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How To ABA

7 Resolutions You’ll Want To Stick To

We’re not really into cliché New Year’s resolutions. Been there, done that, fallen off the wagon countless times. We do, however, dig resolutions that help kids to learn and grow at home. They’re absolutely worthwhile. For example, let’s say you commit to helping Sally speak. With a bit daily work – you have to be consistent for good results — she could be saying “I love you” or “I want some crackers” instead of screaming for 15 minutes. Her words will be music to your ears and you’ll want to continue with your New Year’s vow. Awesome! So, sign up for a resolution that’ll help your kiddo bloom in 2017. Here are several suggestions.Read More »7 Resolutions You’ll Want To Stick To

Play is a Child’s Work

play Playing dress up, tea party, soccer and Hide-and-Seek is as easy as breathing for neurotypical kids. They innately know what to do and nothing makes them happier than games with their friends. That’s not the case for children with autism. For them, playing, especially with pals, isn’t second nature; it’s actually kind of foreign. What’s a parent to do? Teach your child with autism to play! It’s a fun job and an important one, because play has a lot of developmental benefits. For example, it builds social skills, joint attention, communication, imitation, problem-solving and turn-taking. To get your honey sweet on the idea of interacting playfully with you – and, later on, other kids – follow the steps below.Read More »Play is a Child’s Work

Simon’s Story: How ABA Has Helped Him Communicate

ABA+communication375Simon is really excited about Halloween. For weeks, he’s been pretending to be scary monsters and spooky ghosts, giggling as he tries to scare his ABA therapy team. BOO! ROAR! He asks everyone what they’re going to be for Halloween and shares that he’s dressing up as Super Mario. Such sweet words to hear! Just four years ago, Simon was nearly non-verbal and had a lot of tantrums; and now, after a few years of ABA, he’s an enthusiastic talker with a great sense of humour. Here are the highlights of his story.Read More »Simon’s Story: How ABA Has Helped Him Communicate

Teach Your Child Joint Attention

jointattention350Let’s say you’re hanging out with your neighbour, Paul. In your time together, you’ll point out interesting things in the backyard, look at him when he’s commenting on your blooming petunias and make eye contact throughout your game of cards. Joint attention, which is essentially the ability to get, hold and shift attention when you’re interacting with another person, comes naturally to you. The opposite, however, is true for most kids with autism. As joint attention is an important part of social, language and cognitive development, it’s a good idea to foster your sweetie’s skills. Here’s how to start.Read More »Teach Your Child Joint Attention

7 Ways To Help Your Asperger’s Child Understand Emotions

emotions350Inside Out, Disney’s new animated flick, is quickly winning over kids and adults. We love it, too. What appeals to us is that the movie brings emotions to life in a way that makes them easier for kids with Asperger’s and high-functioning Autism (ASD) to understand. So watch it once, twice or thrice with your kiddo, then talk about anger, joy, disgust, fear and sadness (the starring emotions). Don’t stop there: Continue the conversation on a daily basis to develop your sweetie’s ability to recognize and regulate her feelings, comprehend other people’s point of view and socialize more easily. Not sure how? These resources will help you help your child understand emotions:Read More »7 Ways To Help Your Asperger’s Child Understand Emotions

Tips To Get Your Child To Talk

beginner talkerIs your typically developing toddler (18-24months old) or minimally verbal child with ASD tight-lipped when it comes to speaking? Fret not! There are reliable ways to get your child to talk. We recommend communication temptations for the beginner talker, which involve setting up enticing scenarios that encourage words out of your sweetie. The key, moms and dads, is to not anticipate what Amy desires – you must wait for her to ask for Dora before handing over the doll. When Amy realizes that she can get access to her favourite things with verbal requests, she’ll be motivated to continue chatting. Here’s how to put communication temptations into action to get your child to talk.Read More »Tips To Get Your Child To Talk