Do any of these phrases sound familiar? You may hear friends and family, or even pediatricians, give these responses when you bring up certain concerns regarding your child’s development.

But when you’re a parent with a gut feeling that your child’s development doesn’t look like what you’d expect, or that you’ve noticed certain delays, patterns, or behaviors that seem “off”, the last thing you want to do is just wait.

It’s true that certain behaviors might resolve. And sometimes children with speech delays do catch up.

However, research on Autism continues to prove that earlier assessments, which leads to earlier initiation of treatment, results in the best outcomes.

Think of it this way. There is no harm in having your child assessed by a professional if you have concerns about his or her development.

So, where do you start? Let’s talk about the when, why, and how to have your child assessed for Autism Spectrum Disorder, along with the answers to a few other questions you might be thinking.

When Should You Seek an Autism Assessment?

How early can Autism be detected? Many parents might wonder if their child is too young to be assessed for ASD.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Autism Spectrum Disorder can sometimes be diagnosed when a child is 18 months-old or younger. The CDC states that, “by age 2, a diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered reliable”.

ASD Screenings By Your Child’s Pediatrician

Pediatricians following the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) will screen a child specifically for Autism during the child’s wellness checkups at 18 months and 24 months.

Parents can also request that this screening be completed if they have concerns. This Autism screening tool may also be used at other times by the pediatrician if your child is at a higher risk for Autism due to factors like having a family member with ASD or is demonstrating symptoms that are characteristic of ASD.

This screening may consist of your doctor or a nurse asking you questions about your child’s development in various areas, such as communication, social interaction, behavior, and play. You may also be asked to complete a questionnaire to answer questions about your child’s skills in these areas and others.

Here are some questions from the M-CHAT-R, a commonly used Autism screening tool:

• If something new happens, does your child look at your face to see how you feel about it?
• Does your child show you things by bringing them to you?
• When you smile at your child, does he or she smile back at you?
• Does your child make unusual finger movements near his or her eyes?
• Is your child interested in other children?
• Does your child point with one finger to ask for something or to get help?

It’s important to remember that this is only a screening tool. This will not provide an Autism diagnosis. However, it can help you and your pediatrician determine whether your child may benefit from a complete evaluation by a specialist.

When to Schedule a Full Assessment

Another option for scheduling an Evaluation is to schedule the Evaluation directly with a specialist. This would be a diagnostic evaluation that would test your child to determine if he or she demonstrates signs that are in line with the criteria for Autism.

Meaning, if you have concerns that your child is displaying possible signs and symptoms of Autism, you do not have to wait for a screening done by your child’s Pediatrician first in order to have your child tested.

Keep in mind that early detection of Autism is key for being able to start the recommended therapies early to support his or her progress.

Another key point to know is that specialists who test a child for Autism Spectrum Disorder may be in high demand. When you contact a professional in your area to schedule, it could be several months before your child is able to come in for that appointment.

So again, it’s important not to wait too long if you are concerned with your child’s development and possible signs of Autism.

Why Should You Seek an Evaluation?

Knowing the characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder and being familiar with typical developmental milestones can help parents determine when to directly seek an evaluation for the disorder.

Parents should also be familiar with typical developmental milestones across ages. Those include the areas of communication and social interaction, as well as play and cognitive skills.

Developmental Milestones

Knowing how your child’s communication, social, and play skills compare to other children can help you decide whether is cause for concern.

Other than speaking to your child’s Pediatrician, you can find this information through reputable sources.

One credible, evidence-based source is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC offers a free Milestone Tracker App, and also has digital milestones guides for various ages on their website.

According to the CDC, at 18 months-old, here is what most babies do:

Social-Emotional Milestones

• Points to show you something
• May move away from you but look to make sure you are still close by
• Pushes arms through sleeves to help you dress him or her

Language/Communication Milestones

• Says “mama” or “dada” and at least 3 other words
• Can follow a 1-step direction without you pointing or gesturing.

Cognitive Milestones

• Imitates things you do around the house, such as cleaning
• Plays with simple toys the right way (“functional play”). For example, pushes a toy car back and forth.

Parents can also visit the CDC’s website to complete a milestone checklist for their child according to his or her age.

The results of the checklist can then be shared with a medical professional, such as your child’s Pediatrician.

Other resources for viewing developmental milestones that can help identify if your child is on track are the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ).

As children with Autism demonstrate communication disorders, parents can pay particular attention to their child’s communication skills. ASHA provides guides with Speech and Language Milestones that can help, such as this one:

Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder

If you notice characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder in your child, you should schedule an evaluation with a specialist who can test and possibly provide that diagnosis.

Here are some of the characteristics of Autism as listed by the CDC:

Social Communication and Interaction Skills

Social communication and interaction skills can be challenging for people with ASD.

Examples of social communication and social interaction characteristics related to ASD can include

• Avoids or does not keep eye contact
• Does not respond to name by 9 months of age
• Does not show facial expressions like happy, sad, angry, and surprised by 9 months of age
• Does not play simple interactive games like pat-a-cake by 12 months of age
• Uses few or no gestures by 12 months of age (for example, does not wave goodbye)
• Does not share interests with others by 15 months of age (for example, shows you an object that they like)
• Does not point to show you something interesting by 18 months of age
• Does not notice when others are hurt or upset by 24 months of age
• Does not notice other children and join them in play by 36 months of age
• Does not pretend to be something else, like a teacher or superhero, during play by 48 months of age
• Does not sing, dance, or act for you by 60 months of age

Restricted or Repetitive Behaviors or Interests

People with ASD have behaviors or interests that can seem unusual. These behaviors or interests set ASD apart from conditions defined by problems with social communication and interaction only.

Examples of restricted or repetitive behaviors and interests related to ASD can include

• Lines up toys or other objects and gets upset when order is changed Repeats words or phrases over and over (called echolalia)
• Plays with toys the same way every time
• Is focused on parts of objects (for example, wheels)
• Gets upset by minor changes
• Has obsessive interests
• Must follow certain routines
• Flaps hands, rocks body, or spins self in circles
• Has unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel

How Can You Have Your Child Assessed?

Now that you know when and why to have your child assessed for Autism, let’s talk about how (and who) to go to for that assessment.

The following health professionals can test and diagnose ASD:

• Developmental/Behavioral Pediatrician
• Child Psychologist
• Child Psychiatrist
• Neurologist

Your child may be referred for evaluations by other professionals as well, due to concerns in various areas of their development (such as a Speech-Language Pathologist or Occupational Therapist).These evaluations should be completed, and are important for receiving services.

However, keep in mind that only the above specialists can actually diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Look for these professionals in private practices in your area, or through your local children’s hospital.

Other Resources to Help

If you have concerns about signs of Autism in your child, downloading the Lil Requester app can help him or her improve their. communication skills and behavior.

The Lil Requester app can provide your child with an effective way to communicate with the world around them. You can customize an electronic communication board for your child to use across environments, and it can be helpful children with communication delays, both those who do and do not have Autism.

Continue to follow the Lil Requester blog for more helpful information and resources.

Amy Yocoub is a Clinical Competence Certified Speech Language Pathologist and an SLP Consultant at Lil Requester.

The post Autism Assessment: When, Why, and How to Have Your Child Assessed appeared first on Lil Requester.

Lil Requester is a mobile app founded by parents for parents and created to help kids and adults with socio-communication challenges express themselves and their needs effectively.

Lil Requester is also an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) App. AAC is a term used to describe a range of different communication methods, tools, systems and strategies, used to help individuals that may have trouble with speech or language.

Communication is key and important for everyone, especially children. It’s important that people can express what they need or want and that they are given the right and access to that opportunity.

For individuals with special needs, such as people with autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, childhood apraxia of speech and more, speech and language development might be a bit different. As they develop, there may be some social, behavioural and communication challenges.

When people are unable to express themselves or their needs, it robs them of the ability to make decisions or choices which may result in frustration, tantrums, isolation and more. It can also affect their quality of life.

Lil Requester provides individuals with special needs the means and ways to communicate what they want in an accessible, fun and easy method; and reinforces communication through the use of multiple visuals and audio cues.

Lil Requester offers opportunities to make requests through identifying and vocalising familiar people, places and activities, teaching them to value the power of language. Lil Requester also provides options to customise people, places, activities and more and tailor them to individual preferences.

The goal is to strengthen the users’ confidence, help them request independently and let them express themselves as comfortably as possible. This is also a powerful way to reinforce their comprehension.

Most children, for instance, spend a good amount of time in the requesting stage, and Lil Requester helps develop their ability to gradually request independently through demonstration, imitation and repetition.

Lil Requester is very user-friendly. A free version of the app is available for download at the App Store. The app can be downloaded on any iOS mobile or tablet device.

You can enjoy even more of the Lil Requester’s awesome features by upgrading your subscription to the paid version at any time.

Try out Lil Requester and join in on the fun!

Amenze Jesuorobo is Head of Product Behavioural Engagement Research and Development at Lil Requester. Amenze has a degree in Psychology from York University, Toronto, Canada and a Diploma in Behavioural Sciences from Seneca College, King City, Canada.

The post Special Needs Communication Made Fun Through Lil Requester, One Download at a Time appeared first on Lil Requester.

Communication can boost the bond between parents and children by encouraging their social-emotional connection through everyday interactions.

When children start to communicate their thoughts and feelings, that can also help reduce frustration and tantrums.

But for parents who have a child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, their child’s communication skills may not develop as they would have expected. And that can pose some unique and particularly difficult challenges for both parents and a child diagnosed with Autism.

What kind of speech and language difficulties do children with Autism typically display? And what can parents do to teach them how to communicate?

By incorporating certain evidence-based strategies recommended by Speech-Language Pathologists, parents can successfully improve their Autistic child’s communication skills.

Communication Challenges in ASD

Limited babbling, limited vocabulary of spoken words, regression in language. These are often some of the first signs of Autism a parent may see in their child during their first few years.

Impairments in communication is a hallmark sign of Autism Spectrum Disorder. According to the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA), children with Autism may display difficulties with some of the following speech and language skills:

• Understanding and using words
• Comprehending directions
• Understanding and using gestures to communicate (for example, waving, pointing, and clapping)
• Saying the number of words expected for their age
• Speaking clearly
• Engaging in conversations with others
• Using a natural tone of voice (some children with Autism may use a monotone or robotic-sounding voice)
• Reading and writing
• Coming up with new sentences or talking about things that are more abstract (some Autistic children are often restricted to repeating words or phrases heard previously, such as from television shows – known as echolalia)

Speech therapy is often recommended to improve these skills in children with Autism. The child may attend Speech Therapy once to several times per week. The Speech-Language Pathologist will use specific strategies to improve the child’s communication skills.

Parents and caregivers should be involved in their child’s Speech Therapy sessions so that they can learn those specific strategies and continue using them outside of therapy.

Unfortunately, some parents may not be able to attend their child’s Speech Therapy sessions. Or, their child is still waiting to receive services. Other parents might just want to be sure they’re doing all they can to support their child’s communication skills at home.

After all, parents know their children best. They have the best understanding of their child’s unique strengths and what motivates them.

According to the Hanen Centre, “Studies show that when parents interact with their child in specific ways that motivate, encourage and support their child’s communication, they can make a significant difference to their child’s communication development.”

Knowing some of the top, research-based strategies for encouraging communication skills in children with Autism can be helpful for those parents.

#1: Focus on Your Child’s Interests

Children tend to learn best when they are doing something that they are interested in.

To improve your child’s communication skills, start by taking note of what seems to excite or motivate your child. This might be something like a fascination with trains, or a particular interest in letters and numbers.

Observe your child during daily activities at home. When you see him or her doing something they seem to enjoy, that’s your cue to start an interaction which can lead to more communication.

#2: Imitate Your Child

One way children learn to talk is by understanding the concept of imitating others. Our kids imitate sounds and words they hear us using.

Help your child understand imitation by first imitating them.

If your child pushes a car back and forth, get on the ground and push a car next to them. Once your child takes notice, try adding a word or sound, like “wheee!”, “go!” or “beep!” every time you push the car. Your child may start to copy you.

#3: Encourage Play with People

Another tip for improving communication skills for a child with Autism?

Encourage your child to participate in some fun, back and forth interactions with you and others. This type of social interaction can help your child understand the concepts of turn-taking and communication – in an enjoyable way.

Here are a few ideas for activities that promote what’s known as joint engagement:

• Peak-a-Boo
• Hide and Seek
• Tickling, and then pausing
• Singing familiar nursery rhymes, like “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” and “If You’re Happy and You Know It”
• Ring-Around-the-Rosie
• Piggy back rides

Children on the Autism spectrum often have difficulties with paying attention to both an object and another person during an activity (for example, shifting their attention between a toy and a parent while playing).

These joint attention difficulties can result in less interaction and communication with others. Help your child form some of the building blocks towards speech and language by encouraging them to engage in some fun activities with other people!

#4: Notice Nonverbal Communication

Communication comes in many forms. Although it can be easy to focus on getting your child to speak more, remember the importance of nonverbal communication.

Gestures, eye contact, and pointing can “build a foundation for language,” according to the organization Autism Speaks.

Take note of what nonverbal communication your child is already using or may not yet be using. Demonstrate gestures often as you participate in daily routines, and stay consistent.

For example, reach your arms up as you say, “up” if your child comes close to you to communicate he or she wants to be picked up. Clap your hands after your child completes building a tower of blocks, or performs another act he or she is proud of.

Encourage your child to point by pointing to things you notice while taking a walk together, and point out pictures you see in books.

The goal is that your child will start to use gestures like pointing to things he or she wants, or to communicate other ideas to you.

#5: Use an AAC App

Did you know there are apps you can download from your tablet or phone that can immediately start helping your child communicate, and in turn, reduce tantrums and difficult behaviors?

AAC stands for Alternative Augmentative Communication. Some children with speech and language difficulties, like those who are on the Autism Spectrum, can benefit from AAC apps to communicate with others.

According to research, AAC can substantially improve communication for children with severe speech impairments.

Lil Requester is an AAC app that allows kids to make requests by expressing wants, needs, and feelings by touching a button on the screen to communicate (audio-visual cues).

By using the Lil Requester app, children with Autism can also learn to identify familiar people, places, and activities in a way that allows them to value the power of language.

The app can even reinforce a child’s comprehension skills. And because of its simplicity and ease of use, parents can customize a requesting page for their child to start using right away.

#6: Observe and Wait

While parents are usually encouraged to frequently talk to their child throughout the day, narrating events and modeling language, it’s also important to leave some space. Space for your child to communicate as well.

Try taking a step back, speaking less during certain moments, and observing your child. You can learn a lot about what he or she is interested in, how your child tries to communicate, and open the door to more turn taking activities.

By not asking your child questions frequently or asking him or her to “say” a certain word, you might be surprised at what you see your child do.

Observing and waiting after saying a familiar phrase or doing an activity repetitively can be a great way to elicit communication from your child. For example, say “ready, set, go!” each time before you push a toy car. Then, simply say, “ready, set….” and wait, looking expectantly at your child. When you see some sort of verbal or nonverbal communication (like eye contact, a sound, or the word “go”), then push the car!

#7: Reorganize Your Environment

Take a look around your home and your child’s environment. Consider a few ways you can reorganize this environment to encourage your child to communicate more with others.
Toys scattered around a playroom? This can sometimes result in your child having a reduced attention span, because he or she can easily bounce from playing with one toy to the next. The solution? Limit the number of toys that are accessible to your child at one time.

Limiting how many toys you have out at home can also encourage more functional, purposeful play. And you can always rotate those toys with others every few months!
Another tip for setting up your child’s environment to encourage more language and communication? Make items your child wants or needs less easily accessible. Putting snacks up higher, or having toys go in clear bins that your child needs help opening.

That way, you are increasing the number of opportunities your child has throughout the day to communicate with you. This might mean something like pointing, reaching, or grabbing your hand and leading you to what they want. Those are all signs of communication!

#8: Repeat through Routines

Many children learn well through familiar routines, and when the same words are repeated several times. Try staying consistent by incorporating some of these familiar routines into your child’s day.

For example, saying “bath time!” every night when you bring your child to the bath. Or, “let’s go outside!” before you open the door for your child to play in the backyard. Your child can come to expect these same words during certain times of day or specific activities. That can help him or her comprehend the meaning of those words and maybe even start to use them too!

When blowing bubbles, you can model the word “bubbles!” each time before you blow the bubbles. When your child hears this word, he or she will know that bubbles are about to come! Eventually, your child might request “bubbles” by saying the word or pressing a picture of bubbles on their AAC app.

#9: Give Choices

When we ask children yes or no questions (such as, “do you want milk?”, “do you want your dinosaur toy?”) we’re limiting their response to just the same two words each time “yes” or “no”. Or, your child might use a gesture like nodding their head.

Instead of asking yes or no questions, try giving your child choices. For example, “do you want water or milk?”, or, “do you want to play with cars or dinosaurs?”.

This can help boost your child’s receptive and expressive language skills. He or she can start to comprehend the meaning of several different words, because they’re seeing the visual representation of the object as they hear the word.

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Children might start by reaching towards the object they want, and may eventually try saying the word. Choices can also be a great way to improve behavior in some children, by giving them a say in what they want!

#10: Focus on Functional Words

If you could only say 10 words, what would they be?

Maybe helpful words like these:

• Help
• More
• All done
• Open
• Please
• Hi/Bye
• Go
• Stop

When interacting with your child, focus on words that are functional for your child to use in everyday life.

Academic concepts like numbers, colors, and letters are of course important for children to know…eventually. But words that carry a lot of meaning can help your child realize the power of communication!

Additional Resources

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder may face communication challenges from an early age. By following these strategies, you can effectively improve your child’s speech and language skills.

Downloading the Lil Requester AAC app can give a child with Autism an effective way to communicate with the world around them. You can customize an electronic communication board for your child to use across environments.

Continue following the Lil Requester app blog for additional helpful resources for parents and caregivers of children with Autism.

Amy Yocoub is a Clinical Competence Certified Speech Language Pathologist and an SLP Consultant at Lil Requester.

The post Speech Strategies: How to Teach a Child with Autism to Communicate appeared first on Lil Requester.

Needless to say, if your child has just received a diagnosis of Autism, you are certainly not alone. The prevalence of Autism has increased dramatically in the past 10 years.

You may have started your research before your child received a diagnosis of Autism. Or, maybe you were not anticipating your child is on the Autism spectrum. Either way, you’re likely to be asking yourself…”Now what?”

First, take a deep breath.

Next, know that you have the power to play an important role in your child’s progress and development. Studies have shown that the behaviors of a parent of a child with Autism can enhance development in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

As a parent of a child diagnosed with autism, you can actively implement and facilitate interventions that can help your child.

So, where do you start? And how can you ensure you are taking care of your own wellbeing as you embark on this lifelong journey?

Learn About an Autism Diagnosis

One of the first steps after your child receives a diagnosis of Autism is to do your research about what Autism is.

The CDC defines Autism Spectrum Disorder as “a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.”

There is a lot to learn about Autism. To start, here are a few basics:

• ASD begins before the age of 3 years.
• Symptoms can last throughout a lifetime, though they can improve with time and intervention.
• A “hallmark” characteristic of Autism is difficulties with communicating and interacting socially with others.
• Individuals with ASD often have “restricted repetitive behaviors or interests”. (This could include lining up toys, or conversation about a particular topic repetitively).
• Abilities of a child with Autism can range considerably.
• Some children with Autism will require more intervention and support long term than others with the diagnosis.
• Early diagnosis and early intervention are considered key in reducing symptoms and improving outcomes.
• A child can be diagnosed as early as 18 months, though many receive an ASD diagnosis later.

Look for Information from Reputable Sources

If your child is newly diagnosed, you’re likely embarking on a road of research and Googling, looking for more information and answers to the millions of questions you may have. It’s important that you and other family members look for information from the right sources.

To understand more about what an Autism diagnosis entails, you can start by contacting health professionals who are knowledgeable about the diagnosis.

This includes specialists including:

• Pediatrician
• Neurologist
• Developmental Pediatrician
• Psychologist

One of these professionals may have assessed your child and given him or her a diagnosis of Autism. Be sure to schedule follow up visits with the doctor to discuss more about what Autism is and the symptoms and severity that presents in your child.

Top online reputable resources for parents and family members wanting to learn more about the diagnosis include:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Autism Speaks Resource Guide

National Institutes of Health
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA)

Seek Support

It’s been said that parents are a child’s first and most important teacher.

As with any child, parents of a child diagnosed with ASD will play a significant role in supporting his or her functioning and skills throughout the lifetime.

In order to support your child, it’s important to make sure you yourself are supported and ready to take on challenges to advocate for your child.

Deficits shown in children with ASD, including impairments in the child’s social engagement with others and communication skills, can lead to stress, anger, and depression in parents. Therefore, when first starting this journey of having a child diagnosed with Autism, it’s important that families seek support groups that can help work through these emotions.

• AutismSpeaks.org A resource guide for local Autism support groups by state.
• Family Network of Disabilities Get live support and find out about local events and groups near you.
• Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) Based in Florida, this organization has support groups all over the country
• Autism Spectrum Coalition Find local help and support in your area.
• Facebook group. Join an online community of other parents who have a child with Autism to find support.

Things to Remember

Juggling appointments, keeping up with medical jargon, and everyday parenting can be overwhelming.

One parent of a child with Autism, in an article by AutismSpeaks.org, recommends telling yourself a few reminders:

“Don’t let the Autism diagnosis intimidate you.”

“There is a lot of camaraderie in the Autism community. Reach out.”

“Things are going to be okay.”

Contact your Local Early Intervention Agency

As a parent of a child newly diagnosed with Autism, if your child isn’t already enrolled in your local state early intervention program, you’ll want to get in touch with the program.

Early intervention (ideally before age 3) is key when addressing and improving impairments in children with Autism.

According to research, a child who receives intervention earlier has a better chance for learning and making progress. That’s partly due to the plasticity of the brain. At ages 2 and 3, the brain is still forming, so treatment can be more effective.

Through the Autism Speaks website, parents can look up Early Intervention offices by State.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also has a list of Early Intervention programs for each state.

One of the best first steps you can take if you have a child who just received an Autism diagnosis is getting in touch with the Early Intervention program in your state. These programs are for children from birth to 3 years-old.

Because the program is run by the government, services are free.

You will want to schedule an evaluation first. This evaluation will likely cover several areas of your child’s development. That includes social/emotional, communication, fine motor, sensory, and gross motor/physical development.

Depending on the results of the evaluation and what areas your child is delayed in, the program may then recommend certain weekly services and therapies for your child.

One of those services, provided by the agency, may be Early Intervention services provided by an Infant Toddler Development Specialist or and Early Intervention Specialist.

The Infant Toddler Development Specialist (ITDS) may work with your child weekly in your home, or can typically travel to your child’s daycare.

The specialist will help promote development and learning during the infant and toddler years. The ITDS also works with the child’s family members to understand the child’s specific needs and how to promote their development at home.

Start Speech Therapy

Sometimes children with Autism are already receiving Speech Therapy. Your child’s Speech Therapist may have even been one of the professionals who referred your child to be evaluated by a Developmental Pediatrician, Neurologist, or Psychologist.

If your child isn’t currently receiving weekly Speech Therapy services, it’s a good idea to schedule an evaluation with a Speech-Language Pathologist as soon as you can.

One of the defining characteristics of Autism is an impairment in social-communication skills. In fact, more than half of young Autistic children have language delays according to research by the International Society for Autism Research 2019.

Following an evaluation with a Speech-Language Pathologist, the therapist may make a recommendation for your child to attend therapy weekly (sometimes multiple times during the week).

You can schedule an evaluation through an outpatient clinic at a local children’s hospital or private practice. It could be helpful to mention that your child has an Autism diagnosis when scheduling, and request an appointment earlier rather than later. Some settings may have a wait list for therapy appointments.

How Can Speech Therapy Help my Child?

Speech Therapy can help children with Autism improve their nonverbal and verbal communication skills

Some children with Autism may not use words to communicate their wants, needs, and feelings to others around them during their daily life. This can be frustrating for both the child and the family. It can also result in difficult behaviors at times.

Those children may benefit from using Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) to communicate.

AAC can include using gestures, sign language, pictures, apps on a tablet, or an electronic speech generating device.
There are many benefits to using AAC for some kids with Autism. Those benefits may include:

• Improved receptive language skills
• Improved expressive language skills
• Stronger social skills
• Improved behaviors

If your child’s Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) thinks your child could benefit from AAC, the SLP will make a recommendation for a program.

Lil Requester is an AAC app that can be downloaded onto a tablet or phone. The app can empower kids with Autism with a means of communication by using audio and visual cues.

Weekly Speech Therapy can also help encourage a child with Autism to talk. The SLP will engage your child in educational, play-based activities to help him or her learn to use sounds and words to communicate with others in their environment.

Some children with Autism may not be able to understand or process language the way others do when they listen to speech. Treatment through Speech Therapy can address these difficulties.

It’s common for kids on the Autism Spectrum to have difficulty making friends and engaging in social situations in a home, school or social environment. Speech therapy can help children develop these social skills so they learn to make friends and talk appropriately in different environments. Some adult with Autism may benefit from continuing to improve their social skills.

See an Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapy (OT) is a service that can help a person with Autism develop their ability to participate in important activities of daily living (ADLs). Children with Autism may sense the world around them differently.

Autistic children could have sensory aversions (an aversion to certain sounds or feeling certain textures), or might crave sensory input as shown by constant activity.

Start by contacting a local Occupational Therapist for an evaluation. That will likely including looking at several areas related to your child’s development, including:

• Fine motor skills
• Sensory integration
• Self-regulation
• Self-care routines and Life skills
• Emotional development
• Behavior

Consider Behavioral Therapy

Some Autistic characteristics can result in behavioral challenges for children. If your child is showing aggressive behaviors, excessive tantrums, or defiance, this could be a sign that you should consider Behavioral Therapy.

ABA, Applied Behavior Analysis, can help adults who care for a child with Autism to understand some of the child’s behaviors. By understanding why the behaviors occur, and assessing the child’s environment, the ABA therapist can help.

ABA therapy will likely involve the therapist providing the child or adults with helpful strategies to improve desired/positive behaviors and reduce negative behaviors shown by the child.

Many times, kids with Autism show negative behaviors because of their difficulty communicating with others. If you have a child newly diagnosed with Autism, you may want to consider downloading a communication App onto a tablet. By selecting an icon that shows a picture and says a word (such as desired activity or food), your child can successfully communicate in an appropriate way.

Additional Resources to Get Started

Parenting is a journey.

Parenting a child with Autism may be an especially complicated journey, possibly filled with stress and challenges along the way.

Try and find relief by forming an action plan in getting your child started in all of the necessary services that are typically recommended for children with Autism.

One thing that could immediately help your child? Downloading the Lil Requester app can give a child with Autism an effective way to communicate with the world around them. You can customize an electronic communication board for your child to use across environments.

And don’t forget to breathe. You’ve got this.

Amy Yocoub is a Clinical Competence Certified Speech Language Pathologist and an SLP Consultant at Lil Requester.

The post My Child was Diagnosed with Autism…Now What? appeared first on Lil Requester.