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About Valerie Herskowitz
Expertise
I am an autism expert and speech pathologist (for over 30 years). I am also the parent of a child with autism. I can answer any question on autism dealing with communication, education, behavior and diet. I cannot answer questions that are medical in nature or are dealing with medications.

Experience
I have run a therapy center for individuals with autism since 1981. I lecture all over the country. I also teach classes on autism on line.

Organizations
American Speech and Hearing Association, Autism Society of America, President of the National Autism Registry, Vice President of the Association for Developmentally Disabled Adults and Adolescents.

Publications
Autism Society of America's national publication (September 2008). Advance Magazine, South Florida Parenting, Spectrum Magazine, I am the author of: Autism and Computers: Maximizing Independence Through Technology (available:www.valerieherskowitz.com)

Education/Credentials
I have a masters degree in speech pathology

Awards and Honors
I won a Stevie Award in 2004: Lifetime Achievement Award for my work with individuals with autism. My therapy center won, Judge's Choice Award Best Center in South Florida by South Florida Parenting magazine 2005.

You are here: Experts > Parenting/Family > Parenting Special Needs > Autism > I forgot to mention

Autism - I forgot to mention

Expert: Valerie Herskowitz - 11/3/2009

Question
There's a thing I forgot to mention in the previous letter which is, he seems to understand everything we say for at least 2 years now. And Since he was 12 he started to respond to suggestions such as , 'come here.', 'eat with your spoon.' ' put on your pants.' 'let's go.' 'good boy.' 'shut the bathroom door.' and his looks at us has become more responsive too. He had blank expressions before and would not respond if called but now he respond every time we call him by looking at us with a meaningful expression or coming toward us if he's at other rooms, which i think is quite satisfactory progress since he wouldn't do anything at all before.

He's partially toilet trained. He urinates on the commode standing up and does the other thing standing up on latrine as well because he's scared of sitting there, but he wasn't toilet trained until 5 years ago until i tried to train him personally.

The thing that makes me happy most of all is, how expressive his looks are now a days, how he gives me the angry and wise look when he's not in the mood for doing the thing we're asking him to do, or giving me the puppy dog look when i refuse to share my food with him.

Please reply soon as possible.

Answer
That's great!! He reminds me a lot of my son. You should also teach him things to help himself like making simple meals (not on the stove) and doing laundry and housekeeping. It's important that he learn to help himself. It will make him feel so much better about himself.

You sound like a wonderful person!

May I have permission to use some of your letters in my upcoming book about autism around the world?

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