Visual supports

  • Blog, Uncategorized

    Educating Jacob: The Power of Communication in Autism Spectrum Disorder

    Communication in Autism Spectrum Disorder

    Jake's clothes for going out!
    These clothes are for going out and sensory friendly.

    Communication in autism spectrum disorder plays a vital role in our Jacob’s ability to express himself. In our daily lives with Jacob, schedules allow us to communicate with him, connect him with others, and navigate the world around him.

    Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication and social interaction skills, making it difficult for those with ASD to effectively express their thoughts, feelings, and needs.🌟

    The Challenge of Communication in Autism

    For my son Jacob, communication has always been a significant hurdle. From a young age, he struggled to convey his needs and emotions, leading to frustration and meltdowns. As parents of children with autism, we understand the heartache of seeing our children struggle to be understood. 💔 But there is hope and immense power in finding the right tools and strategies to help them communicate.

    Methods of Communication in Autism Spectrum Disorder

    There are various methods and strategies that can help individuals with ASD enhance their communication skills, fostering greater independence, understanding, and inclusion. Here are some of the tools that have made a difference in Jacob’s life:

    AAC Devices

    Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices have been game-changers for many children with autism. These devices range from simple picture boards to sophisticated speech-generating devices. 🗣️🔊

    Jacob used Proloquo2Go on his iPad, but we couldn’t get him to use it consistently, so simple visual schedules and ASL were the winners for us!

    Sign Language

    Should you use sign language with your child with autism?
    Using Sign Language helped to build Jacob’s vocabulary! https://www.facebook.com/1584731983/videos/1116777432916450/

    Sign language is another powerful tool. Teaching Jacob sign language not only helped him communicate his needs but also reduced his frustration. The physical act of signing gave him an alternative way to express himself when verbal communication was challenging. 🤟

    The act of signing allowed Jacob to speak the words we were signing without overwhelming him with language. We were speaking with our hands, and since he understood the signs, he was happy and avoided emotional meltdowns—a win-win! 3 ways American Sign Language helped my son with autism speak in short sentences?

    Social Stories

    Social stories have been instrumental in helping Jacob understand social cues and navigate different situations. These personalized short stories describe social situations and appropriate responses, giving Jacob a script to follow and easing his anxiety. 📖🧩

    We use social stories and videos for everything—going to the dentist, doctor, or vacation. Social stories, pictures, visual schedules, and movies are immediately understood by Jacob and are enjoyable for him!

    Independence and Communication in ASD

    For Jacob, every new way he learns to communicate opens up his world a little more, fostering greater independence and inclusion. 🌍💬

    Breaking Barriers with Communication

    Join us as we delve into the transformative power of communication for those on the autism spectrum. From AAC devices to sign language to social stories, there are a multitude of tools and techniques that can empower individuals with ASD to communicate effectively and have their voices heard. By exploring and implementing these strategies, we can help our children break barriers and thrive in their own unique ways. 🌈💪

    Challenges Faced by Individuals with ASD in Communication

    Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder often face a range of challenges when it comes to communication. These challenges can vary in severity and can significantly impact an individual’s ability to effectively express themselves and engage with others. 🌐🗣️

    Non-Verbal Communication

    One of the primary communication challenges for individuals with ASD is the difficulty in understanding and interpreting social cues and non-verbal communication. Individuals with ASD may struggle to recognize facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language, which are crucial components of effective communication. This can lead to misunderstandings and difficulties in initiating and maintaining conversations. 😕🤷‍♀️

    Example: For Jacob, this meant missing out on the subtleties of social interactions, often leading to frustration for both him and those trying to communicate with him.

    Engaging in Reciprocal Communication

    Another common challenge is the ability to engage in reciprocal communication. Individuals with ASD may have difficulty taking turns in a conversation, maintaining eye contact, and responding appropriately to social interactions. This can make it challenging for them to build and maintain meaningful relationships with others. 🔄👀

    Example: Jacob often found it hard to keep a conversation going, which sometimes made social interactions feel one-sided or awkward.

    Understanding Social Cues in Autism Spectrum Disorder

    Additionally, individuals with ASD may have difficulties in understanding and using language effectively. They may struggle with vocabulary, grammar, and the pragmatic aspects of language, such as using language in a socially appropriate manner. This can result in difficulties in expressing their thoughts, feelings, and needs, leading to frustration and isolation. 📚🗣️

    Example: Jacob’s language delays meant that even simple exchanges could be challenging, making it hard for him to convey his needs or participate fully in conversations.

    Sensory Processing Challenges

    Furthermore, individuals with ASD may experience sensory processing challenges that can impact their communication abilities. Certain sounds, textures, or environments may be overwhelming, making it difficult for them to focus on and engage in conversations. 🔊🚫

    Example: Jacob found noisy environments particularly challenging, which often caused him to withdraw from social settings.

    Communication Strategies for Individuals with ASD

    Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face a range of communication challenges, but with the right strategies and support, they can develop and enhance their communication skills. Here are some effective communication strategies that have benefited Jacob and can help other individuals with ASD:

    Visual Supports

    A-little-planning-goes-a-long-way
    Jacob has sensory friendly clothes, school work in zippered bags and headphones!

    Incorporating visual aids, such as pictures, symbols, or schedules, can help individuals with ASD better understand and express themselves. Visual supports provide a clear and concrete way for them to communicate their needs, preferences, and ideas. 🖼️📊

    We use a visual schedule for Jacob to help him understand his daily activities and reduce anxiety. This method has significantly improved his ability to transition between tasks and communicate his needs. Here is good podcast on visual schedules and speech: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-slp-coffee-talk-57469512/episode/visual-supports-can-create-predictable-systems-101691070/

    Structured Routines and Predictability

    Establishing predictable routines and schedules can help individuals with ASD feel more secure and comfortable, which can, in turn, facilitate better communication. By providing a structured environment, individuals with ASD can better anticipate and navigate social interactions. 📅🔄

    Jacob thrives on routine. Having a consistent schedule helps him know what to expect each day, making it easier for him to engage in conversations and social activities. Beyond the Chaos: Scheduling 101 Class for Special Needs Children

    Simplifying Language

    Using clear, concise, and age-appropriate language can help individuals with ASD understand and respond more effectively. Avoiding complex sentences, idioms, and abstract concepts can make communication more accessible and meaningful. 🗣️✂️

    Example: We keep our language simple when communicating with Jacob. Short, direct sentences help him understand and respond better, reducing misunderstandings.

    Allowing Time for Processing

    Individuals with ASD may need more time to process information and formulate their responses. Providing them with ample time to respond, without interrupting or rushing them, can create a more comfortable and supportive communication environment. ⏳🕒

    When asking Jacob a question, we give him extra time to think and respond. This patience allows him to communicate more effectively and confidently.

    Reinforcing Positive Communication

    Positively reinforcing and acknowledging successful communication attempts, no matter how small, can help build confidence and encourage individuals with ASD to continue developing their communication skills. 🌟👍

    Positive reinforcement has been key in building Jacob’s confidence.

    Incorporating Interests and Passions

    Engaging individuals with ASD in conversations about their interests can help them feel more motivated to communicate. Look for ways to provide opportunities for them to share their unique perspectives and experiences. 🎨🚀

    Jacob loves talking about movies and music. Incorporating these topics into our conversations keeps him engaged and eager to communicate.

    Modeling Appropriate Communication

    Demonstrating and modeling appropriate social and communication skills can help individuals with ASD learn and practice these skills in a supportive environment. 📚👨‍🏫

    We use social stories for Jacob, and model taking turns in conversation and using polite language. He prefers movie quotes!

    Empowering Communication for All

    By implementing these communication strategies, individuals with ASD can develop the skills and confidence needed to express themselves 🌟🗣️

    Want more? We are dedicated to sharing our journey and strategies to help other parents navigate the complexities of autism. Download the ebook:👇  https://educatingjacob.myflodesk.com/tfgvkumbkg

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  • schedules, Uncategorized

    Create an autism friendly summer schedule for your child!

     

    summer-fun-is-on-the-schedule
    Jacob having fun at Barnes and Noble!

    Why do I need a summer schedule? Children with autism or any learning disability need help understanding their day and transitioning. A routine will help reduce anxiety and meltdowns because the child will understand what’s expected of them and what is coming next.

    Like me, my students are looking forward to summer break. Without a plan or schedule, they may cause a lot of chaos at home. Parents are wondering, “What in the world? How can you be unhappy when you have no alarm clock and all this free time to do what you want?”

    I understand, I’ve asked myself the same question as a mom and a teacher! As a mom, it felt like I didn’t have one free minute with the kids home unless they were in bed at night. I was tired and wondering why my home was so chaotic. 

    With Jacob, there were meltdowns, chaos, and frustration for the whole family. Because he has trouble with conversations and communication, walking into the room and asking him to do things almost always resulted in meltdowns or some form of resistance. 

    I figured out how to create autism friendly schedules:

    Autism-friendly-summer-routine
    This is a typical daily summer schedule during the week.

    Once I figured out that schedules could be used to show Jacob his day without verbal communication (demands), we started getting somewhere. In the schedule above each line has multiple steps. He has done some version of this for years so it’s easier now. My home was free from the chaos of meltdowns, anxiety, and rebellion that had me frazzled and frustrated as a mom.

    Schedules should start very simple and become a full day or week of activities. You can even do monthly schedules once your child understands what’s happening and is happy using them. 

    To start, my first summer schedule was a : First – Then schedule.

    Organized-schedule-for-autistic-children
    Simple First Then Schedule

    To start, my first schedule was a First – Then. Meaning, first you do this…. Then you get this. After this is accomplished and your child is successful, then you can add another task. You can make a list and use pictures. There are so many different ways you can create a schedule and make it fit your life and your child’s needs.

    Jacob’s daily work schedule always has a small chapter book of some kind to keep him reading. During the summer Barnes and Noble usually offers free books to kids who read and turn in their list. Ours is in Fayetteville, NC. Here is the pdf link if you are interested! BNKidsSummerReading85x11 http://chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://dispatch.barnesandnoble.com/content/dam/ccr/bnstores/kids/misc/2023/BNKidsSummerReading85x11.pdf

    Jacob is now 25 years old, and we use a monthly schedule to:

    Organized-schedule-for-autistic-children-during-summer
    List daily schedule and add in specials so your child knows whats coming in days ahead!

    Jacob is now 25 years old, and we use a monthly schedule to keep track of shaving, haircut, etc. Doctor visits and Mom and Dad’s schedule is also posted. He has Monday-Sunday zippered bags that have activities (worksheets, small chapter books, etc.) that are daily. He also has daily things on his schedule, like breakfast, taking meds, taking a shower, etc.

    When we started this journey, there were so many things going through my mind and scaring me about the diagnosis of autism that creating a schedule never entered my mind as something that would help us so much.

    A summer schedule for a child with autism is crucial for several reasons:

    1. Predictability and Structure: Children with autism thrive on predictability and structure. A summer schedule gives them a sense of routine and familiarity, which can help reduce anxiety and meltdowns. Knowing what to expect throughout the day can provide security and stability.
    2. Visual Representation: Children with autism often benefit from visual support. A visual schedule, with pictures or symbols representing each activity, helps them understand and anticipate the sequence of events. It serves as a visual reminder of what comes next, smoothing transitions and reducing confusion.
    3. Enhancing Communication: For children with communication challenges, a schedule is a non-verbal way to understand and communicate their needs and activities. It can help them express their preferences, make choices, and participate in planning their day.
    4. Promoting Independence: A structured schedule empowers children with autism to develop independent skills. They can learn to follow the schedule, complete tasks independently, and take ownership of their daily routines. This promotes self-confidence and self-reliance.
    5. Facilitating Skill Development: A summer schedule can include activities targeting specific skills or goals. It allows for intentional planning of activities that promote learning, socialization, sensory integration, communication, and other areas of development. By incorporating therapy or educational activities into the schedule, the child can continue progressing during the summer months.
    6. Supporting the Whole Family: A schedule benefits not only the child with autism but also the entire family. It provides a structure for the family’s daily life, reduces chaos and stress, and ensures everyone is on the same page. Schedules help parents and caregivers plan and organize their time effectively, knowing what activities or support the child needs at specific times.
    Summer Chaos Free:
    Summer-family-fun-on-the-schedulecreate-autism-friendly-schedules
    Pic’s of the family over the years during summer!

    I am happy to report that as a mom and special education teacher, schedules help me to communicate with Jacob and my students and also decrease anxiety during the day. School teachers will also say that schedules are necessary to keep everyone on track and developing skills.

    Every child is unique!

    Remember, every child with autism is unique, so the summer schedule should be tailored to their individual needs and interests. It should balance routine and flexibility, allowing for spontaneous activities and free time while maintaining a basic structure. 

     

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