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 to move life forward. The changes of autumn move us into a new season and times of ...

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 children who cover their ears with loud noises or even the anticipation of loud sounds. Some of ...

“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.'' (Serena Weider, 1997) Emotions are tied to behavior. Behavior is tied to ...

              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 high ...

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, ''Chow began by playing on Douglas' strengths: her lean physique and natural grace, which ...

An SLP isn't a celebrity, but we have influence in our school settings and communities. There are many celebrities who are speaking out against bullying: Justin Bieber, Queen Latifah, Daniel Radcliffe, Ellen Degeneres and Anderson Cooper, just to name a few. In the past few week's Autism Spectrum blogs, I've stated the language skills we ...

In last week's Autism Spectrum Blog, Bullying in ASD, I presented an overview of how painful bullying is to its victims. I also suggested that we, as SLPs, can assist those on the autism spectrum because they are ''punching bags'' for bullies. The SLP can also share information with parents and ...

In last week's Autism Spectrum Blog, ''Time to Face It,'' I shared with you the most frequently asked question I get: ''What's the number one strategy you use with children on the autism spectrum?''  My answer was (and still is) Any item I can hold in one hand comes up by my face. I told you how simple, easy, speechy, and helpful ...

''Kathie, what's the number one strategy you use with children on the autism spectrum?'' I get asked that question a lot and I always reply with the same response. Any item I can hold in one hand comes up by my face.   That's so simple. But it's not so obvious.   That's so easy. But most people don't do it ...

I wonder what Snow White would have searched on an iPad, or what she could have accomplished. Could she have made Dopey, less dopey? Was there a remedy for Sneezey or a medication for Sleepy and Grumpy? Perhaps Bashful could have been brought out of his shell with various applications. Doc and Happy, well, they were full of wit and joy already. ...