Nonspeaking autism can feel extra scary for parents. They fear they'll struggle to create a deep bond with their child, or that they'll overlook crucial cues about their child's emotions. But the...
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Treating Language Delays or Disorders in Autistic Children
We believe that using RDI® as the foundation for the treatment of autistic language delays and disorders in your practice encourages growth and forward motion and in the child. In the RDIconnect podcast episode, “RDI and Non-Verbal Children,” a discussion between Kat Lee and Dr. Rachelle Sheely illustrates how our model approaches communication first, and how other treatments miss that important factor.
Should I Force Socialization on My Child Who Is Happy Being Alone?
Some children, and adults as well, gather strength in private alone time. Solitude can feel good to these individuals, so they seek it. But this can lead parents, especially those that feel a personal need to be socially active, into the throngs of concern, “My kids do not want to socialize. They are happy being alone. Should I force socialization?” We understand that a child’s desire for aloneness can present real concerns for parents, but rather than forcing socialization (which does not work), here are some key points to consider:
Understanding Nonspeaking Autism: Why This Does NOT Mean Unable to Communicate
When an autistic person does not speak, it is known as nonspeaking autism. Nonspeaking is not a diagnosis. It is the terminology used to describe individuals that communicate through modalities other than spoken words.
What is the Connection Between Apraxia, Echolalia and Autism?
Apraxia, echolalia, and autism are highly comorbid – if your child is diagnosed with one, they should be evaluated for the others, because they frequently occur together.
Communication with Autism
In this webinar from the RDIconnect online learning community, Kat Lee interviews RDI® Program Certified Consultant Blair Armstrong on communication in the home. They discuss the differences between imperative and declarative communication, why parent training is so important in the RDI® program, and what myths about autism and communication are being perpetuated in the autism community.
Laying the Foundation for Intrinsic Motivation through Declarative Language
Being asked questions is perceived as a demand by many children. In fact, questions or demands actually raise blood pressure in the child, putting them on the defensive! Use declarative language instead!
How to Improve Communication with Autism
Your role is to not “cure” the child of autism but to improve communication which bolsters the autistic child’s growth and development and therefore helps to set and strengthen a foundation that encourages independent living.
Improving Parent/Child Communication with Autism
As a parent, we experience much joy when our autistic child gains the ability to answer static questions, but what does it look like for our child to communicate in a much deeper sense, and how do we help them improve?
Mindful Communication
Recommendations for developing mindful, experience-sharing communicationChanging the approach to the way you interact with your child can make all the difference in his or her mental...
Speech Therapy Goals for Autism
In the RDI program, our focus is not on language when we talk about speech therapy, it is about RDI lifestyle and daily life opportunities, simple life activities that promote mutual communication.
Non-Verbal Communication Tips
By practicing consistent directive methods, you can master communication challenges, even if your child with ASD is non-verbal.
Tips for Creating Positive Peer Interactions
Help your child with autism build positive peer interactions!
Thinking About Eye Contact
Here are some questions to ask yourself about your child’s use of eye contact.
The Importance of Declarative Language
Mindfully using declarative language for better communication!
The Many Meanings of “NO”
What are they really trying to tell you when they say “no”?
Stuck With Monotonous Answers From Your Child? Try These 5 Steps
Declarative communication can be verbal or non verbal. It is the opposite of imperative communication, which demands answers to questions.
With declarative communication a response is neither expected nor required. It’s okay if your child doesn’t respond to your declarative statement. For example: if you stated “These oranges are sweet.”, we would not expect a reciprocal statement.
Listen Up!
Learning to listen to your special needs child.
23 Ways to Help You Communicate with Your Child
A veteran RDI mom gives some tips on communication.
Building Communication with a Non Verbal Child
Can you imagine wanting to say something and not being able to say it?
Co-regulation: The Bridge to Communication
Co regulation is the simplest form or the prototype of communication.
Our Journey Towards Real Communication
Shifting the focus of communication, gave this mother back her relationship with her son.
When “No!” Means “I’m Scared or Overwhelmed!”
Sometimes the word “no”, does not mean what you think.
Non-Verbal Communication
Non-verbal communication is part of the RDI story.
When No Means “I’m Confused”
What are they really thinking when they yell “NO”?
Instrumental Communication and Dynamic Abilities
So many objectives can be targeted during snow shoveling, both parent and child objectives.
Avoid Overcompensating for Communication Issues
Often parents do most of the “work” in keeping the social exchange going.
Declarative Language
Children with ASD do not need language models that lead to the development of instrumental…
Using RDI for Non-Speaking Children with Profound Movement Disorder
What I have seen these children overcome speaks volumes…
Experience Sharing Communication
Reciprocal communication impacts a person’s ability to think, remember and relate.
A Different Kind of Autism Journey: By LorRainne Jones
RDI is life altering and not just for children with autism and their families.
An RDI Approach to Speech Therapy
When we care for people with brain injuries…