Autism
When I see a preschool child who needs to improve their interaction and play skills I turn to Hanen More Than Words. Along with individual therapy sessions, parents are an essential part of intervention. Parents learn how to build their child’s social communication skills during everyday routines and activities. They also learn how to understand their child better while having more fun together.
Some children with autism are gestalt language processors (GLPs). GLPs learn language in chunks rather than word by word. Some gestalt learners become stuck in using memorized language and are unable to form unique word combinations, or understand the meanings of single words. Natural Language Acquisition is a method to help these children acquire language in a developmentally appropriate, naturalistic way. In order to work effectively with children who are gestalt language processors, I am trained in Natural Language Acquisition.
Some children with autism spectrum are able to hold conversations but still need to work on social emotional communication skills. Social Thinking has curriculum specifically designed for these children, from preschool through young adult ages. It is a fantastic teaching method because it breaks down complex social executive functioning concepts (like perspective taking) into understandable and doable parts that can be applied in any setting. I use Social Thinking tools in both individual and group settings.
