How many times do you wish your child with autism came with an instruction manual? Paula Tarver and Jeanne Martin, occupational therapists did just that with their book, Advance My Baby: The Ultimate Secrets of Healthy Development for Your Baby – Birth to 3 Years. Both working with the Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services were both frustrated by the lack of time they were given to help children progress and by the lack of training parents had in helping their children. They explain that while the manual is targeted to parents of kids with special needs, there is good information for any parent. They believe that detection and early intervention are key for children's success. The book begins with and focuses on sensory issues; Tarver explains, “That’s the way the central nervous system processes information. We hope that will become a term every parent knows. Children with undeveloped sensory integration can have speech and language delays.”
Read original article: Valrico Therapist Publishes Manual to Help Children Reach Developmental Milestones
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Picture-Based Communications on the iPhone/iPod
Jul 21, 2009 by AnonymousHi there,
My name is Dan, and my wife Carey and I are parents to a four-year-old boy (with autism) and a two-year-old girl (neurotypical). Both of our kids are adorable and keep us laughing!
Our son is verbal, though his expressive language is weak and he struggles with sensory processing, particularly in new environments. We were turned on to picture-based communication aids by the Connecticut Birth to Three system -- laminated strips of pictures, notebooks, magnet boards, etc.
These tools worked. They helped Evan a good deal. Unfortunately, though, they weren't the most "workable" solution. Carrying around notebooks and boards is inconvenient. We'd lose the symbols, or not have the right one on hand when needed.
So, we invented an application for the iPhone and iPod Touch that lets caregivers customize and present visual schedules, social stories, timers and choices -- all right there in the palm of your hand. It's called iPrompts -- check it out at http://www.iprompts.com. We've gotten some incredible feedback about it. Hope it helps!
- Dan
Early Intervention
May 14, 2007 by AnonymousEarly intervention is the assessment and treatment of a child as early as possible. Programs are available for children from birth to three years of age, including children with autism.