AuBrightkids

 As a parent of a non-verbal autistic child, I know how important it is to teach our kids about safety, especially when it comes to preventing them from wandering off. The world is full of fascinating things that can easily capture their attention, but understanding the dangers that come with wandering is crucial. So, where do we start, and how can we teach this in a way that's simple, clear, and not overwhelming for both us and our kids? In my last blog post, I discussed tech tools like GPS watches, AirTag holders, alarms, and trackers to help locate our kids if they wander off. These are fantastic preventive measures, but technology alone isn't enough. We need to reinforce safety behaviors through consistent, clear, and engaging teaching strategies. Starting from the Basics: A Three-Part Series In this series, I’ll share simple routines and strategies that you can use to reinforce safety behaviors in your non-verbal autistic child. Visual aids, social stories, and role-playin...

  We recently witnessed a heartbreaking tragedy in Texas, where an 8-year-old boy with autism wandered off from his home and drowned in a nearby pond. This devastating loss is a painful reminder of the dangers that elopement poses to our children. According to research, nearly half (49%) of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have attempted to wander off at least once after the age of four. Tragically, drowning is the leading cause of death for these children, accounting for 91% of all U.S. deaths reported in children with ASD ages 14 and younger who had wandered off between 2009 and 2011. It is crucial to safeguard your child if they are at risk of elopement. By taking proactive steps, we can help prevent them from wandering off or ensure they are quickly found if they do. Here are a few things that can help: 1. ID Bracelets and Tags ID bracelets and tags are a simple, low-tech solution that can be a lifesaver in an emergency. These can include your child’s name, your con...

  Ever felt that sinking fear that your non-verbal child might get lost, wander off, or be unable to find their way back home? How will they communicate their home phone number or know who to call in that situation?  That worry has been a constant for me when it comes to Ash. How do we ensure he can find his safe place—his way home—if he ever gets lost? For non-verbal children, the ability to communicate critical information like a phone number can be a lifesaver. It’s not just about memorizing numbers; it’s about embedding that information deeply enough that they can recall it when it matters most. Visual Tools and Repetition: I’ve always been a big believer in visuals. High-tech and low-tech communication devices like PECS, flashcards, pictures, and AAC devices are powerful tools that can make a world of difference. But one key element that ties everything together is repetition. Consistent and positive reinforcement is essential, and interactive tools like workbooks are inc...

Hey there! 🙂 Welcome Back AuBrighters! Let’s talk about something important: labeling kids as “non-verbal.” It just doesn’t sit right with me. Why? Because our kids are communicating—they just do it differently. Did you know that 25-30% of autistic children are minimally verbal or “non-verbal”? But that doesn’t mean they aren’t talking; we just need to learn their language. Take my journey with Ash, for example. Like many kids, he has his struggles with speech. So, what did we do? We kept the amazing tools like AAC devices and speech therapy, but we also went back to basics—whiteboard, markers, and Ash’s beloved little blue chair (yes, I know his favorite color 😊). We made it fun, exploring how things like his name and family connect to his world. And guess what? It worked! We used a mix of words, gestures, and pictures—sometimes even acting things out like we were in a play. It wasn’t long before Ash started to connect the dots. He didn’t just say things; he got them. When speaking...

Hello and welcome to the AubrightKids Blog! Hello,  We’re thrilled to have you here as we embark on this journey together. AubrightKids was born out of a deep passion for helping children on the autism spectrum reach their full potential. As moms, we’ve experienced firsthand the joys and challenges that come with raising and supporting these incredible kids. Our mission is to create educational tools that are not only effective but also engaging and fun for children with autism.                                          In this space, we’ll be sharing a wealth of resources, from tips and strategies to creative activities and personal stories. Our goal is to provide you with the tools and knowledge that can make a real difference in your child’s learning experience. We believe that every child is unique, and our workbooks are designed to celebrate and nurture that uniqueness. Whet...