Can DIR Floortime Help Kids With Autism Develop Communication Skills?

Is your child with autism passive or sensory seeking? Are there developmental delays? Floortime therapy, an evidence-based intervention for autism, may strengthen basic communication skills and relationship skills for your child.

Finding the best method for treating autism is often a challenge for the loved ones of children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).  Because no two people with ASD are exactly the same, it’s vital to choose a method of treatment and therapy and an intervention plan that is tailored to address specific needs.

Special Time is a technique which helps a child understand exactly when they will receive undivided attention, as a means of reducing anxiety laden attention seeking behaviors, or as a means of improving relationships when the child is defiant or alienated.

Picky Eating is the common term for what Picky Eaters do. These children are hard to please and to feed in general, but they rarely end up starving themselves. Patterns of “over-selecting” food are common among children with developmental disorders, but they are also common among all children. Estimates vary widely among studies, but in a recent report, the estimate was about one-fifth of all children.

Many children with autism spectrum disorder need assistance with their listening, language, and whole-word reading skills. The book, Targeting Language Delays: IEP Goals & Activities for Students with Developmental Challenges, written by Speech-Language Pathologist Caroline Lee, sequentially teaches these vital skills using more than 100 goals and activities that can be used at home as well as incorporated into an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

People with autism may often appear unaware, aloof or trapped in their own worlds. Teaching them to be present and aware of themselves and their surroundings can be challenging because, for so many of our kiddos on the spectrum, this can be very overwhelming.  Oftentimes, those with autism require additional cues to attend to something.  Whereas we may easily notice our frustration building, people with autism may not sense their own bodily responses until it’s too late. Here are some tips for improving mindfulness:

While we are excited about the future here at the magazine, we’re also delighted to look back at the past year and say thank you to our loyal readers and advertisers who have supported our community. We are proud of the strong and compassionate group that has blossomed over the years.

This list of mobile applications has been compiled to help those living with autism and their families navigate daily challenges, enhance learning, and educate themselves on autism.

My six-year-old son has autism and refuses to drink from anything other than his bottle. He has tried a sippy cup a few times but just won’t give up the bottle. What can I do?

I’m struggling with my son remembering the things he has learned. I teach him one thing and he forgets. Any tips? –Matsepo