It can be tricky to explain to children why exactly our kids with Autism are different and what Autism means, especially in the classroom. In combination with sit-down talks, books and social stories are an excellent tool for parents, teachers, family members, friends and therapists to reach out to children on their level and teach them what may otherwise be a sensitive topic.

KidSpeak is taking a break from blogging to wrap up the rest of the summer semester and to prep for the fall! Be sure to check in on us after Labor Day, when we should be back in action.
In the meantime, take a look back at our older blogs……scroll through and pick ones that may catch your eye. Read blogs that you’ve already read, they may have a different effect on you now than they did not when you initially read them. Share links with friends that you think would benefit from a read.

It’s almost time for school! That means your child will probably be in a new classroom, maybe even in a new school, have a new teacher and have new classmates……A LOT of changes! It can be very difficult for your child to be social with their new friends once a new school year has begun and as they are going through all these changes and new beginnings. As this new school year is approaching, we wanted to share a few fun ideas for you to help your child be social at school:
#1 Take Pictures

If you have gone to Target or Walmart within the last few weeks, you probably noticed a huge change. Where there once stood grills, lawn chairs and pool floats, you will now see backpacks, pens, pencils, notebooks and more. Oh yes, the school year is approaching. With a new school year around the corner, this typically brings a mix of emotions: happiness, sadness, nerves, worries and more.

As a community we spend a lot of time trying to educate our teachers, therapists, family members, family friends and more, but there is one group that often gets forgotten (most likely because it is the most difficult)…...the children and parents in your child’s classroom.

In addition to your coolers packed with snacks and drinks and bags with cuddy blankets, video games, DVD players and iPhones, bring along language learning and interactive activities to make the most out of your next road trip! So turn off the movie and Nintendo Ds and give your child what they want the most….you!

Everyone knows that during the summer many new movies are released! So far this summer the following children’s movies have been brought to the big screen: “Toy Story Three”, “Marmaduke”, “The Last Airbender” and more! Movies provide us with a variety of SOCIAL learning opportunities both while you are at the movies, as well as when you leave the movies such as: waiting in line, buying tickets, watching previews, eating and drinking different/new foods, sitting next to other children, loud noises and so much more!
Waiting in Line

Scavenger hunts are a great way to keep your child engaged while having fun! Here are a few ideas to help your child participate within scavenger hunts while working on increasing their language skills and social skills.
If your child is non-verbal, here are a few ideas:

Summer Fun: Water Fun
Playing in the water in the summer can not only help your child beat the heat, but also work on their social and language skills! Water activities are also a way to help your child meet their sensory needs!
Here are a few fun and easy water activities:
Water Tables
Water tables are a great way to work on a variety of skills!
If your child is non-verbal, here are a few ideas:

It’s official. It is summer and it is HOT. Everyone loves popsicles, especially in the summer. Try making homemade popsicles with your child as a fun language learning activity! They will have a blast and learn so much while doing so.