AboutValerie 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.
Question My son is 4 1/2 with autism diagnosis at age 2. He did have a handful of words prior to 2, then it all vanished and became more sounds and one or two words. He is now receiving prompt therapy, and will say most words you model him to, but not on his own, just a handful on his own. Have you seen improvement at this age level, as I have been told by several after 5 if he's not talking on his own, it rarely happens. I welcome any suggestions or other methods.
Answer Hi Helen
I'm not much for therapy that just focuses on getting a child to repeat words when he doesn't use it spontaneously unless it is paired with other types of communication strategies. Too bad you missed my webinar class last Friday which focused on this, but it will be offered again in July: http://www.valerieherskowitz.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=131
But I wouldn't throw out the baby with the bath water. Keep working on the speech, but add in other communication strategies that focus on spontaneity and initiation. That will hopefully help bridge the verbal behavior into more functional language.
If you need help with this, perhaps we can do a consultation. Just let me know.
Valerie Herskowitz, MA CCC-SLP
Author: Autism and Computers: Maximizing Independence Through Technology
