These 8 key categories will teach you how to spot the best toys for language learning and getting cognitive wheels turning! Go Old School The classics are classic for a reason! Baby’s first Christmas? Check out these Uncle Goose classic blocks. Second time around, upgrade to these awesome Hape blocks. Maybe you’re kiddo is a bit older and ready for Legos. My favorite …
Happy Thanksgiving!
No, My Son Isn’t Rude. He’s Autistic, and We’re All Doing the Best We Can.
Midway through American Airlines Flight 101 from Heathrow to JFK, shortly after our microwaved meatball dinners were tossed out like frisbees, the flight attendant asked my son Ian if he wanted another beverage. He intently played his Tetris game on the backseat video console without replying or glancing her way. Missing most of that exchange, I looked over in time to hear the flight attendant …
To Parents of Children With Autism Who Worry About the Future
Dear Parents of Children with Autism, You are true warriors. You’re the most determined individuals on Earth. You’re tired. You’re probably in need of a shower because you haven’t been able to leave your child’s side for even a few minutes. You may be running around trying to balance work and meeting your other family needs. Yet you’re here, pushing through each day giving your child with …
Is Your Website Accessible to Children with Special Needs?
Roughly 34.2 million people in the United States have a functional limitation; this number encompasses children as well. It’s easy to take for granted the little things we can easily do everyday, like accessing the internet. Online access has become a staple in children’s education, and for those who have more difficulty, it can not only hinder their learning, but also make them feel alienated …
Catching Waves For Well-Being
Surf therapy programs often focus on children with autism or anxiety, or groups like veterans or cancer survivors. Evidence indicates that surfing has a positive effect on mindfulness in addition to its physical benefits. Learn more about surf therapy and a California-based surf therapy nonprofit that focuses on children with neurological disabilities in this recent New York Times article. …
Remembering How Mel Tillis Overcame Stuttering To Be A Country Music Star
Did you enjoy watching Ken Burns' latest documentary, "Country Music" on PBS? I can't say that I'm a big country music fan, but I truly enjoyed learning the way that history, culture, and geography have woven together over time to produce what we now know as country music. I liked learning the stories of Johnny Cash, Elvis, and the Carter Family, but I was particularly interested to learn that …
5 Reasons Why Speech & Language Therapy is Crucial for a Non-Verbal Child
I recently had a conversation with a caseworker regarding individuals who are non-verbal. I asked her if any of the clients in the program receive speech and language services and she responded “Why would someone who is nonverbal need speech and language therapy? They can’t talk!” I explained to her what augmentative and alternative communication is and how important speech and language …
Rolling Out the Welcome Mat for Travelers with Autism
Travel just became a bit easier for many families. A growing number of theme parks, hotels and special attractions are introducing autism training and sensory guides, providing resources in times of need, and assuring families they won’t be judged. Learn more in this recent New York Times article. …
Autism and Baseball: Why Baseball Can Be a Great Sport for People on the Autism Spectrum
America’s Favorite Past-Time Autism and baseball are a good fit for a number of reasons, starting with the slower paced team atmosphere, the plethora of numbers and statistics, and the open air setting. Baseball has been known as America’s favorite past-time for decades. As one of the most popular sports in the nation, there’s nothing quite like the experience of catching a game at your …
Life is a Balancing Act as a School SLP
I have a rare blood type that only 3% of the population has. I'm AB+. The Red Cross calls me often to donate my "rare blood." I put it on my to do list and schedule a time. Sometimes I can end up making it to the appointment and actually donating. I've had other times where I show up and there has been over an hour wait even with an appointment. I've had to leave …
Causes & Treatment of Infant Hearing Loss
Infant hearing loss affects approximately 2-3 out of 1,000 live births (NIDCD). Causes of Infant Hearing Loss Childhood hearing loss can be divided into 3 categories: Conductive Hearing Loss – occurs when sound is not conducted through the outer or middle ear properly. It can often be treated medically. Examples include: wax buildup, ear infection or perforation …
