April Newsletter

seitsimmons123
Apr 20
2 min read

Understanding Autism in Children

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a child interacts with others, communicates, and experiences the world. It's called a “spectrum” because it presents differently in every individual—each child with autism has a unique set of strengths and challenges.

🧠 What Autism Can Look Like in Children:

-Difficulty with social interaction or communication

-Repetitive behaviors or intense interests

-Sensory sensitivities (e.g., to sounds, textures, or lights)

-Challenges with changes in routine

-But alongside those challenges often come amazing abilities—exceptional memory, deep focus on interests, unique problem-solving skills, and a refreshingly honest way of viewing the world.

🌈 Early Support Matters

Early diagnosis and support can make a big difference. Speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavior support, and inclusive education can help children thrive both academically and socially.

Stats

-1 in 31: children aged 8 years have been diagnosed with ASD.

-1 in 45: adults have ASD.

-Boys are 4 times more likely to be diagnosed with ASD than girls.

-The prevalence of ASD is higher among Hispanic, Black, and Asian or Pacific Islander children.

Helpful Speech Tips 4 to 6 Year Olds

-When your child starts a conversation, give your full attention whenever possible.

-Make sure that you have your child’s attention before you speak.

-Acknowledge, encourage, and praise all attempts to speak. Show that you understand the word or phrase by fulfilling the request, if appropriate.

-Pause after speaking. This gives your child a chance to continue the conversation.

-Continue to build vocabulary. Introduce a new word and offer its definition, or use it in a context that is easily understood. This may be done in an exaggerated, humorous manner. “I think I will drive the vehicle to the store. I am too tired to walk.”

-Talk about spatial relationships (first, middle, and last; right and left) and opposites (up and down; on and off). Offer a description or clues, and have your child identify what you are describing: “We use it to sweep the floor” (a broom). “It is cold, sweet, and good for dessert. I like strawberry” (ice cream).

-Work on forming and explaining categories. Identify the thing that does not belong in a group of similar objects: “A shoe does not belong with an apple and an orange because you can’t eat it; it is not round; it is not a fruit.”

-Help your child follow two- and three-step directions: “Go to your room, and bring me your book.” Encourage your child to give directions. Follow his or her directions as he or she explains how to build a tower of blocks.

-Play games with your child such as “house.” Exchange roles in the family, with your pretending to be the child. Talk about the different rooms and furnishings in the house.

The television also can serve as a valuable tool. Talk about what the child is watching. Have him or her guess what might happen next. Talk about the characters. Are they happy or sad? Ask your child to tell you what has happened in the story. Act out a scene together, and make up a different ending.

Fun Video to Watch: Where do Rainbows come from?

Weather Related Books for Kids