Happy Halloween! In today’s video I touch on what it’s like to have Autism on Halloween. I want to spread awareness for those who don’t understand why a child might not be in costume, or say “Trick or Treat!” For those passing out candy this year – Please don’t refuse a child candy because they aren’t dressed up. Some children have autism or have sensory issues that make dressing up highly uncomfortable, if not unbearable. Be Kind 🙂
I hope everyone has a happy & safe Halloween!!
xoxo,
Erica
Today I am going to let you know why books are such an amazing learning tool for kids with ASD!!! When we started our recent parent group training on books, I just thought to myself, “Yeah Right! There’s no way Caleb is going to be interested in books! Let along have the attention span to let me read them to him!” However, after learning how to look at books much differently, it turned into something we are able to incorporate into our daily routine, and that he LOVES!!!
I have posted my video below that shows examples of 2 books we went over in class, however now after doing our “book routine” for about 2 months, we have some other favorites that I will be sharing with you this week! I plan to record our nighttime routine where I read 3-4 books to Caleb, and you can see how he really knows what gestures to do, and what’s coming up next. Caleb is completely non-verbal, but through books, learned 3-4 gestures just with repetition! It’s amazing because it didn’t feel like “work” for me to teach this to him. It was just the night after night after night of reading the same book and doing the same gestures, that he finally GOT IT! I can’t wait to show you in our next video how he gestures “me” and “I” – it’s so cute 🙂 As I’m sure you all can relate, no matter how big or little the accomplishment is, when your child who has to work so hard towards something new, it’s a BIG DEAL in our book!
So, if you’re like I was and doubting the awesomeness of books, please give them a try!! You will be pleasantly surprised! I thank the leaders of the parent group I attended SO MUCH for introducing this to us, because Caleb doesn’t enjoy many toys or games (or much else at home!!), but he loves loves loves BOOKS now!! I can’t wait to hear how this goes for you all in the next few weeks!
And I must apologize ahead of time for my unprofessional vertical videos you’re about to see 😉 At the time of recording, I had no intention of uploading to YouTube, or any other online site – lesson learned 🙂 But, the info is excellent – I promise!!!
MAIN TOPICS
How Books Help with Daily Routines
How Books Help with Learning Gestures
Repetitive Books Are Best
Book Demonstrations
A List of Book Suggestions
xoxo,
Erica
Hey everyone!! I am so excited for the launch of My Autism Army, and I’m so glad you’re here 🙂 This entire site, video course, and blog are here for you and your loved ones to give you all the support you need. This is a lifelong journey – let’s make the best of it!!
After completing a 4 month program at Kennedy Krieger Center for Autism, I’m here to share everything I learned with you! At first, I started recording video after each class just so I would remember everything and had something to refer back to! Then, I started creating the video for my son’s caregivers to watch and learn. When I got down to the final few classes, I realized, I need to be sharing this with more people! Because, SO many people can benefit from this!! Especially those who have just received an ASD diagnoses for a loved one, and think, “now what?!” …. I’m here to help! I had no clue what my next step should be, and all I can say is the right class fell into my lap at the right time, and I am forever grateful! I hope this will benefit you all as much as it has benefited my family & I!
After posting each video course over the next few weeks, I will start creating new video! And I must apologize ahead of time for my unprofessional vertical videos you’re about to see 😉 At the time of recording, I had no intention of uploading to YouTube, or any other online site – lesson learned 🙂 But, the info is excellent – I promise!!!
I’d love to hear your thoughts on new subjects to touch on. I want to be REAL with you. Share my REAL life. Life with Autism.
Together, we are strong. Welcome to My Autism Army!
myautismarmy.com 