Vegas. He drives to work on the Las Vegas Strip, to the athletic club, and to go shopping. He has a blue ruler in his car at all times to measure the exact distance from his stomach to the steering wheel...(read more)

Social/Language Therapy: A MUST!

Kathie Harrington — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 13:02:00 GMT

Social skills aren't really so hard. Most children glean them during play and with appropriate guidance. No, social/pragmatic skills aren't hard at all, not unless you have ASD (as well as other mental disorders) Social skills only . . . Make or break...(read more)

Social Skills Impact Life

Kathie Harrington — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 14:38:00 GMT

As an SLP you have the skills to teach children and adults on all levels of the autism spectrum social strategies they will need throughout their lives. As an SLP you have the responsibility to speak up at an IEP in the school or any setting when you...(read more)

School Shooting & Asperger's

Kathie Harrington — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 15:16:00 GMT

There are no words for what happened. As my family and friends know, I am passionate about autism/ASD for those affected by it and their families. I have lived in that world and I not only know it well but I respect it. If the man who committed this unspeakable...(read more)

A Wallet For the Holidays

Kathie Harrington — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 15:17:00 GMT

My son, Doug, drives a car. He drives slowly and doesn't go too far from home. He likes to go to the Las Vegas Athletic Club (LVAC) about once a week where he says he lifts a few weights but I suspect he spends most of the time in the whirlpool. That's...(read more)

Autumn & Autism

Kathie Harrington — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 13:35:00 GMT

Auuuutumn Auuuutism Both words begin the same. One is a season that lasts only several weeks. One is a syndrome that lasts a lifetime. Both are unpredictable at the core because they change daily. The changes are welcome in both of them ~ they mean growth...(read more)

Calming Strategies in Therapy

Kathie Harrington — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 13:11:00 GMT

In last week's Autism Spectrum blog, Signs of Sensory Dysfunction, I told you that all of the children with ASD who I have known have some degree of sensory dysfunction. Some have less and some have more. Some of the sensory issues are obvious like the...(read more)

Signs of Sensory Dysfunction in a Child with ASD

Kathie Harrington — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 12:59:00 GMT

“If facts are the seeds that later produce knowledge and wisdom, then the emotions and impressions of the senses are the fertile soil in which the seeds must grow." Rachael Carson We all learn through our senses. "Sensory impressions are tied to our emotions."...(read more)

The Challenging Behavior of Hugging

Kathie Harrington — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 20:37:00 GMT

Joey was in preschool when I first met him. Everyone hugged Joey. It made the teachers feel good and that was OK when he was in preschool. Joey was 3 and as he grew to 4, 5 and 6, everyone continued to hug Joey when they greeted him. Joey entered junior...(read more)

The Ladder of Success for Schools

Kathie Harrington — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 13:05:00 GMT

Liang Chow is the awesome coach for Golden Olympic Gymnast, Gabby Douglas. In a Time Magazine interview "Chow admits that when Douglas first entered his gym, in October 2010, he could see her talent but wasn't sure he wanted to take her on." He also stated,...(read more)