June 2010 - Issue #9
FREE ne O e k Ta South Florida Autism Newsletter In this issue... GFCF Snack Ideas for the Summer Biomedical Q&A with Ms. Mellen Communication Method for Non-Verbal Children & Adults And more... In This Issue... Ÿ Fun Games For The Summer Ÿ Three Rules To Talk To Young Children With Autism Ÿ Recipe of the Month: GFCF Pizza Ÿ 2nd Annual Autism Resource Fair: List of providers exhibiting at the event with contact information Ÿ And Much More!!!
1 - Autism Insider Newsletter, June 2010 Issue
Inside This Issue... GENERAL ARTICLES Fun Games For The Summer!!!!
Page 4
Three Rules For Talking To Young Children With Autism
Page 10
Contact Us. autisminsidernewsletter@gmail.com For Calendar events Subject: Calendar
Autism Resource Fair Services and Providers Contact Information
Page 6-8
Autism Chatter
(Make sure we receive the information the first week of the month prior to the event) For Articles Subject: Article
Is It to Much To Ask????
Page 5
BioMedical Q&A By Debbie Mellen Nurse Practitioner
Page 9
For general information or advertisement opportunities, please call us at (954)584-3198 or email at autisminsidernewsletter@gmail.com
Luciana C Leo (786) 306-4967 Sarah Sweeney (786) 413-8017
Recipe of the Month Pizza (GFCF)
Page 11
On the July Issue:
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Ÿ What is the role of the pediatrician in early intervention? Ÿ Therapies that can help children with ASD! Ÿ And much more...
FOR SUPPORTING THE AUTISM COMMUNITY www.soloprinting.com
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For more info call (954)584-3198 or go to www.bodymedonline.com 2 - Autism Insider Newsletter, June 2010 Issue
594 Riverside Drive. Coral Springs, FL 33071 Call us at 954.344.6550
Acquisition Programs A comprehensive assessment will assist in the development and implementation of an individualized skill acquisition program targeting the following areas: behavioral, expressive and receptive communication, social reciprocity, cognitive, visual-motor imitation, fine motor, feeding, gross motor, etc
Pragmatic and Social Skill Groups Groups are offered to generalize new skills, improve social skills, develop friendships, increase play and leisure skills, improve communication and language and infuse turn-taking skills.
Therapy Links Therapy Links is an intensive therapeutic day program that is based on Behavior Reduction Programs the principles of ABA. This drop-off program is designed for children 1.5 Assessment will be completed and a behavior plan will be written and to 3 years of age. Individual schedules, visual aides and functional monitored to reduce maladaptive behaviors and teach appropriate communication systems are utilized as supports. The staff includes Board replacement skills. Certified Behavior Analysts, Licensed teachers and therapists with a strong background in ABA methodology. Class contains 4-5 children with 2 Parent Advocacy therapists. School observations Attending and supporting families at IEP meetings and informal teacher meetings.
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www.posthastepharmacy.net Hablamos Espa単ol * Parlons Francaise * Sign Language 3 - Autism Insider Newsletter, 3 June 2010 Issue
Is your child staying at home this summer??? Then, here are some tips of fun games to enjoy at home during the summer with your child, in playgroups, with family, or friends!!! Bubbles: use different bubbles blowers and blow, blow, blow. Water games: you don’t need a pool to play with water use different size buckets, plastic bags with soap to slide, or even open holes in a hose. Shaving cream: clip to the grass or ground a plastic; try drawing shapes with your fingers in the shaving cream. Sand and water mud: create mud with sand and water in a large bucket or inflatable pool, use different container to make different shapes. Charcoal in the fence: let your imagination run wild painting with charcoal in your fence. Remember to hose down the fence the same day. Crayons in the sliding doors: nothing better that a warm glass surface to pain with crayons, give it a try on your sliding doors. To clean them you can use a dish sponge. You can also use finger painting on the sliding doors using different brushes or toothbrush. Frisbees with paper plates: decorate paper plates and use them as frisbees to throw from one person to another! Balloon volleyball: get a giant inflatable balloon at any party supplier, and play volleyball or even football with this giant of fun. Bubble Burst Paintings: blowing bubbles never seems to lose its charm for little kids, but here's a colorful way to make a good thing even better. To start, stir 2 tablespoons of tempera paint or 15 drops of food coloring into a 1/2-cup of bubble solution. Then tape a large piece of paper to a fence or between two trees and have your child blow the bubbles against it. The end result will likely be more about the process than the final product, but he'll love watching the bubbles hit the paper and burst into vibrant circles and splatters. Animal sounds: paint, write o cut out animals, shuffle them and take turns making the animal sound, to get more complicated you can ask questions like where they leave?, what they eat? Tinkertoys: a bag of GFCF marshmallows and some thin pretzel sticks (GFCF) are all you need to build the perfect puffy pal, a 3-D house, or tepee. Your child simply skewers the marshmallows with the sticks to create his own masterpiece. Add to the fun by placing toy pigs or other animals in the house and challenging your child to be the big bad wolf and blow it down. The Pillow Toss: for this game you need several throw pillows, although you may not want to use your best ones for the game. To
play, have one child sit on the couch, or a bed will do too, and they have all the throw pillows with them. Then, another child will run back and forth across the room between two points. The child on the couch uses the throw pillows to try and hit the child that is running back and forth. This is an easy game, and you can have several kids playing; however, you may want to make sure that any breakables are out of the way in case your child has bad aim. Living Room Bowling: for this game, you will need some modeling clay, plastic cups, duct tape and a small ball, such as a tennis ball. Drop a ball of clay in ten plastic cups. Then, invert another cup on the top and tape together. The cups will then become your bowling pins. Stack the cups in a triangular formation, just like you would find them at the bowling alley. Then, use the small ball to roll down the alley and try and knock the pins over. Pirate Treasure: you need to have some cheap little toys or even some snacks that you can hide all around the house. Hide the treasures all around the house and then leave some clues in different places or even draw out a treasure map that will help the kids find the treasure that you have hidden. Freeze Dance: Outdoor: choose a soft, no-slip spot such as a grassy lawn and bring out a spray bottle or the garden hose. Try to squirt your child's feet with the water while he performs his wildest barefoot dance to steer clear of it. When you do make contact? He has to freeze. Spritz him again to release him. Indoor: play some music and let all the kids dance. When you stop the music, everyone freezes. Any movement and you're out. Award the prize to the last dancer standing, or to the best dancer. Fabric Dancing: bring out a few pieces of colorful fabric or scarves anything shiny, silky, or draping and let your kids twirl them around as they move. Try holding two corners each and wave the fabric like a parachute, in time to the music. If your child's pretty steady on her feet, hold one corner each and let your child spin toward you into the fabric, then pull it to send her twirling away again. Knock Your Socks Off: lay out the sheet on soft, debris-free ground. It acts as both the mat and the boundaries for the game. Players remove their shoes, but leave on their socks and then sit on the sheet. Don't even think of wearing kneesocks: their advantage is criminally unfair. Start by having all chant twice, "Knock, knock, knock your socks off!" Everyone madly crawls about on the sheet trying to knock socks off others' feet before theirs are knocked off. Once both of a player's socks are knocked off, he or she leaves the playing area but continues on as a referee, cheerleader, and/or good-humored heckler.
4 - Autism Insider Newsletter, June 2010 Issue
FUND RAISING FOR FERNANDO!!!!
Fernando is a 23 years old young man who had an aneurysm on April 14, 2009. Fernando has been working very hard to recover many of the body functions that he lost due to the accident, with the help of his family and friend. Unfortunately, Fernando’s insurance was revoked due to his condition and his family has to pay for his therapies and treatments out of pocket. At this moment, he is not receiving the therapies that he needs due to financial circumstances. Recently, Fernando received great news from a group of doctors in Guatemala. They are willing to work with him, but he needs to fly over there. There are many special accommodations that need to be arrange for this trip, including Fernando’s ticket and the transportation of all the things that he needs because of his condition such as his bed, lift, van (for transportation in Guatemala), and wheelchair. These arrangements are costly for Fernando’s family. YOUR HELP WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. YOU CAN PURCHASE A WAVESHIELD FOR $20. THE FUNDS WILL GO TOWARDS FERNANDO’S MEDICAL NEEDS.
Autism Chatter: Is it to much to ask??? Received via Email, Anonymous Some people may agree, some people may not. I am not trying to lecture anyone, but this is what I have learned through my son’s experience in school. If you have already decided what school your child is going to, that is great! Deciding about your child’s future school is a decision that may cause great anxiety. The first thing I learned is that when learning disabilities fall into the autism spectrum, one on one setting is the only thing that works. The person in charge of the one on one setting needs to manage and apply behavior analysis in order to modify unwanted behavior and reinforce good behavior in these children. The majority of schools, at least in the public sector, cannot offer this ratio due to financial reasons. Cluster rooms should apply behavior analysis (ABA) in conjunction with Florida Sunshine State standards for students on a modified curriculum. Most teachers and teacher’s aides are not prepared to apply ABA and do not have or receive the appropriate training . Imagine how hard can be for a teacher or a teacher aide to be able to help, teach, and keep on task three or four children with ASD at the same time, when is so hard for us (moms) to do the same job with our children that we know from head to toe! The second thing I learned is... If your child is like mine, non verbal, or maybe verbal but he can’t communicate his feelings, how will you know how his day was at school? Public schools have a “closed door policy.” I understand that they have to respect other parent’s privacy; but then, again I don’t share this policy when it comes to my son. I need to be informed; I need to know what’s happening in the classroom on a daily bases. This is information that I cannot get from my son and most teachers are not objective. I want the best for my son. I want him to have every opportunity to grow and be happy. I want one on one setting. I want his schooling based on ABA. And finally, I want to know everything my son does in school. Unfortunately, at the moment this is not an option for kids attending public schools, at least in Florida.
Autism Chatter is the parent’s corner of the newsletter. This section is dedicated to the families in order for them to express themselves. If you want to share a story or write about something, please send us an email at: autisminsidernewsletter@gmail.com, subject: Autism Chatter.
For More Information contact: Luciana Leo at (954) 584-3198 or by email at autisminsidernewsletter@gmail.com
Speech Therapy on the Go!
The WaveShield is a protective system about the size of a penny that adheres to the ear piece of any cellular phone. For Cell phones
WaveShield is tested and proven to block up to 97% of the electromagnetic radiation from your inner ear.
For Cordless phones
We are using WaveShield as a fund raiser to not just raise money for this cause, but to protect children and family members from potential health risks from cell and cordless phones.
Specializing in Pediatric Communication Disorders A mobile business providing speech & language therapy in the home, day care or private school setting. Bilingual therapy available! Clinically Competent and Certified Licensed by the State of Florida P: (954)540-4808 F: (954)382-5781 E: StontheGo@aol.com Web: www.MyLanguageLink.com
5 - Autism Insider Newsletter, June 2010 Issue
2nd Annual Autism Resource Fair June 6th of 2010 at the Sheraton Ft Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Hotel in Dania, Fl 1825 Griffin Road Dania, Florida 33004 Booth Exhibitions and Workshops Start at 10 am
Hotlines and Resources Broward 211 Special Needs Hotline The 2-1-1 Hotline for Children with Special Needs is Broward’s single source for information and referrals for children birth to 22 years of age with a developmental and/or physical disability. This specialized hotline focuses on helping parents, grandparents, caregivers, agencies, teachers, coaches, therapists, nurses and doctors who serve the needs of children with disabilities find support, answers and hope. Phone: Just Dial 211 from your phone Website: www.211-broward.org/specialneeds.htm Children’s Medical Services (CMS) CMS is a collection of programs for children with special needs. Each one of their programs and services are family-centered and designed to help children with a variety of conditions and needs. Website: www.cms-kids.com Fund For H.O.P.E Fund for H.O.P.E is a not profit public charity that disperses funds to qualifying low income families with children with autism in order to receive need medical services such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, bio-resonance and behavioral therapy and music therapy among others. Phone: (954)695-3996 Website: www.fundforhope.com Art Possibilities It is an exciting new art program. Their goal is to prepare teenagers and adults on the autism spectrum to fulfill a career in art after they graduate from high school. The program is much like getting an education in fine arts from an art academy in a nurturing atmosphere. As a non-profit organization, Art Possibilities helps address the need for adults and teenagers (children 10 years and up) with autism to develop life skills, social skills and on-premise job training, which will be catered to the individual level of the adult’s skills. Phone: (954)682-3264 Laboratories First Quality Laboratory First Quality Laboratory is a brand new, state-of-the-art, clinical laboratory facility providing a wide array of services to the South Florida area. Our aim is to provide the entire Eastern region of the United States with the best possible clinical laboratory services.
Located in the heart of Miramar, First Quality Laboratory is just minutes away from both the Miami-Dade and Fort Lauderdale metropolitan areas. Phone: (954)430-4424 Website: www.firstqualitylaboratory.com Nutrition BellyHugs The Creation of Dawn Michelle's BellyHugs Foods..... Not wanting her patients to feel deprived of the foods that they enjoy, Dawn Michelle became determined to provide them with nutritious versions of their favorite bakery products. Her culinary mission led her to a revolutionary way of producing bakery products without the use of grains. From this grew a delicious line of foods we call BellyHugs. Phone: (305) 761-3738 Website: www.bellyhugs.com
The Allergy Free Shop The Allergy-Free Shop offers a wide variety of allergy-friendly and gluten-free food products dedicated to meeting the needs of the allergic individuals and those with other dietary restrictions, as well as products for environmental allergies and MUCH more 8803 SW 132 St Miami, Fl 33176 Phone: (305)254-2828 Website: www.allergyfreeshop.com The Smart Snack People, LLC Phone: (786)252-2100 Therapies and other services Broward Children’s Center Broward Children's Center, for infants, children and young adults with special needs, provides group homes, home care, preschools, therapy, respite care for families and a range of social services. 200SE 19 Avenue Pompano Beach, Fl 33060 Phone: (954)783-8347 Website: www.bcckids.org Language Link Therapy 9508 Griffin Rd Cooper City, Fl 33328 Phone: (954)689-0730
6 - Autism Insider Newsletter, June 2010 Issue
ASL Pediatric Therapy Services 2771 Executive Park Drive Weston, fl 33331 Phone: (954)389-8090 Website: www.aslpediatrictherapyservices.com Foundations Therapy, Inc 594 Riverside Drive Ft Lauderdale, Fl 33071 Phone (954)344-6550 Website: www.foundationstherapy.com
BodyMed Wellness Center Deborah Mellen ARNP (Mrs Mellen) 9112 Griffin Rd, Suite A Cooper City, Fl 33328 Phone: (954)584-3198 Website: www.bodymedonline.com Pharmacies
Therapeeds, Inc 5700 Griffin Rd, Suite 120 Davie, Fl 33314 Phone: (954)583-4484 Website: www.therapeeds.com
Post Haste Pharmacy 4401 Sheridan St Hollywood, Fl 33021 Phone: (954)989-6524 Website: www.posthastepharmacy.com (See Ad on page 2)
All 4 Kidz 9126 Griffin Rd Cooper City, Fl 33328 Phone: (954)434-5784 Website: www.all4kidz.info Dr Sheri Feldman & Associates 2118 Tyler Street Hollywood, Fl 33020 Phone: (954)921-9844 Website: www.pediatrictherapyproviders.com Children’s Center for Development and Behavior 440 Sawgrass Corporate Parkway Suite 106 Sunrise, Fl 33325 Phone: (954)5745-1112 Website: www.childpsych.org Psychologists Child Provider Specialists Child Provider Specialists exists to meet the needs of children. Our strength lies in helping children with developmental delays and/or social and emotional challenges. From simple Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder and learning disabilities to more severe challenges, such as Autism, Mental Retardation, Selective Mutism, and language delays, our multi-disciplinary team provides much needed assessment, treatment, and education to children, families, parents, and professionals. 2771 Executive Park Drive, Ste 5 Weston, FL. 33331 Phone: 954-577-3396 Website: www.childproviderspecialists.org
Sponsored by:
Biomedical Practitioners
Universal Arts Compounding Pharmacy 6500 W 4th Ave Suite 4 Hialeah, Fl 33012 Phone: (305)556-2673 Website: www.uaprx.com (See ad on page ) Hyperbaric Chambers Providers Oxyhealth, LLC Phone: (562)906-8888 Website: www.oxyhealth.com Communication Devices ProxTalker.com, LLC Phone: (203)721-6074 Website: www.proxtalker.com DAN! Doctor Child Development Center of America 2863 Executive Park Drive Suite 103 Weston, Fl 33331 Phone: (954)5873-8413 Website: www.childdev.org
Continues in the next page... Special Thanks to:
7 - Autism Insider Newsletter, June 2010 Issue
List of providers continues... Schools NSU’s Mailman Segal Institute 3301 College Avenue Ft Lauderdale, Fl 33324 Phone: (954)262-6900 Website: www.nova.edu/msi Safety Devices LoJack Safetynet 600 N. Pine Island Rd Plantation, Fl 33024 Phone: (954)5609-9928 Website: www.lojacksafetynet.com
Bounce, jump and slide in our private arenas filled with gigantically fun inflatable's. Meet with support groups to share experiences and resources in our party rooms. Provide education and therapy in a safe, inflatable environment. Pump It Up is an ideal location for support groups, play therapy and social events for individuals with special needs, their family and friends, and the professionals who work with them.
Hospitals Miami Children’s Hospital Dan Marino Center 2900 S Commerce Parkway Weston, Fl 33331 Phone: (954)5385-6258 www.mchdanmarinocenter.com Financial Advisors
SPECIAL NEEDSSENSORY JUMP EVENTS Pump It Up of Ft. Lauderdale offers an Open Jump exclusively for families with autistic and special needs children. Cost $8.00/ child and $6.00/ siblings. Parents are free! Regular monthly meeting can also be scheduled for any group. Your group will have exclusive use of a private Pump It Up facility for up to 2-hours. Children will play in the supervised, inflatable arenas for 90 minutes, and then families will eat and engage in fun, interactive activities together for the last 30 minutes of the event. RESERVE YOURSPOT TODAYFORANY OF THE SENSORYOPEN PLAYSFORTHEMONTHOFJUNE: June 15th - 11:30 am - 1 pm June 22nd - 11:30 am - 1 pm June 17th - 4 pm - 5:30 pm June 24th - 4:30 pm - 1 pm Socks and Signed waiver are always required to play at Pump It Up. 954-915-8484 Pump It Up of Ft. Lauderdale 6555 Nova Drive, STE308 Davie, Fl 33317
Gabriel Dardik Prudential 645 Heritage Drive Weston, Fl 33326 Phone: (954)384-4115
2nd Annual Autism Resource Fair
Other Services WaveShield The WaveShield is a protective System about the size of a penny that adheres to the ear piece of any cellular phone. It is tested and proven to block up to 97% of electromagnetic radiation from your inner ear. Phone: 786-306-4967 Brain Healing Center They are a group of practitioners that have multiple skills and distinct knowledge in the area of healing brain disorders. They are devoted to healing through the integration of traditional and complementary treatments. At the Brain Healing Center, the practitioners believe that the holistic integrated treatment approaches are more effective, and are gentler on the patient's body and spirit. 2855 N. University Drive Suite 210 Coral Springs, Fl 33065 Phone: (954)344-9772 MatPillow O.T Shoulder, back & neck weighted organic pillows. Phone: (954)609-2165
June 6th of 2010 at the Sheraton Hotel in Dania, Fl
Free Admission with Online Registration!!!! Tickets $20 at the door without registration
Go to our website to register or to find out about the lectures and speakers featured in the event!!!
www.autismresourcefair.org 8 - Autism Insider Newsletter, June 2010 Issue
BioMedical Q&A By Debbie Mellen, Biomedical Practitioner Debbie Mellen is a nurse practitioner who blends traditional medicine with biomedical interventions to help children and adults with special needs and many other conditions!!!
Summer time is here!!! During summer families tend to do allot of outdoor activities, in South Florida must of this activities often include being in the water; at the beach, in the pool or at the many parks that are water themed. To protect and moisturize our bodies from the exposure to sun, water and wind we put on sunscreen, creams and lotions. But, did you know that when you rub something into your skin you are feeding your body? Yes, we absorb lotions into our skin and then into our bodies. Chemicals can be captured by the skin and then eased down into the tiny blood vessels called capillaries. From there the absorbed substances go through the entire body. You want to stay healthy, so you would never intentionally put something into your body or your child’s body that you knew would cause harm. Products that are easily available to us, have a recognizable brand name and are expensive (we hope) would be healthy for us. Certainly (we trust) they would not put toxins and bad things into our skin products that may make us sick. There are some products that may make some people sick. I have put together some common chemicals that I think everyone should be knowledgeable about. If you see these chemical ingredients in your creams, lotions, or cosmetics I highly recommend that you do not use them. Find another product that is healthier for you to use. Watch for petroleum products because they coat the skin like plastic. It can be effective if used as a barrier short term. When used routinely after a while we see clogging of pores and creating a buildup of toxins, which in turn accumulate and can cause skin problems that send us to the dermatologist. When you use petroleum products it slows cellular development, which has been linked to skin changes. Some petroleum products can disrupt hormone activity. Skin care products often contain parabens and some studies have linked them to cancer. They do have some endocrine disruptive issues as parabens can interfere with the estrogen balance in the body. Look for phenol carbolic acid. Some people are sensitive to phenols and it can cause an allergic type reaction that can be severe. The chemical propylene glycol may inhibit skin cell growth or cause skin irritation. Sometimes propylene glycol has been linked to kidney and liver abnormalities.
Search the ingredients for a chemical called acrylamide. It is found primarily in face creams. It has been linked to breast tumors in lab research. Many personal care products contain sodium laurel or lauryl sulfate (SLS). This chemical will break down the skin’s moisture barrier, penetrates the skin, and allows other chemicals to easily penetrate the skin when normally they would not. This puts the person at risk for absorbing toxins through the skin. When combined with certain other chemicals it can cause cancer. It can cause hair loss. Sometimes the label on the product will read, “coconut-derived” sounds natural and healthy but SLS is not a good idea because it opens the door for anything to enter the bloodstream and cause trouble. The next chemical is very bad for you. It is a poison and is harmful or fatal if swallowed. It is harmful if inhaled or absorbed through the skin. The chemical is Toluene. It is made from petroleum or coal tar, and is found in most synthetic fragrances. Chronic exposure causes anemia, lowered blood cell count, liver or kidney damage, and may affect a developing fetus. Look for BHT or Butylated hydroxytoluene. It may also be called benzoic and benzyl. A common additive in personal care products is a compound known as Dioxane, PEG or Polysorbates, Laureth, ethoxylated alcohols. The compounds are usually contaminated with high concentrations of highly volatile 1,4 –dioxane, easily absorbed through the skin and nasal passages. Dioxane can be removed by the manufactures by a process called vacuum stripping. Dioxane is a synthetic derivative of coconut. Watch for hidden language on the label; look for “comes from coconut”. Is it natural coconut or a synthetic chemical made from the coconut? The best products we can use are skin care products made from plant names you recognize, pronounce and could even eat (if you had to). I looked at my personal products and picked up my bottle of a nice vanilla scented skin lotion (a brand name that you would recognize because it is at every mall) and found the following chemicals: petroleum, propylene glycol and benzyl. I had to look at the fine print because other products made me think at first that this product was great for me because I read Vanilla Planifolia Fruit, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract and Grape Seed Extract. I saw plant names and used the product…until I read the rest of the label. So I encourage you to do the same. The products that we use, we absorb, and they get into our systems and we must metabolize them or detoxify them out. When we have trouble metabolizing them or getting them out of the body, we see ill health. Stay healthy this summer and read your labels!
Do any readers have any questions? Email at: autisminsidernewsletter@gmail.com Subject: Ask Mrs. Mellen.
9 - Autism Insider Newsletter, June 2010 Issue 8
Three Rules for Talking to Young Children with Autism By Tahirih Bushey MA-CCC Speech Language Pathologist
1. Shorten Your Sentences. 2. Ask Fewer Questions. 3. Show Your Child What You Mean.
Why are the 3 Rules Important? Imagine yourself learning a foreign language. You are suddenly set down in a new country with no translator. What 3 things would help you learn the language most quickly? You can see the need for these rules, can't you? It would help if the locals would use short sentences, not ask you a bunch of questions that you were unable to answer, and if they would show you what they meant. Let's Take a Closer Look at Each Rule...
Use Shorter Sentences: You can communicate the same idea with fewer words. 1) "Anna, honey, I have too much in my hands so could you do mommy a favor and bring that pile of socks upstairs?" 2) "Anna (placing a pile of socks in her arms), help Mommy, come upstairs (lead the way)." Rule of Thumb: Use sentences 1 to 3 words longer than the sentences that your child uses. Note: This rule does not include Scripted Language, which is little phrases that you say all the time the exact same way and your child understands.
way to get conversation started if a child does not have good language skills because the child can’t answer and feels bad. If you are going to ask questions, ask real questions: In normal, daily conversation, only ask your child a question if your child knows the answer and you don't know the answer. "Do you want juice or milk?" is a real question. "What color is this?" is a mini test because you already know what color it is. Avoid the mini test questions. Many games on this website were created to help children learn new vocabulary. Study these games and you will see much better ways to teach your child new words.
Show Your Child What You Mean Children who have difficulty comprehending language often watch what others are doing very carefully--at least when they are interested. If you are going to show your child something, you can say "Watch!" You should be saying "Just Watch! I will show you" so often that your child tunes right in when you say this and watches what you do next. Teach your child to watch when told to watch by doing very interesting things after you say it. You can also casually demonstrate the meaning of words as you talk about what you are doing. E.g. "Here is juice. Mommy will pour juice. Just a little bit. Not too much. Oh! You want more. You can say "More juice". Mommy will pour just a little juice. More? You are thirsty! Mommy will pour a LOT!" This strategy is called Parallel Talk. It is where you talk about what you are doing as you do things. Remember the Rule of Thumb though and don't use sentences that are too long. It is ok, by-the-way to talk in 3rd person this way, calling yourself Mommy or Daddy rather than using the pronoun “I” because many children with autism get very confused about who “I” and “you” are. It is much clearer who you are talking about when you use this form of speaking when speaking to young children with autism.
Ask Fewer Questions Almost every parent or caregiver that I meet asks too many questions. Most people ask questions as a way of teaching new vocabulary. "What color is this?" "What does the cow say?" "How many animals are there?" Asking questions and then answering the question yourself is a normal way of interacting with a baby. Parents all over the world do this But, as a child grows older, and starts to understand more language but cannot yet talk very much, it feels to the child as though he or she is being tested and failing in the area of conversation. Asking questions is a way of testing a child's vocabulary but it is not a good way of teaching new vocabulary. Using new vocabulary in interesting and meaningful ways is a good way to teach new vocabulary. Asking questions that a child cannot answer is not a good way to teach vocabulary. Adults may ask children questions as a way to get a conversation started. "How old are you?" "Where do you go to school?" "Where did you get that pretty dress?" Asking questions is a great strategy for getting conversation started with children who have good language skills but it is not a good
10 - Autism Insider Newsletter, June 2010 Issue
Recipe of the Month GFCF Pizza Taken from Wheat-Free Recipes and Menus by Carol Fenster, PHD.
For the Pizza Crust... This crispy pizza crust tastes so delicious that many people do not believe is GFCF!!! Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ
1 tablespoon of GF dry yeast. 1 teaspoon GFCF Italian seasoning 2/3 cup brown rice flour 2/3 cup warm water (105 degrees) ½ cup tapioca flour ½ teaspoon vinegar 1 teaspoon olive oil 1 teaspoon cider vinegar 2 teaspoons xanthan gum cooking spray ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin powder
1) Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In medium mixer bowl using regular beaters (not dough hooks), blend the yeast, flours, xanthan gum, salt, gelatin powder, and Italian seasoning on low speed. Add warm water, 1/2 tsp sugar, olive oil, and vinegar. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes. (If the mixer bounces around the bowl, the dough is too stiff. Add water if necessary, one tablespoon at a time, until dough does not resist beaters.) The dough will be soft.
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2) Put mixture into 12-inch pizza pan or on baking sheet (for thin, crispy crust), 11x7-inch pan (for deep dish version) that has been coated with cooking spray. Liberally sprinkle rice flour onto dough, then press dough into pan, continuing to sprinkle dough with flour to prevent sticking to your hands. Make edges thicker to contain the toppings. Bake the pizza crust for 10 minutes. 3) Remove from oven. Spread pizza crust with sauce and your favorite toppings (GFCF mozzarella cheese, olives, nitrates free lunch meats like turkey, bacon, pepperoni, or ham) 4) Bake for another 20-25 minutes or until top is nicely browned. For the sauce... Ÿ 1 6-Ounce Can Tomato Paste Ÿ 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil Ÿ ½ Cup Water Ÿ 3 Tablespoons Garlic Powder Ÿ 2 Tablespoons Dried Oregano Ÿ 1 Tablespoon Sugar Ÿ 1 Teaspoon Salt Ÿ ¼ Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper Ÿ ½ Teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar 1) In medium sized bowl, add tomato paste, olive oil and water; stir. 2) Add remaining ingredients and stir. 3) Ideally, you should allow the sauce to sit at room temperature for thirty minutes for flavors to develop from the herbs.
11 - Autism Insider Newsletter, June 2010 Issue
12 - Autism Insider Newsletter, June 2010 Issue