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Language

advice for parents and carers of a child with autism ast autism spectrum teacher

Why your choice of language is so important for an autistic child

Communication and Autism Every autistic child will have varying abilities with language and communication. If you know more than one autistic child, you will know that their communication and language abilities will be very different! It is important to understand the difference between expressive and receptive communication skills, because all Read more…

By Steph Reed, ago
like and don't like lolly sticks

Teaching the concept of ‘like’ and ‘don’t like’ to autistic children

The concept of ‘like’ and ‘don’t like’ Like any abstract theme, the concept of ‘like’ and ‘don’t like’ can sometimes be challenging for children with autism to understand. Therefore, it is important to ensure a child really understands what it means to ‘like’ something. A successful strategy is to model Read more…

By Steph Reed, ago
the garden school ComFor training

Understanding level of sense making – The ComFor assessment tool for autistic children

From left to right: Myself – Steph Reed, Jarymke Malijaars (Ku Leuven), Pat Quigley (The Garden Head of School) and Beth Junor (Specialist ASD Speech and Language Therapist). I was very grateful to attend the ComFor training held at The Garden School in January. The ComFor assessment is a tool used Read more…

By Steph Reed, ago
Intensive Interaction ASD Teacher

Intensive Interaction – Teaching early communication skills

Intensive Interaction I highly recommend the Intensive Interaction approach to learning early communication skills. I have had many positive and rewarding interactions with my pupils through using the Intensive Interaction principles. “Intensive Interaction is an approach to teaching the pre-speech fundamentals of communication to children and adults who have severe Read more…

By Steph Reed, ago
communication photo choice board asd teacher

Setting up a choice board to aid communication and implement structure

The School Setting: A school setting for a child with autism should be highly structured and have familiar routines that the child can anticipate. Communication should be encouraged through speech as well as sign, symbols, photos and objects, depending on the ability of the child. A classroom set up specifically Read more…

By Steph Reed, ago
Attention Autism stage 1 attention bucket video

Attention bucket for autistic children (Attention Autism)

Attention Autism After using the idea of an ‘attention bucket’, I looked further into the Attention Autism approach. The Attention Autism approach focuses on developing attention and listening skills and giving the children “an irresistible invitation to learn”. ‘Attention Bucket’ An ‘attention bucket’ is a bucket full of motivating and exciting toys and Read more…

By Steph Reed, ago