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Showing posts with the label Learning Strategies for Autism

Safety on a Dial: Helping Your Non-Verbal Child Learn Their Phone Number

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  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...

Why ‘Non-Verbal’ Isn’t Quite Right—And How We Found Ash’s Voice Anyway

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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...

AubrightKids: Our Journey, Our Mission

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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...